Latest news with #VolvoEX30
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Volvo EX30 Is Maddening
I've never yelled at a car more than this one—and I mean outwardly, openly expressing frustration at an inanimate object. A two-mile trip down the road to the grocery store should be entirely uneventful. But for some reason, the Volvo EX30 won't stop beeping at me. My crime? Taking too long to adjust the fan speed. "Keep your eyes on the road," it warns me. But this is a problem you, the vehicle, created . To keep the EX30 cheap—starting at just $46,195 in the US—Volvo went heavy on cost-cutting. There are virtually no hard buttons in the entire cabin, save for two window switches in the center console. The door panels have no electronics within them, either; the speakers sit ahead of the driver and passenger on the dash, while the door locks are touch-capacitive controls in the center console. Even most of the materials in the cabin are recycled. But recycling isn't the problem here—it's the lack of physical controls. In order to adjust the fan speed or temperature in the EX30, it forces you to crane your neck downward to the bottom of the 12.3-inch touchscreen just to access the on-screen controls, which are then buried two presses within a separate menu. In doing so, there's no other choice but to take your eyes off the road, which causes Volvo's Big Brother driver monitoring system to react quickly, reminding you to keep your eyes straight ahead at all times. Yawn for too long? Take a break. Manually change the radio station? Not on Volvo's watch. Linger on the horizon for a moment as you long for existence beyond the walls of this confounded machine? Don't even think about it, pal. Photo by: Volvo This disease has spread like a plague among automakers, not just Volvo. Everything lives on the touchscreen now. But even other notoriously guilty parties like Mercedes-Benz and Lucid offer some reprieve in the form of physical controls for basic functions. In the EX30, the company begs—nay, pleads with you to use its native Google Assistant voice control system. Admittedly, it's better than most, responding quickly to things like changing the temperature or adjusting the fan speed. But it's still more annoying than simply twisting a knob or pressing a toggle. To be fair to Volvo, some traditional controls have moved to the steering wheel, like volume rockers and menu options. Fine. But even then, it's essentially a single piece of black plastic on either side of the wheel with small divots separating individual options. The click function is lousy, and the lack of separation between those buttons makes it easy to accidentally hit the wrong thing. Photo by: Volvo A two-mile trip down the road to the grocery store should be entirely uneventful. But for some reason, the Volvo EX30 won't stop beeping at me. And it's not just the lack of physical controls that makes the EX30 such a ridiculously overthought machine. There's no instrument cluster or head-up display. The speed, range, trip, and safety systems are all crammed onto a little space at the top of the center screen, forcing you— again —to look just off the road to make sure you're not over the speed limit or out of battery. Those fixed menus also mean that your smartphone projection doesn't take up the entirety of the otherwise pretty center touchscreen; Apple CarPlay is bordered top and bottom by Volvo's native software. It's certainly not this car's worst offense, but it adds to the laundry list of annoyances. And if you're an Android user—sorry. Even though Volvo's operating system is a Google Built-In interface, it doesn't have Android Auto connectivity. It's almost hard to believe. The EX30 also doesn't have a key fob. Instead, Volvo mimics Tesla with a key card. It's an interesting idea in theory; a credit card-sized accessory you scan on the driver's side door to unlock the vehicle, then slide into your wallet. But Volvo must have forgotten that house keys exist. Photo by: Volvo To actually drive the vehicle, you have to put the key card in a charging slot near the floorboard, beneath the touchscreen. And if anything other than the key card—say, a key chain or house key—comes in contact with the charging slot, a warning on the screen tells you to remove any of those accessories. Who thought this was a good idea? Better yet, the key card is hit and miss when unlocking the door—especially when it's raining. Nothing better than standing in the pouring rain while slapping a key card onto the side of the Volvo's door multiple times while a puddle seeps into your sneakers. It's a shame, because the EX30 is an otherwise solid vehicle. It looks great, it's comfortable, it's quiet, and it's nice to drive when it isn't beeping at you. There are also a handful of clever storage solutions up front, including a magnetized shelf and adjustable cup holders. Photo by: Volvo The 253 miles of standard range in the US isn't great, admittedly, but this car does charge very quickly, getting from 10 to 80 percent in just 27 minutes at a 153-kilowatt DC fast charger. The 422 horsepower makes for impressive acceleration, too—more than you actually need in a car like this. But I can't get over the technological foibles; it makes the EX30 an absolute non-starter in my book. For a company so synonymous with safety, Volvo's decision to complicate the EX30's fussy UI is a massive misstep. Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor Trend
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country First Drive: Hey There, Off-Road-Lookin'
Volvo sure knows how to make lemonade out of lemons. The current trade environment scuttled the Swedish automaker's plans to spearhead the new EX30 lineup in America with a single-motor, surprisingly affordable model, forcing it to adopt higher pricing. You now can only buy the EX30 now in Twin Motor spec, and only in higher-level Plus and Ultra trims. But like cocaine is to Rick James, power is a helluva drug. The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country offers off-road styling and a powerful, 422-hp Twin Motor setup, starting under $50,000. It features a lifted ride, larger tires, and improved suspension, delivering charm and a ton of performance for its size. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next The EX30's higher-than-promised pricing starting at $44,195 is almost entirely smoothed over by the Twin Motor's 422 hp—a ridiculous figure for a vehicle this small. If that weren't enough to make buyers forget the cheaper, $36,000-ish single-motor EX30 that never materialized, Volvo has put yet another appealing spin on its entry-level EV: the new Cross Country variant. Combining the same muscular Twin Motor drivetrain with off-road styling touches and some hardware upgrades, the 2026 EX30 Cross Country doesn't promise much extra capability in the dirt, but it overdelivers on charm. As a bonus, even though it'll only be sold in top-tier Ultra trim, prices are expected to sneak in under fifty grand—just $2,000 or so more than the normal EX30 Ultra. The Look Is the Hook If you think the regular EX30 is cute, the Cross Country and its exclusive black-plastic-covered snoot (complete with a topographical rendition of a mountain peak), fender flares, and bumper trim is pugnaciously adorable, like a toddler puffing their chest and clenching their tiny fists. Volvo backs up the visual toughening with a 0.8-inch lift, half of which comes from unique springs (softer than the normal EX30's, as are the anti-roll bars) and half from larger-diameter tires. A set of 19-inch wheels with street tires are standard, but buyers can upgrade to a smaller set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, either as a standalone option or as part of an option group that also includes teeny mudflaps and a roof rack. Almost No (Fresh) Compromises Final range figures are forthcoming, but the EX30 Cross Country isn't expected to suffer a huge driving range hit from its marginally taller height. The all-terrain tires are likely to have the biggest effect, but Volvo hasn't provided estimates for what that impact looks like. Both the 19-inch street tires and the all-terrains are narrow, so it's possible the Cross Country's range works out to whatever a regular EX30 with the largest wheel option delivers. Standard EX30 Twin Motors are EPA-estimated to deliver up to 253 miles, with the big-wheel versions dropping that by only 3 miles. On the road, where the entire EX30 Cross Country drive took place, it's clear there's little airspace separating its ride and handling from the regular EX30's. You can tell the suspension is a hair softer, as the ride quality is even better than in the already good non–Cross Country models. Stomping on the accelerator pedal results in the CC squatting onto its rear tires somewhat, but that's the only other giveaway that this EX30 sits higher off the ground and on squishier springs. The EX30 Cross Country otherwise exhibits the same tight handling and excellent body control as other EX30s. One highlight that carries over? The stubby and substantial EX30's surprising lack of fore-aft pitching over speed bumps and other abrupt road impacts. Typically, vehicles this small and tall have a tendency to rock back and forth—not the EX30, nor the Cross Country. One asterisk? We haven't yet sampled the EX30 on those all-terrain tires, which could introduce squirminess to the handling as well as elevated noise inside the otherwise hushed cabin; we just won't know until we drive an EX30 with them. We will note that the tires—Cooper Discoverer ATTs sized 235/55R18 on a display-only Cross Country we poked around—look awesome and should help the EX30 hump farther down a muddy two track or snowy driveway than the normal rubber. Strapping 422 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque worth of electric motors to a 4,200-pound small SUV makes it supremely quick. The Cross Country might be a hair slower than your everyday EX30, depending on its tires, but expect a mid-3-second 0–60-mph time. Does a small EV SUV need to keep up with Porsche 911 Carreras? No. Is it fun? Yes. As on other EX30s, drivers can unlock a hint of extra immediacy from the Twin Motor setup by selecting the Performance All-Wheel Drive mode. This keeps the front motor engaged all the time—it also, curiously, locks you out of full one-pedal driving—at least provided the battery is above 80 percent charge. Below that, or with Performance All-Wheel Drive turned off, the front motor engages as needed, a process with a barely detectable hesitation. There is no 'sport' mode, nor are there any other drive modes in the traditional sense, making this button and the stability control defeat button the two biggest personality changers onboard. The rest of the Cross Country experience—good and bad—matches that of other EX30s. The minimalist cabin is rife with clever cost-reducing moves, from the speakerless front door panels (most audio comes from a TV-style sound bar at the base of the windshield) to the pair of centralized window switches that pull double duty controlling the rear windows (a nearby button changes which bank of glass the switches operate). The built-to-price thing is mostly glossed over by the interior's attractive design and high-end touchpoints such as the metal door handles and classy air vents, although the cost-saving cleverness feels less justified now that the cheapest EX30s cost about 10 grand more than the headline-grabbing initial price. And some interior materials (many of which are recycled) could be read as either cool or cheap depending on which of your senses is used to interact with them. The woven flax encased in resin trimming the dash and doors looks like burlap frozen in carbonite yet feels like a laminate kitchen countertop. The textured hard plastics covering the lower half of the dashboard and doors have an interesting texture like a pickup truck's bedliner—an appropriately durable-seeming choice for areas near occupants' shoes. There's no getting around the EX30's size. It's tiny. But the packaging makes the most of the space allowed. The back seat has decent legroom and plenty of headroom, even if it accomplishes both by positioning the cushion close to the floor. Most adults will sit with their knees higher than their butts, and there isn't much toe space under the front seats for taller riders. Kids will do fine, though. Same goes for the cargo area, which has plenty of useful cubbies and a reconfigurable cargo floor that can hide belongings in a large, shallow space below. The rear seats fold flat, and raising the cargo floor to its higher position lines it up with the folded seat backs to form a large, flat area. A 0.2-cubic-foot bin under the hood (frunk!) is big enough to hold the mobile charging cable and little more. Need more cargo space? Order the natty roof rack and basket accessory. Ushering in Improvements for All EX30s Volvo has already improved some EX30 aspects since launching the SUV earlier this year, and they make their first appearance on the Cross Country before going out to other EX30s by way of over-the-air updates. Most notable among them is a third regenerative braking setting—off, for coasting—as well as a more aggressive 'high' setting (there's also a 'low' option). The new high regen makes for easy one-pedal driving, though its slowing effect when lifting one's foot off the accelerator pedal is a little abrupt. The low mode is smoother, though it doesn't slow the EX30 as rapidly, so you'll ultimately end up using the brake pedal, especially in dense traffic. Owners can expect further updates to connected systems, including the vertically oriented central touchscreen. That display runs Volvo's newest software and boasts a clean layout, Google Built-in navigation and assistant, and snappy response thanks to its Snapdragon chipset. Much like in entry-level Teslas, the screen is a loner—there are no others inside, meaning there's no traditional gauge cluster ahead of the driver. Speed and driver assistance animations live in the top section of the screen; nav can either take up the entire bottom section or the middle bit, leaving audio and phone widgets as shortcuts to those menus. Climate controls stay visible across the bottom. While some dislike condensing virtually every control into the touchscreen—there are no physical buttons on the dash—others will quickly get used to it. Leaning on an old name and the off-road aspirations it represents, Volvo has pulled yet another rabbit out of the EX30's hat here. The Cross Country faithfully hews to the lifted ride height, additional body cladding, and generally Subaru-y vibes defined by the original Cross Country model, a V70 station wagon variant, and survived today by the V60 and V90 Cross Country wagons. It's the first Volvo SUV to wear the Cross Country branding—rather than have XC lettering in its name—and the first EV to do so, as well. While hardly transformative, the EX30's Cross Country makeover gives it a distinct personality that's mostly vibes but distinct and fun, nonetheless. The upgrades are similar to what Hyundai bundles in the XRT trim level added to the Ioniq 5 this year. Although that EV is similarly priced and larger, it can't match the Volvo's big-time power or its Lilliputian lure. If the EX30 Cross Country fits you, or rather you fit it, it goes on sale later this year.
AU Financial Review
7 days ago
- Automotive
- AU Financial Review
This small but perfectly formed SUV is the perfect entry-level EV
What is it? The EV3 is the entry-level electric car from Kia. It's a boldly styled small SUV with an overall length of 4300 millimetres, placing it almost exactly between the Volvo EX30 and BYD Atto 3. What does it cost? The EV3's four-car range starts at $47,600 plus on-road costs. The top version, the GT-Line Long Range (as sampled here), is priced from $63,950 plus on-road costs. All carry a seven-year warranty.
Auto Blog
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Volvo Launches Killer EX30 Lease Deal For July
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Volvo EX30 is the new EV on the block The 2025 Volvo EX30 is making waves in the small electric crossover segment, with an impressive combination of range, performance, and standard equipment. While we're still waiting for the single-motor model to arrive on our shores, the dual-motor version is up for grabs through several killer lease deals. For the month of July, you can get into a base dual-motor EX30 for as little as $399 per month. This specific lease deal requires a $4,399 down payment and includes an annual 7,500-mile allowance. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line review: Is this the EV that will convert you? Watch More Source: Volvo Volvo EX30 raises the bar The Volvo EX30 is a new addition to the Swedish automaker's roster for the 2025 model year. Available in two trim levels, Twin Performance Plus and Twin Performance Ultra, the new EV stares down just a handful of electrified competitors. Starting at $46,195, the EX30 is one of the most expensive models in its segment, but for good reason. Not only does its dual-motor powertrain beat out all of its competitors, but it does so without tanking the crossover's range. Source: Volvo As the trim names imply, both EX30 models are powered by dual electric motors paired with a 69 kWh battery. The electric motors produce 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, pushing the crossover to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Even with that exhilarating performance, the 2025 Volvo EX30 boasts an EPA-estimated range of 253 miles on a single charge. Due to the dual-motor setup, all-wheel drive is the sole option – until the single-motor EX30 finally arrives, that is. The base Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Plus sets a high standard, with classy 19-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, and LED taillights and fog lamps. The Swedish automaker clearly aimed for practicality over frills, with a minimalistic cabin free of clutter. On the tech side of the equation, the EX30 comes fully stocked with plenty of tech, including a 12.3-inch center display, over a dozen safety systems, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. In terms of comfort and convenience, the EX30 includes a heat pump, Textile & Nordico upholstery, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a wireless phone charging pad. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Zac Palmer Upgrading to the Twin Performance Plus Ultra, available from $47,895, nets you a few extra amenities, largely in the form of safety technology. The top-spec model includes LED headlights and additional safety systems, including low-speed rear autobrake, park pilot assist, lane change assist, and a 360-degree camera with a 3D view. If a lack of LED headlights doesn't bug you, and you don't need the extra safety tech, the Plus model is the better option, at least in my opinion. Volvo EX30 lease offers for July 2025 For the month of July, Volvo is giving consumers looking to make the switch to an EV a chance to get into a new EX30 at a great price. In Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, and New York City, you can lease an EX30 Twin Performance Plus for as little as $399 per month, with $4,799 due at signing. Stepping up to the Twin Performance Ultra will cost you $439 per month and a $4,539 down payment. In Miami, you can get an identical lease deal on the Twin Performance Plus model, but upgrading to the EX30 Twin Performance Ultra will cost you $449 per month, with $4,209 due at signing. These lease offers span a 36-month term with an annual 10,000-mile allowance and are valid through July 31st. Source: Volvo In Austin, you can get into a Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Plus for as little as $399 per month, with $4,399 due at signing. You can lease a Twin Performance Ultra model with a $449 monthly payment and $3,815 due at signing. Charlotte and Nashville residents can get into a Volvo EX30 for a nearly identical lease offer. While the Twin Performance Plus lease is identical, jumping into a Twin Performance Ultra will cost you a few dollars more, with $3,829 due at signing. These lease deals include an annual 7,500-mile allowance over a 36-month term. These lease offers are in play through July 31st, so you still have a couple of weeks to take advantage! Source: Volvo Final thoughts The Volvo EX30 has effectively raised the bar for one of the most competitive EV segments. With its impressive range and performance, Volvo's smallest crossover has certainly made itself known in a big way. While it may not offer a ton of frills, the 2025 Volvo EX30 is a solid entry, especially for those looking to make the transition to an EV. If you want to park a new EX30 in your garage, make sure to act on these killer lease offers before the end of the month! Source: Volvo Lease offers may vary by location, vehicle configuration, and are subject to credit approval. Advertised monthly payments don't necessarily include taxes, title, registration, or other fees. To learn more about Volvo EX30 lease deals, visit the official Volvo website and enter your zip code. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
MINI Should Be Concerned About The Volvo EX30's Range
The Mini Countryman SE ALL4, which is often simplified to Countryman Electric, and the Volvo EX30 are some of the newest EVs to hit the market. Both models come priced to battle with industry favorites, with the German Countryman Electric starting at $45,200. The Swedish Volvo EX30 is a tad more expensive, priced from $46,195, but that extra cash gets you a pretty notable difference in range. The 2025 Volvo EX30 has finally arrived, following a series of delays that had made the model's future uncertain. Available in two trim packages with an all-wheel drive powertrain, the EX30 boasts an all-electric range of 253 miles. While that isn't class-leading range, it's a healthy amount more than the Mini Countryman Electric. The German EV caps out at 212 miles, with the ability to charge to 80% in as little as 30 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger. The Volvo EX30 can charge to 80% in slightly less time, around 27 minutes. The Swedish electric crossover features a 69 kWh battery, while the Mini Countryman Electric comes equipped with a 64.7 kWh battery. The Volvo EX30 is available in two trim packages, both of which come powered by dual electric motors. A single-motor version is expected to arrive in the United States later this year. The Mini Countryman Electric, on the other hand, is available in just one trim level. The Volvo EX30 packs in plenty of luxury amenities, but it isn't top dog in its class when it comes to range. The Kia Niro EV matches the EX30 in range, with an estimated 253 miles on hand, while the Hyundai Kona Electric offers up to 261 miles of range. Notably, while lacking many comparable features to either the Mini Countryman Electric or Volvo EX30, the South Korean EVs both land on the more affordable side of the segment. While there's a significant range difference between the two, that's not the only area the Volvo EX30 dominates the Mini Countryman Electric. Both models come equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup, but the Swedish EV offers a higher level of performance. The EX30's electric motors generate 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power pushes the EX30 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The Countryman Electric's dual electric motors produce 308 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. EVs don't exactly have a reputation for being lightweight, but there's a clear-cut difference between the EX30 and Countryman Electric. The EX30 boasts a curb weight of 4,151 lbs, yet Mini's sole EV weighs in at 4,588 lbs. The Countryman Electric is the longer of the two, thanks in part to its 175-inch wheelbase. The EX30 measures 166.7 inches in length. Despite that difference in length, it's a mixed competition when it comes to interior passenger space. For example, the EX30 offers 41.7 inches of front headroom, while the Countryman Electric offers 40.7 inches. The German EV offers more rear shoulder room, though, at 54.8 inches versus the EX30's 53 inches. As far as styling goes, the Volvo EX30 and Mini Countryman Electric both feature a modernized design for their debut year. While the Swedish EV features a more minimalist style that's typical for Scandinavian models, the Countryman Electric is more eccentric. The EX30 rides on 19-inch five-spoke black wheels that create an athletic base for the EV. The Countryman Electric rolls out with 18-inch asteroid wheels that fit the German model's quirky personality. EVs are still relatively new, and many drivers have their concerns. Range anxiety, or the concern that an EV will run out of charge on the road, has proved itself as a major point of concern for drivers making the switch. Higher single-charge range tends to resonate better with consumers, which makes the Volvo EX30 a model that manages to stand out from a rather small crowd. While the Mini Countryman Electric is certainly a unique model that fits its manufacturer's bill, its subpar range could be a deciding factor for Mini enthusiasts interested in making the jump to electrification. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
