Used Volvo EX30 2023-present review

The Volvo EX30 is the fastest accelerating Volvo in history, which is pretty crazy when you consider its compact size. However, this small electric SUV isn’t just about performance, because it also focuses on style, comfort and sustainability.

When it arrived in 2023, the EX30 brought with it a new generation of Volvo design and technology. The exterior and interior look almost space-age, while most of the car’s interior functions are operated via a new Google-based infotainment system. It even features tech that’s been rolled out in larger Volvo models, such as the Volvo EX90.

Engines: Beneath its minimalist skin, the EX30 is very closely related to the Smart #1, with the two cars sharing the same underpinnings and similar motor and battery options.

The entry-level version of the EX30 is fast, to say the least, and it doesn’t feel ‘entry-level’ when it comes to performance. Called Single Motor, it can go from 0-62mph in 5.7sec, which is faster than all of its rivals, including the Jeep Avenger Electric and Hyundai Kona Electric. It’s even faster than a Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch.

The Single Motor car is powered by a 49kWh (usable capacity) battery that delivers an official range of 209 miles (expect between 150-170 in real-world driving). If you want more range, you can have a Single Motor Extended Range model, which gets a 65kWh battery that gives an official range of 295 miles (that’s farther than a #1 and Avenger can manage). This version is quicker too, with 0-62mph taking 5.3sec.

But what if that’s not quick enough? Well, you can have a Twin Motor Performance model that goes from 0-62mph in just 3.6sec. For reference, that’s quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera. Yes really. This version gets the same 65kWh battery as the Extended Range model, but because of its extra poke, it has a smaller official range of 279 miles.

Ride and handling: The EX30 pretty much hits the nail on the head when it comes to ride and handling. The suspension is supple enough to take the sting out of most urban road imperfections, while the body feels taught and tied down, which helps it flow happily down a winding road. It’s more polished overall than an Avenger and Kona.

You might imagine the hilariously fast Twin Motor Performance would have a stiffer suspension set-up to help it carry more speed through corners, but surprisingly it doesn’t. It is a bit firmer than other versions because of the weight from the extra motor and battery, with a slightly choppier high-speed ride.

No matter the version you choose, we wouldn’t say the EX30 is fun to drive, even with the crazy performance on offer. The overly light steering doesn’t feel precise enough to inspire much confidence, even when in its heaviest setting. On the plus side, the brake pedal is nice and progressive, which makes it easy to stop smoothly. The brakes in the #1 are quite grabby by comparison.

Where the EX30 really impresses is with refinement, because this is an extremely hushed car to drive. Even at motorway speeds, hardly any wind and road noise enters the interior. It’s certainly a good option if you want an electric SUV that focuses on comfort and refinement.

Interior and practicality: The EX30’s interior is super minimalist, and while this does mean it looks super clean and modern, it does bring some issues with usability. All EX30s have a 12.3in touchscreen that controls nearly all of the car’s functions. For example, it houses your wiper and light controls, while your speed and driving info are squeezed onto the screen too (there’s no digital driver’s display). It’s a bit of a shame because the EX30’s interior is otherwise very pleasant.

On the plus side, the touchscreen is snappy and the graphics are crisp and clear. It also comes with Google Maps, Google Assistant and wireless Apple CarPlay as standard. Unfortunately Android Auto isn’t available.

Material quality is very impressive, especially considering this is Volvo’s entry-level car. The door handles are made of metal and they have a heavy feel to them, plus the dashboard plastics have a nice grain to them. While they are hard and scratchy, they don’t feel as cheap as the plastics in the Avenger.

Interestingly, Volvo has made a particular focus on sustainability with the interior materials. Up to 17% of the plastics in the car (such interior components and bumpers) are recycled, while the wool-blend seats contain up to 70% recycled polyester.

In terms of the driving position, it's easy enough to get comfortable behind the wheel – despite the annoyance of having to use the touchscreen to adjust the door mirrors. Space in the front is good too, thanks to plenty of head room and seats that slide back a long way back. A couple of six-footers will fit in the rear seats, where the head room is decent enough and leg room respectable, but you don’t get as much room in the back as a #1 or Kona Electric.

In the boot, the EX30 can carry up to 318 litres, which is noticeably bigger than the #1's boot. We managed to fit five carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf, which is the same as the Avenger but one less than the Kona Electric. If you need more space, you can fold the rear seats in the 60/40 arrangement. Like the Kia EV3, the EX30 has a small storage area under the bonnet that’s just about big enough for the charging cable.

Trims and equipment: The entry-level Core version isn’t especially well equipped for the money. It’s only available on Single Motor and Extended Range versions and it gives you adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and LED headlights.

The Plus model is much better equipped. It comes with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a powered tailgate, a Harmon Kardon sound system and wireless phone-charging. The range-topping Ultra trim gives you a few more extras, such as a panoramic glass roof, an EV heat pump and electrically adjustable front seats.

If you're interested in finding a used EX30, or any of the other electric cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Prices for a used EX30 start from around £26,000, which will get you a 2024 Single Motor Plus car with low miles. Extended Range models won’t cost a whole lot more, with prices starting from £27,000, while Twin Performance models cost from £29,000. Ultra cars are a bit more expensive, with prices starting from £31,000.

Newer 2025 Single Motor are good value, starting from £28,000 with 1000 miles on the clock. Extended Range 2025 models start from around £33,000 and Twin Performance cars from £36,000.

To keep up to date with used EX30 prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

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Efficiency

The smaller battery in the Single Motor EX30 has a maximum charge rate of 134kW, which means a 10-80% top-up takes around 26 minutes. The bigger battery (in Extended Range and Twin Motor models) takes around two minutes more to complete a 10-80% charge, but that’s assuming you can find a charger that supports its 153kW maximum rate. Either way, you'll be waiting less time than you would in a BYD Atto 3, a Kona Electric or a Kia Niro EV.

Insurance and servicing

The EX30 Single Motor sits in insurance group 35, while the Extended Range and Twin Performance versions sit in groups 37 and 40. Those are higher groups than equivalent versions of the #1, which means it will be more expensive to insure. Annual insurance prices range between £900 and £1100.

For servicing the EX30, Volvo recommends a service every 20,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. That’s longer than what Volvo recommends for its petrol and diesel models.

Safety

The EX30 was awarded a full five-star safety rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP in 2024. That said, the closely related #1 achieved a slightly higher score for protecting adults in a frontal impact.

In terms of standard safety kit, the EX30 is very well equipped. All models come with automatic emergency braking (AEB), rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition and blind-spot monitoring.

Warranty

Every EX30 comes with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty from new, which is much less than Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile offer. Volvo will cover the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Reliability

The EX30 is too new to have appeared in the What Car? Reliability Survey, and since it's built on fresh underpinnings, we can't draw conclusions based on related models – such as the #1 – which also wasn’t included.

However, we can share that Volvo ranked a solid 12th out of 31 manufacturers in our car brand reliability league table. That puts it behind BMW (8th) and Hyundai (10th), but ahead of Tesla (15th) and Audi (24th).

Engine

You won’t be short of power in any version of the EX30, but you will be short on range in the entry-level Single Motor car. That’s why we think the Extended Range version is the best version to go for, because it’s quick yet it has a long official range. We wouldn’t recommend going for the Twin Performance model, unless you want to startle your passengers with its shockingly quick performance.

Specification

Mid-spec Plus is our recommended trim. It comes with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a powered tailgate, a Harman Kardon sound system and wireless phone charging. It’s much better equipped than Core models, while Ultra cars are a bit too expensive.

Our favourite Volvo EX30: Single Motor Extended Range Plus

The Smart #1 is closely related to the EX30, but it’s different in certain areas. The interior is a bit more user-friendly, for instance, because you get a digital driver’s display, while the driving experience is more sporty. It’s a great all-rounder, although the EX30 Extended Range can travel farther between charges than all versions of the #1.

The Hyundai Kona Electric isn’t quite as smart inside as the EX30, but it does come with more physical controls, so it’s more intuitive to use on the move. It’s usefully practical, too, with a big boot and spacious back seats. The bigger battery version has a longer official range than the EX30 Extended Range, but not by much.

The Jeep Avenger Electric isn’t especially practical or plush, but it is good to drive and reasonably quick to charge. It’s also good value on the used market, with plenty of examples out there to choose from.

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