The diminutive little Volvo EX30 SUV is the literal embodiment of small but mighty. Packaged in a petite form, this all-electric vehicle packs all the power and performance of its larger brethren and one of the coolest car colors out there (in my humble opinion).
Initially teased with a tantalizingly tiny price tag of $34,950 to match its stature, the EX30 has some quirky ways to keep the cost down, like offering a single motor version. That way, people could enjoy a small EV with a big personality, perfect for city living or commuting, since the range was fairly low. But it showed great promise.
Then, Volvo decided to cancel the single motor version in favor of a more expensive AWD-only model, driving the cost to over $40,000 (thanks, tariffs). This fully specced trim carries a larger price tag of $48,395 and still retains all the quirks, so let’s dive into the Volvo EX30 and figure out if it’s right for you.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Volvo EX30 Was (And Still Is) Highly Anticipated For a Reason
When the Volvo EX30 was first announced, I went full googly eyes and put a reservation in immediately for the base, single-motor trim in the exact Moss Yellow of the dual-motor AWD model I reviewed. After waiting in excitement and even receiving a diecast of the EX30 along the way as a reservation holder, my order was cancelled along with everyone else who chose the rear-wheel drive variant, as Volvo committed to the more expensive and powerful AWD for the time being.
I was crushed. However, getting to see the little EV in person and experience it definitely helped cheer me up a bit. With a price tag of almost $50,000 ($48,395, to be exact), I expected a lot from it. Here’s what you get for the price:
- 422 Horsepower (268 from the rear motor, 154 from the front) and 400 lb-ft torque from the AWD-only drivetrain
- Up to 253 miles of range, which seems like a scary number, but it was more than I needed
- Up to 153 kW fast charging speed, a.k.a 10 to 80% in about 27 minutes. It doesn’t have a native NACS port, but it does come with an adapter.
- Google Built-In with the option for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Standard, fixed, tinted, and laminated glass sunroof that extends over the second row
- Parking assist features for the front and the rear, complete with a 360-degree camera
- Dashing good looks
READ MORE: We Saw the Volvo EX30 Compact Electric SUV and This is What You Need to Know
The Interior is Charming, Clean, and Minimalistic
Right off the bat, even though it’s luminous Moss Yellow, you know this is a Volvo. Angular indents kiss the curves as though sharp pencil gestures were translated from design sketch to metal reality. Those trademark Thor’s hammer headlights break up the front fascia, and the glossy black exterior of the glass roof slims the form. Inside the cloth interior, natural-looking textiles and textures have a very Volvo-esque vibe.
To be honest, as someone with colorful hair, they make me a bit nervous vs a fake leather that might be easier to wipe down. Fun little easter eggs sprinkle the cabin, and even the teeny tiny frunk, for a little extra playfulness. As a driver with disabilities, there are some features about the EX30 that are immediately welcoming. Traditional-style door handles greet me and are easy to pull open with one finger.
As someone with limited dexterity in my fingers, that’s a welcome feature. Next, you’ll see one of my favorite Volvo features, the seat adjustment. A simplistic little rounded square, the seat adjustment is intuitive and easy to use, even without the use of my whole hand. And finally, sitting behind the wheel is a pleasure. As a right leg amputee, I drive with my left leg crossed over. The Volvo EX30 may be small, but it has all the room I need in the driver’s foot well to have a comfy drive.
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Driving It Felt as Good as It Looks
Driving the Volvo EX30 is an absolute blast. It obeys your every command at the slightest touch of the squircle steering wheel, and it truly feels like an extension of you. I’m not sure if it’s the size or the responsiveness, but it really does feel like it obeys my every command like a living creature. The enthusiasts will love 422 horsepower and AWD from an EV SUV this size. It’s remarkably quick, but you’d never expect it to be.
It zips around nimbly, turns on a dime, and pounces forward with the smooth but instant torque of a whole heck of a lot of power. Well-bolstered seats hold you in place as you drive spiritedly, which you inevitably will. It’s an absolute joy to drive. Whether it was on the freeway or through town, there was always a smile on my face.
READ MORE: Volvo EX90 EV or Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid EV: Which 3-Row SUV is the Right Choice For You?
Even on Long Drives, Range and Charging Weren’t a Problem
While I had the Volvo EX30, my husband and I took a mini road trip to Orange County for a filming project. The range of 253 miles makes a lot of people squirm, but we own a Ford Mustang Mach-E with a similar range, so we knew what to expect. I’m here to tell you: even though it was a 180-mile round trip, the range was more than enough, even though we used the air-conditioner.
Because we were filming for an EV charging company, we ended up charging the Volvo before heading back, but we didn’t have to. We could have gone from Orange County and back without charging. For Southern Californians and beyond, a range of 253 miles is more than enough.
Like gas-powered cars, you just have to plan. I typically charge our EVs on road trips when I myself need a pit stop. Often, our charging stops are dictated less by the frequency that our car needs to charge and more by the size of our bladders.
READ MORE: EV Charging’s Dirty Little Secret — Why It Can Cost As Much As Gas, And How to Pay Less
Speed and Style Couldn’t Distract From a Few Issues, Though
Earlier, I mentioned that the Volvo EX30 has some quirks. So it’s about time that we get into them. The first, and the biggest, is that it lacks an instrument cluster. If I had come straight to the EX30 from my old ‘98 Toyota RAV4, perhaps this wouldn’t be a problem, but I currently drive a Chevy Equinox EV with an enormous, gorgeous screen covering the dash and a customizable instrument cluster.
It’s really, really hard to switch to nothing, especially for the price. Because nothing truly is what the EX30 offers. Just a blank space where an instrument cluster should be. To keep track of your navigation, speed, adjust the climate controls, ADAS, etc, you need to turn your attention to the center screen, which is pretty annoying to have to do. But it’s made even worse by the fact that your Volvo will chastise you for looking away from the road with beeps and alarms.
Another quirk is that the simplistic interior extends to the relatively featureless doors. If you’re looking for window controls, you won’t find them there. Instead, turn your attention to the center console, where you’ll find cupholders and two buttons to control both front windows.
READ MORE: The 2026 Subaru Solterra is Here to Prove Off-Road Ready EVs Can Be Cool, Comfy, and Capable
Even With That, There’s a Lot to Love
Ultimately, the 2025 Volvo EX30 is an incredibly capable, accessible, powerful little electric SUV with space for your small family, lots of comfort and tech, wrapped up in a great-looking package. It’s not without its quirks, there’s nothing quite like the Volvo EX30, and it’s sure to bring a smile, especially in Moss Yellow.
