Image Credit: Volvo
The Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance is perhaps the best value for money if you’re thinking about getting a small electric SUV in 2025. This electric vehicle has a lot of power, with 422 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 4 seconds. But even though it’s marketed as a cheap, high-output choice, it has one of Tesla’s most annoying habits: the ride comfort is unpredictable.
Driving Impressions
During the performance test of the 2025 Volvo EX30, acceleration was no issue. You’ll feel the power immediately, and it delivers a 3.9-second 0-60 mph time that rivals sports sedans. In city driving, this makes for quick overtakes and responsive traffic maneuvers. However, the same agility doesn’t translate when it comes to smoothness on imperfect roads.
Ride Quality
Where the EX30 begins to stumble is in the suspension setup. The ride can feel unnecessarily stiff, much like Tesla’s Model Y. You’ll notice every minor crack and patch in the road, and that gets tiring on longer drives. This might be okay for cars that are all about performance, but Volvo has a long history of making comfortable rides, so this isn’t good enough. Sadly, the EX30 doesn’t meet it.
Handling and Control
The EX30 handles well with little body roll, which gives you confidence when making sharp turns or changing direction quickly. But there is a clear lack of connection when it comes to steering feedback. You don’t get a lot of road feel here. This might not bother the average commuter, but it could be disappointing for people who want to feel connected.
Review of Infotainment
The EX30’s infotainment system, which is based on Google, makes it feel modern. The navigation is clear, and voice commands work as they should. That being said, most of the main controls, like changing the climate and the mirrors, are hidden in touchscreen menus. If you want to be able to touch things easily while driving, this layout might be more annoying than new.
Space and usability inside
The EX30 is small, but it makes good use of space. The front seats are comfortable and upright, and the simple design of the cabin keeps the dashboard clean. There isn’t a lot of room in the back, but it’s fine. The cargo space behind the second row is 14.1 cubic feet, which is enough but not a lot for a crossover.
Image Credit: Volvo
Small fully electric SUV
EV Range Test
During our real-world range test of the EX30 in summer heat, the numbers hovered close to the EPA-estimated 265 miles. But highway driving at sustained speeds caused that figure to dip quicker than expected. City driving is where this EV thrives, maximizing regenerative braking and preserving battery health. If your commute is urban-heavy, you’ll get better range efficiency.
Safety Tech
Volvo equips the EX30 with its full suite of safety tech. Collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist all function effectively. However, driver monitoring and lane-keep alerts can be overly sensitive. For daily driving, these reminders are helpful but can sometimes come off as intrusive.
Highlights at a Glance
- Performance: 422 hp with 3.9s 0-60 mph time
- Range: Approx. 265 miles (EPA est.)
- Infotainment: Google-based; touchscreen-dominant controls
- Ride Quality: Firm; similar to Tesla Model Y
- Cargo: 14.1 cu-ft (behind second row)
Potential That Needs Refinement
The 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance lives up to its promises of power, price, and modern technology. But it also has some of the same problems as its competitors that it wants to beat. The EX30 makes you give up comfort for speed because it rides rough and relies too much on touch controls. If you like how Tesla does things but want the safety and badge of Volvo, this might be a good choice. Just be ready for a ride that isn’t always as smooth as you expect from the brand.