INEXPENSIVE 2025 VOLVO EX30 EV PACKS POWER, TIDY INTERIOR
The smallest electric SUV in the Volvo lineup has arrived. Slotted just under the C40 EV, the compact and economical EX30, with its twin electric motors can go 253 miles on a full 69-kWh lithium-ion battery. Fast charge can take about 26 minutes for up to 80 percent or you can plug into a 110 or 220 volt at home.
Our handsome first-generation five-passenger Performance Ultra trim develops a healthy 422 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque. Takeoff from 0 to 60 mph can be achieved in a mere 3.4 seconds, which truly is incredible. Power is to put to the road via a single-speed auto transmission. Suspension in the all-wheel-drive SUV is handled skillfully by a front strut and a multilink rear system with coil springs. The ride feels solid and confident, thanks to crisp and spot-on electric rack-and-pinion power steering. The one-pedal driving (slowing down to a complete halt by taking the foot off the accelerator) is a personal choice, we think.
Digital Thor’s hammer-like LED headlights flank the recognizable Volvo iron mark crest, conveying a pleasing appearance. Peer inside the lavish cabin and you will experience an almost all-new Volvo look. Searching for a digital instrument cluster or a sole infotainment screen? Buttons/knobs for audio/climate? Those are not visible either. Most controls are now incorporated in the 12.3-inch single, vertical and centered touchscreen display. Want to turn the side mirrors? For that, look to answers on the manual flat-bottomed tilt/telescopic steering column. Missing the glovebox? No worries, it’s in the center of the dash but power operated via the massive screen. Even the switches to open the windows are located in the armrest. And the two cup holders? In a hidden drawer under the armrest too! Yes, there is a Harman Kardon stereo but no individual stereo speakers, just a soundbar across the dash. Several of us should now be accustomed to the Google built-in Assistant, Maps and Play Store features in vehicles. The synthetic leather seats with wool-blend inserts as well as upholstery consists of recycled materials. Depending on the mood, you can set the theme with five ambient light selections. Dual auto a/c, four USB-C ports, eight-way power front seats, fixed panoramic glass roof, power lift gate, dual-tone roof and an underfloor cargo bin come at no extra cost.
Continuing the celebrated Volvo tradition of safety, the EX30 gets dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, lane departure/keep aid, blind spot information, cross traffic alert, front/rear park assists, adaptive cruise control, four-wheel antilock brakes, three-point seatbelts for all, side impact protection, dynamic stability and traction control, 360-degree camera, hill start assist and descent control.
Made in China, this entry-level SUV is not eligible for a federal tax credit. And though our uplevel trim was priced at $46,600, the base EX30 is available at a very reasonable $36,245. That’s a steal of a deal considering you get a premium vehicle with a snappy performance, minimalist interior and a reduced carbon footprint.
EX30 (PERFORMANCE ULTRA)
Tires: 245/45R19
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length: 166.7 inches
Width: 72.3 inches
Height: 61.1 inches
Weight: 4,140 pounds
MPGe: 116 city, 100 hwy, 109 combined
Price as tested: $48,395
Website: www.volvo.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an
automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringflorida@gmail.com.
