This is one of the most headlining vehicles I've reviewed in awhile. It's Volvo's new all-electric compact SUV, the 2025 Volvo EX30. It's the fastest Volvo EVER! It's also an award winner -2024 World Urban of the Year and a PopSci Best of What's New Award for 2023 among its accolades. So why the seeming star power? Well, it's Volvo's smallest all-electric SUV, and one that delivers fantastic quality at a pretty amazing price-point.
Exterior
While un-mistakenly Volvo in its design, the 5-seater EX30 gives off a more youthful, modern vibe than Volvo's bigger EVs.
My tester's look-at-me bright Moss Yellow hue is paired with a black gloss roof and bold 19-inch glossy black diamond cut alloys.
Key design features include a short hood, slim side mirrors, which are very stylish, updated Thor's Hammer high-visibility LED headlights and a black rear spoiler.
Powertrain
Oh my goodness - is this SUV fast. Its Volvo-cited 0-60 time? 3.4 seconds. That's thanks to an available twin-motor EV Performance all-wheel drive set up that delivers 422-horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Off-the-line acceleration is simply astounding. It's super smooth, too - as is the shift-by-wire transmission.
Interior
A minimalistic Mist Pixel Knit/Nordico interior greets you. While not luxurious as defined by leather seats and such, it's expertly crafted and showcases high quality sustainable upholstery made from renewable and recycled materials.
The tailored wool blend power front seats are expertly crafted and while on the smaller side, they are comfortable. A squared sport steering wheel fits the character of the cabin well. You can even set it to optionally heat automatically in the EX30 app.
Here's where you are in for a big surprise - you won't glance up to see a digital driver's display. Because it's not there. It's been integrated into a combined driver and centre display. The lower three-fourths of the massive 12.3-inch touchscreen are dedicated to infotainment, climate and system functions like adjusting the cool looking side mirrors and opening the glove box. It's also where you can check out cabin air quality system with a humidity sensor - a big focus for Volvo. Overall, the touchscreen has great visuals, and operation felt pretty intuitive and easy to use. The camera is also outstanding.
The screen is also where you enable the coolest thematic interior illumination I've ever seen. There are five different themes. The accompanying images on the touchscreen are immersive and gorgeous.
As for multimedia, the EX30 features Google Built-In and wireless Apple CarPlay. The EX30 is also 5G capable. The Ultra is equipped with a great Harmon Kardon premium sound system with a 5-speaker sound bar.
While there isn't a lot of switchgear in here, that's still how you operate the windows and door locks. However, the controls are in the center console and not the door panel. Speaking of - the door panels look upscale with flax upholstery and polished silver trim and slender door handles.
The 60/40 split 2nd-row isn't what I would call spacious, so definitely check the leg-room during a test drive as it will not be a fit for everyone. Passengers are treated to tinted rear windows, seat back pockets and side storage areas, but surprise again, there's no drop down armrest.
Above, a wonderful panoramic glass roof makes things feel even airier in the cabin.
A power lift gate reveals a cargo area with a surprising amount of space, along with a removable rear storage box and a 12-volt. There is also a bit of space in the small frunk under the hood.
Other standard features include a wireless charger, two-zone climate, and four USB-C ports split between rows.
Ride and Drive
The EX30 isn't billed as "sporty" but it's sure packs a lot of performance. This is a fun to drive SUV to be sure! It's quick, with easy-going driving dynamics that offer a lot of customization. For instance you can change up the steering feel - with firm giving you the most responsive experience. Ride comfort is also quiet enjoyable thanks to its suspension with passive dampers. Braking capability is good, as is visibility. If I have a complaint, it's the short hood. I felt too a bit too close to the road.
Now let's talk One Pedal Drive - which I'm a huge fan of. It enables you to control the brake and acceleration using one pedal. You enable the feature in the center touchscreen. Note, the Performance all-wheel drive setting disables it.
That brings me to the car wash. One of the most stressful parts of being a car reviewer, for me, is going through the car wash. I mean what if something happens? What if you can't get it into neutral? Or what if it doesn't STAY in neutral? Yes, the latter was the case here. Unfortunately I learned the hard way the EX30 has a car wash mode. If you don't enable it, auto brake hold will automatically kick in if you stay in neutral. Thanks to the car wash guys, it was quickly located in the vehicle's settings and I didn't hold up the line too long.
Range
The twin-motor Performance AWD delivers a range of up to 253 miles.
Charging
The EX30 has up to 153 kW DC fast-charging capability. In fact, it has a Tesla charging port. I have to say I felt pretty special being the only non-Tesla at the charging station. It has a Volvo-estimated DC Fast-Charging 10-80% time of 26.5 minutes. Using a Level 2 at home it'll take you 8 hours.
The EX30 Ultra also equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger.
Safety
The EX30 is loaded with Volvo's excellent and highly-regarded driver assistance features. They include Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Sign Info, Blind Spot monitoring, Driver Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist and a bunch more.
A door opening alert helps drivers and passengers avoid opening their door into the path of cyclists approaching from behind.
The Ultra features a 360 degree camera with a 3D View and and Park Pilot Assist which is semi-autonomous parking. It does not surprisingly seem to have a Head Up Display.
Options and What You'll Pay
The only option on this particular vehicle is a $500 Climate Package - bringing the total price to just over $48,000. Which is pretty incredible for a vehicle of this high-end caliber - and by that I mean its performance, build quality, technology and safety, all of which are really outstanding.
Verdict
After spending a week with the new 2025 Volvo EX30 - I can see why it's worthy of the accolades. Volvo's new entry-level all-electric SUV entry was exceptionally executed.
2025 Volvo EX30 Performance Ultra
- What I Liked Most: The incredible acceleration, tailored cabin, sustainable style and technology.
- What I would change: Location of driver display.
- MSRP: Base: $46,600 As equipped: $48,395.
- Official Color: Moss Yellow.
- Fuel Economy: 116 city mpge/100 highway mpge/ 109 combined mpge.
- Odometer reading when tested: 598 miles.
- Curb Weight: 4,151 pounds.
- Spare tire: Tire repair kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 166.7" long/72.4" wide/ 61.2” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A. Charging port on driver side.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
- 2025 Volvo EX30 Ultra in a few words: The EX30 may be small, but it is mighty.
- Warranty: 48 Month/50,000 Mile Limited Warranty Coverage; 96 Month/100,000- mile hybrid battery warranty, 144-month Corrosion Protection Unlimited Mileage, Volvo Roadside Assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Zhangiakou, China.
- Manufacturer's website: Volvo
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