Volvo EX30 Review – Small SUV leaves Big Impression

VOLVO’S new EX30 is proof that the Swedish brand can do small and serious at the same time. It’s the company’s tiniest SUV yet — about the size of a VW T-Roc — but it arrives with huge expectations: a pure-electric line-up, up to 275 miles of range, and sustainability credentials that read like an eco-warrior’s CV. It’s also one of the most affordable ways into premium EV ownership, though even here, the Volvo badge commands a price.

The version tested here is the Single Motor Extended Range Ultra, the likely sweet spot in the range — longer legs than the base car, but without the twin-motor overkill of the Performance model.

The EX30 is available in three trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultra.

Core (from £33,060) is no poverty spec — it gets 18-inch alloys, LED lights, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and the full suite of Volvo safety systems.

Plus (£35,160) adds larger wheels, a panoramic roof, Harman Kardon audio, and a few comfort tweaks.

Ultra (as tested, £43,360) brings 20-inch alloys, pixel LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system, and upgraded materials throughout.

For those wanting a more rugged look, there is the raised Cross Country model which starts from £47,060 and is twin-motor only, giving you AWD capability.

All models come as full EVs, with a choice of Single Motor, Single Motor Extended Range, or Twin Motor Performance powertrains.

The test car uses the larger 69 kWh battery, good for up to 275 miles (WLTP), and can rapid-charge at up to 153 kW, taking it from 10–80% in about 26 minutes. It’s the one that promises efficiency, comfort, and range in a neat, compact package — the purest expression of what the EX30 is about.

Design

You can’t accuse Volvo of trying too hard here. The EX30’s design is clean, confident, and very, well, Volvo. The upright stance, smooth surfaces and pixel-style LED lamps all give it a calm, Scandi charm.

In Ultra trim, the 20-inch wheels and subtle two-tone finish add just enough visual punch, while the clamshell bonnet and smooth rear panel keep things minimalist. The proportions are spot-on: short overhangs, big glasshouse, and no fake vents or nonsense.

It’s a car that looks intelligent rather than indulgent — a bit like someone who wears expensive trainers but doesn’t talk about them . . .

Interior

Volvo interiors are known for being serene, and the EX30 might be the most calming of all — simple, functional, and quietly stylish. It’s also far roomier than you’d expect for something this compact.

Up front, visibility is excellent. The large, uncluttered windscreen gives a commanding view and no distracting reflections. The A-pillars are slim, the mirrors large, and the bonnet falls away neatly. It’s an easy car to place in town and park without stress.

Storage is cleverly done, too. The floating centre console offers configurable sections for cups, phones, and odds and ends, and there’s a handy sliding tray beneath. The door bins are generous, and there’s a covered compartment under the armrest. The glovebox, in a stroke of Scandinavian logic, is mounted centrally for easier reach by either front passenger — a small detail, but a clever one.

Rear-seat space is surprisingly decent for a small SUV. Adults fit comfortably behind adults, and the flat floor makes life easier for the middle passenger. Headroom is generous, even with the panoramic roof fitted, and the seats themselves are supportive on longer runs. There are Isofix points on both outer rear seats, and installation is straightforward thanks to wide door openings. The rear bench doesn’t slide or recline, but comfort levels are good for this class.

The 12.3-inch central display does everything — and we mean everything. There’s no driver binnacle or head-up display, which is a shame, because reading the speed on the centre screen feels awkward. The layout is tidy, but your eyes are constantly flicking sideways. If ever a car needed a head-up display, it’s this one.

That said, the infotainment system itself is excellent. It’s powered by Google and includes Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store, plus wireless Apple CarPlay. Despite the lack of physical buttons, it’s surprisingly intuitive. You can easily silence the warning chimes (“anti-bing-bongs”), and there are quick shortcuts for temperature, fan speed and seat heating. It takes about ten minutes to get used to — then it just works.

Material quality is very Volvo: sustainable without feeling spartan. Recycled plastics, wool blends and soft-touch trims give the cabin warmth, and the integrated Harman Kardon soundbar running across the dash is a neat design feature that saves space.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the EX30 feels instantly familiar to anyone who’s driven recent Volvos — smooth, silent, and composed. But it’s also a car that reveals its character the longer you drive it.

Around town, the light steering and tight turning circle make it a doddle to thread through narrow streets. The electric motor delivers its 268bhp cleanly, with a satisfying surge when you need to nip out of a junction or overtake. It’s brisk rather than brutal, but that suits the EX30’s easygoing nature perfectly.

Once you’re out on the open road, though, some of the car’s compromises start to show. The ride quality can feel busy over less-than-perfect surfaces — you feel more of the road’s texture than you might expect in a car with Volvo’s badge. Sharp edges and potholes send a bit too much jiggle through the cabin, and the suspension’s composure can falter on bumpy country routes. It never crashes, but the constant small movements remind you that this is a firm setup.

The payoff is excellent body control through corners. The EX30 feels planted, predictable, and easy to place — though keen drivers might find the steering a bit too light even in its firmer setting. There’s very little wind or tyre noise, and motorway refinement is top-notch, making it a fine cruiser despite the compact size.

Overall, it’s a car that feels happiest on A-roads and dual carriageways, where it glides along quietly and efficiently. It’s less at home on rough city streets, where the combination of large wheels and firm damping can make it fidgety. But for most owners, that’s a small trade-off for how composed and confident it feels at speed.

Technology & Safety

This is a Volvo, so safety is the one area that borders on obsessive. Standard kit includes the full suite of collision-avoidance tech, lane-keeping, and speed assist systems. A neat new addition is door-opening alert, which warns if you’re about to open into a passing cyclist — a simple but potentially life-saving feature.

The Ultra model also adds 360-degree cameras, Pilot Assist (which can now handle lane changes automatically when you indicate), and Park Pilot Assist, which finds and steers into spaces for you.

The driver-assist systems work with typical Volvo polish — smooth, not intrusive. You feel supported rather than smothered.

Range, Charging & Practicality

The 69 kWh battery (net) delivers up to 275 miles WLTP, and real-world range in mixed conditions is a healthy 230–250 miles. Charging is straightforward: up to 153 kW DC, giving a 10–80% top-up in about 26 minutes, or around 8 hours on a standard 11 kW home wallbox.

Boot space is 318 litres, expanding to 904 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a small frunk for charging cables. That’s not class-leading, but it’s adequate for everyday family life.

Verdict

The Volvo EX30 manages to blend style, substance and sustainability into one of the most likeable small EVs around. It’s quick, efficient, cleverly packaged and thoughtfully designed.

It’s not perfect — the lack of a head-up display is a real oversight, and the ride can get a bit fidgety on rougher roads. But the intuitive infotainment, strong range, and superb visibility make it easy to live with day to day.

At around £43,000, it’s not cheap for a compact SUV, but it feels solidly built and properly premium where it matters. For those who want an electric Volvo that’s small in size but big on practicality and refinement, the EX30 absolutely delivers.