2025 Volvo EX30 Review
Introduction
The EX30 represents Volvo’s strategic entry into the ever-growing subcompact EV segment. In typical Volvo fashion, the EX30 not only blends safety, sustainability, and minimalist design, but also delivers class-leading acceleration and impressive refinement.
Thanks to Volvo Canada, I had the chance to test-drive the 2025 Volvo EX30 Ultra, which is the top-of-the-line twin-motor performance trim, for one week. It is a seriously quick SUV, even for an EV, launching 0–100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. Although the EX30 is seriously fun to drive, it also has a few quirks, and below is my unbiased review.
Exterior
The EX30's exterior design prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency and structural rigidity, resulting in a compact footprint of 4,233 mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, and a 2,650 mm wheelbase—dimensions that optimize urban maneuverability without compromising stability. The sealed front grille reduces the drag coefficient to an estimated 0.28 Cd, while the slim LED headlamps incorporate adaptive matrix technology for enhanced illumination without glare. My test unit, finished in a subtle Cloud Blue, featured 20-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels that minimize turbulence and contribute to range preservation. The body's high-strength steel and aluminum construction, including boron steel reinforcements in critical zones, underscores Volvo's crashworthiness ethos. Flush-mounted door handles and a raked rear roofline not only enhance the sleek profile but also improve laminar airflow, though this does introduce minor compromises in rear headroom. Overall, the EX30's form-follows-function approach yields a vehicle that's both visually restrained and aerodynamically superior to bulkier competitors. It is a good-looking SUV that earned praise from a few passersby during my one-week test drive.
Interior
Delving into the cabin, Volvo's engineers have masterfully integrated sustainable materials with ergonomic considerations, employing recycled polyester and Nordic-inspired textiles derived from upcycled plastics and renewable sources.
The front seats offer eight-way power adjustments with lumbar support, providing excellent bolstering for dynamic driving, and the dashboard's minimalist layout reduces visual clutter through a single 12.3-inch touchscreen hub.
I am a fan of Volvo’s minimalist approach, but the EX30 may have taken it a bridge too far. The lack of physical HVAC switchgear seems to be a trend among new cars, but the lack of physical switchgear for side mirror adjustments—and having to press a button to switch between controlling front and rear windows—are taking it to the next level. There is no engine start button for the car, and even the fob has no buttons. This makes opening the door or trunk impossible until the fob is inside the car.
Rear seating accommodates two adults comfortably but feels constrained for taller occupants due to the sloping roof. Cabin insulation is exemplary, and the powerful twin motors operate near-silently. Storage solutions are cleverly engineered, including a modular center console that slides backward and forward, storage pockets for two phones with one integrated inductive charging pad, and center-folding doors for the lower deck. The glovebox is placed in the center dashboard, which reflects a bold space-optimization choice that may not suit all users.
Infotainment
The EX30's infotainment ecosystem is built on Google's Android Automotive OS. This vertical 12.3-inch display serves as the command center, embedding native Google Maps with real-time traffic routing via over-the-air (OTA) updates, and supports seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. Voice recognition via Google Assistant handles natural language queries effectively, though not perfectly. The Harman Kardon premium audio system (optional on higher trims), with 1,040 watts and nine speakers, delivers great sound. It has to be said that the touchscreen-centric interface consolidates too many functions—climate, media, and vehicle settings—potentially increasing glance times away from the road. Although most users and automotive journalists prefer physical buttons, they are becoming increasingly rare in new cars.
Safety and Driver Assistance
True to Volvo’s DNA, safety remains central. The EX30 includes a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): adaptive cruise control with lane centering (Pilot Assist), collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parking assistance.
During testing, the EX30’s systems performed smoothly but sometimes issued overly cautious alerts in heavy traffic—consistent with Volvo’s conservative calibration philosophy. A comprehensive airbag array, structural reinforcements, and an advanced radar-camera suite earned the EX30 top marks in Euro NCAP crash testing. North American results are still pending at the time of writing.
Driving Experience
The Twin Motor Performance variant delivers an exhilarating drive. With instant torque and balanced chassis tuning, acceleration feels immediate yet controlled. No, you probably don’t need this much power for daily driving, but it sure is nice to be able to perform passing maneuvers at will even on a highway.
The EX30 rides on a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, tuned to be firm but composed—absorbing rough pavement while maintaining tight body control through corners.
Regenerative braking can be configured in stages, including one-pedal driving, though the system isn’t as aggressive as in some competitors. The low center of gravity—courtesy of the floor-mounted battery—enhances stability and cornering grip.
Energy consumption averaged around 19–20 kWh/100 km, aligning with official figures. Paired with a 69.0 kWh battery. The Twin Motor variant carries an estimated 402 km range (official rating), though in cold Canadian conditions, real-world tests showed range dropping as much as 30%, typical for EVs in sub-zero weather. The heat pump system helps, but winter range loss remains a consideration.
Charging performance is strong for the class: DC fast charging peaks at 153 kW, allowing 10–80% in 26.5 minutes under ideal conditions.
Cargo Space & Storage
Utility is decent for a subcompact. Behind the rear seats, the EX30 offers 318L of cargo space, expanding to 904L with the 60/40 split-folding bench down. The load floor is flat, with underfloor compartments for charging cables and tools. Tie-down hooks and a power-operated tailgate facilitate loading. There’s also a small 7L front trunk. Door pockets and modular storage bins maximize interior usability, though overall space trails larger EVs like the Model Y, which is priced similarly.
Interior cubbies are well-thought-out, including a large center bin, a center glovebox, and decently sized door pockets.
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