Volvo EX30 review: close to greatness

August 29, 2025 Matt Allan

Does Volvo’s smallest model make a big impression or is it too simple for its own good?

Volvo is most famous for its big cars – capacious estates like the V70 and family-friendly SUVs like the XC90. But it does have a history of smaller models – remember the rakish 480 or the stylish C30? So it shouldn’t be a total surprise that it wants to compete in the hugely popular small crossover segment, where everyone from Fiat and Suzuki to Skoda and Smart has a contender.

That’s why we’ve got the Volvo EX30 – a Swedish twist on Geely’s SEA platform, which also underpins the Smart #1.

There’s clearly a lot of demand for such cars but does Volvo bring anything new to the party?

Volvo EX30 design, interior and technology

The “compact” SUV segment is a huge one and some models stretch the concept to near breaking point. But at 4.23m the Volvo sits at the smaller end. That’s reflected in its modest on-road presence and its relatively restricted rear space.

Parked up next to a lot of modern metal, the EX30 looks neat and compact. It has the SUV stance and slightly boxy outline but there’s a simplicity and lightness to the shape – from the thin Thor’s Hammer headlights to the gently sloping rear roofline. It’s refreshingly restrained and very “Volvo”.

Its smaller stature means a Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 or even Toyota Urban Cruiser offers more legroom for those in the back, and the boot is just 400 litres. But for those up front there’s plenty of space and comfortable electrically adjustable seats. The seats are wrapped in pale fabric made from responsibly sourced wool and recycled polyester, and in tandem with the huge panoramic roof (standard on Ultra spec) create a feeling of airiness.

The wool finish is carried over to the dashboard and door cards and blends beautifully with the striking D-shaped chrome-effect door pulls. They’re a small element but emblematic of the simple Scandinavian style Volvo has excelled at for years. There are also smart elements like the spring-loaded cupholders which slide back beneath the armrest to give better access to the lower console’s storage area.

Unfortunately Volvo has taken simplicity too far in the EX30 . There isn’t even an instrument display in front of the driver. Instead your speed, battery status etc are all displayed on the central 12.3-inch touchscreen. There isn’t even the option of a head-up display to put the information in front of you, so you’re left glancing across and down to check anything. Even after a week at the wheel I never felt comfortable with it.

The EX30’s interior is lovely to look at but frustrating to use

The screen also acts as the control centre for every function in the car. From now-familiar things such as adjusting the overbearing driver assistance or air conditioning to bizarre things such as opening the tiny glovebox or adjusting the wing mirrors, it’s all done via the screen. The result is an unintuitive and irritating over-reliance on a touchscreen when buttons would be quicker, simpler and less distracting. A special mention must go to the ADAS, which can only be deactivated once you’ve put the car into Drive – a bizarre decision from a safety perspective.

The whole system runs on the Android Automotive system, which means it is at least crisp and responsive. It also means you get brilliant integrated mapping and EV route planning, native support for dozens of apps, plus Apple CarPlay as standard.

However, there’s currently no “traditional” Android Auto support. That means if you’re a dinosaur like me and have your music and podcasts downloaded to your Android phone, there’s no simple plug-and-play approach. Volvo tells me that it is coming though, which is good news.

Battery, motor and powertrain

All the tech distractions are particularly annoying because on the roadgoing side of things the Volvo EX30 is a thoroughly decent car.

It comes with three powertrain options – from an entry-level Single Motor model to a 422bhp all-wheel-drive Performance version.

Tested here is the sweet spot of the range, the Single Motor Extended Range. The pairs the regular 268bhp motor with a 69kWh battery. That means up to 295 miles of range and quoted efficiency of 4.5m/kWh. Over my week with it, it returned a reasonable 3.73m/kWh. I’m sure less lead-footed driving and more sympathetic roads would see that ease towards 4m/kWh fairly easily, but bigger-batteried rivals go further.

A heavy right foot reveals performance that is some way ahead of mainstream rivals, though. Its 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds is quick enough to keep up with the fiery Abarth 600e Scorpionissima despite this not being the “performance” model.

The EX30 balances its pace with a comfortable ride

While scooting away from traffic lights faster than a Golf GTI Clubsport is entertaining, the real appeal of the EX30’s rear-drive powertrain is in how well it handles varied driving. There’s well-metered power on tap whenever you need it, delivered in a linear way. The one-pedal driving could do with a little more bite at lower speeds but overall it’s a nicely balanced setup that makes the Volvo a pleasure to drive.

That’s matched by a chassis that isn’t trying to be sporty but does a great job of feeling composed and controlled whether around town or on twisty country roads. While the steering could give a bit more feedback, it’s accurate enough to give confidence in the car. More importantly, the ride is well measured to soak up bad surfaces while maintaining decent body control.

The extended range EX30 charges at up to 175kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in 28 minutes. Top-spec cars like my Ultra also get 22kW AC charging rather than the regular 11kW. You’ll still need a public charger or three-phase private supply to take full advantage of that, though.

Volvo EX30 price and specification

The EX30 range starts at £31,560 for the standard range Core model and rises to £44,360 for the twin motor in top Ultra grade.

My extended range car in Ultra grade came in at £41,860 and brought a panoramic roof; 360-degree camera; heat pump; electric seat adjustment and park pilot assist as standard. That’s on top of the powered tailgate; heated seats/steering wheel; two-zone climate control; Harman Kadron stereo; lane change assist and ambient lighting that comes on the mid-level Pure trim.

Compared with the sparsely-equipped Core trim, the £1,900 price walk to Pure is well worth it, but I’m not sure the £3,500 jump from there to Ultra is such good value.

Verdict

The Volvo EX30 is a slightly exasperating car. It gets so many things right that the missteps feel all the more frustrating.

It looks great, features clever interior touches and has a more premium air than many rivals. It’s also pleasant to drive and pretty efficient. But the reliance on the single touchscreen for all your instrumentation and controls is a mistake. How suitable the EX30 is for you will come down to your tolerance for its screen-based shortcomings.