Used Volvo XC40 Recharge 2021-present review

Many famous actors have changed their names in their careers, often to distinguish themselves from others with the same name. Think of David Tennant as an example; his given name was David MacDonald, but after finding out there was another actor with the same name, he created a new name so there was no confusion.

Similarly, the Volvo XC40 Recharge has undergone a name change in a bid to separate it from the popular petrol-powered Volvo XC40. Indeed, from 2024 onwards, the XC40 Recharge was renamed the Volvo EX40, so you might see a few used cars under this name plate too.

Confused? Hopefully not, but in this instance, we’ll refer to it as the XC40 Recharge for consistency. No matter the name, this electric SUV is an attractive used buy, especially against rivals such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis GV60 and Tesla Model Y.

Motors and batteries: When the XC40 Recharge was launched in 2021, it was initially only available as a full-fat Twin model. It gets two electric motors (making it four-wheel drive) and 402bhp, which means 0-62mph takes a very un-Volvo 4.7sec. It’s also powered by a 78kWh total capacity battery, which allows for an official range of 274 miles. That’s less than what a Model Y Performance can manage (319 miles).

In 2022, a lesser powered version arrived in the form of the front-wheel drive Single Motor car. It produces 228bhp and delivers 0-62mph in 7.4sec, which is more than quick enough for most needs. It also gets a 69kWh battery for an official range of 262 miles, which is less than the GV60 RWD (321 miles).

In 2023, Volvo updated the motors and batteries. The Twin model received new motors and a larger 82kWh battery, which gave it a much better range of 332 miles. Meanwhile, the Single Motor car had its motor switched from the front to the rear axle, making it rear-wheel drive. Its battery capacity remained the same, but improvements to the efficiency of the motor boosted its range to 295 miles.

In 2024, Volvo added a new Single Motor Extended Range version to the lineup (along with the EX40 name change). It gets a slight bump in power to 249bhp, while a 78kWh battery delivers an official range of 341 miles. That’s farther than the Model Y Long Range (331 miles).

Ride and handling: The XC40 Recharge is a bit heavier than the regular XC40, and the ride suffers as a result. Don’t get us wrong; it’s not uncomfortable, but the extra weight of the battery pack puts more strain on the suspension, so it’s a little crashy along poorly surfaced roads. While a GV60 is more supple overall, the XC40 Recharge still beats the BMW iX1 or Ford Mustang Mach-E for comfort.

Being fairly tall and heavy, the XC40 Recharge leans quite a bit through corners. It’s certainly more at home on the motorway, where the car is super quiet and refined to drive.

Unlike a VW ID 4 with its grabby brakes, the EX40 is easy to drive smoothly, especially around town. The brakes respond fairly consistently when you press the pedal, plus there's a one-pedal driving mode.

Interior and practicality: The XC40 Recharge has a fabulously high driving position, so you get a good view of the road ahead. Visibility is helped further by relatively slim windscreen pillars, large windows and big door mirrors.

Like most Volvos, the XC40 gets front seats that offer plenty of support. You also get loads of adjustment, plus the steering wheel moves for reach and rake. You won’t have much trouble getting comfortable behind the wheel.

In the centre of the dashboard, you’ll find a swish-looking 9.0in infotainment touchscreen that was co-developed with Google. As such, you’ll find sat-nav and voice control taken care of by Google Maps and Google Assistant, while Apple users can sync up their phone using Apple CarPlay if they'd prefer. There's no Android Auto.

Unfortunately, the busy menu layout and tiny icons mean you have to take your eyes off the road for longer than is ideal when using the system. Overall, the systems in the BMW iX3 and GV60 are more intuitive, thanks to their mix of physical and touchscreen-based controls.

When it comes to interior quality, the XC40 Recharge is tough to beat. Pretty much everything you touch feels sumptuous and plush, while the build quality is impressive. It’s much better than the Q4 e-tron in this area and similar to the GV60.

In terms of space, you'll find plenty of head and leg room in the front, while tall adults will be able to sit comfortably in the back without their heads brushing the ceiling or their knees bashing the front seats. It’s not quite as spacious as a Model Y, but there’s not a lot in it.

If you want to fold the back seats down, the rear seatback splits in a 60/40 arrangement as opposed to the more versatile 40/20/40 configuration you get in top-spec versions of the Q4 e-tron.

In the boot, there’s 452 litres of space. While that’s not a huge amount on paper, we did manage to fit eight carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. For context, the Kia EV6 and Q4 e-tron swallowed seven cases, while the Model Y took 10 in total – including one in the front boot under the bonnet. The XC40 Recharge has storage space for the charging cable under the bonnet, but it's not big enough for a carry-on suitcase.

Trims and equipment: Volvo has regularly updated the trims for the XC40 Recharge over the years, so there are quite a few to choose from. Even so, the main trims you want to focus on are Core, Plus and Ultimate.

Entry-level Core trim gives you the basics, including 19in alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, automatic wipers and rear parking sensors, while Plus adds keyless entry, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and a reversing camera. It also has a heat pump that improves the car's efficiency in cooler weather.

Range-topping Ultimate comes with ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, an opening sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a Harman Kardon sound system and 20in alloy wheels. There are also First Edition and sporty R-Design models available, but these are harder to come by.

If you're interested in finding a used XC40 Recharge, 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 Volvo XC40 Recharge start from around £20,000, which will get you into a 2021 Twin model with high miles. Single Motor cars came along in 2022, but these don’t cost a whole lot more than Twin models, with prices starting from around £21,000 for low-mileage cars. For low-mileage Twin models, you can expect to pay upwards of £23,000.

For 2023 cars with upgraded motors and batteries, you can expect to pay north of £28,000 for Single Motor models and £30,000 for Twins. Newer 2024 EX40s are the most expensive and cost upwards of £33,000.

To keep up to date with used XC40 Recharge prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

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Efficiency

The maximum charging rate of the XC40 depends on the version you choose. On later 2023 and 2024 cars, the Single Motor car has a maximum charging speed of 135kW, which means a 10-80% top-up takes around 35 minutes with a suitably powerful charger. The Twin model can accept up to 205kW, so a 10-80% charge can be tackled in less than half an hour in ideal conditions. Earlier Single Motor and Twin models have a maximum rate of 135kW and 150kW, respectively, but a 10-80% charge can still take around half an hour with both.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance is split between groups 36 and 42 with the XC40 Recharge (depending on the version). That means it will be less to insure than a Model Y, but more than a Q4.

Volvo recommends a service annually or every 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. This does vary between electric and petrol-powered models, though, so it’s worth checking the car’s handbook.

Safety

The XC40 was awarded a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2018, with particularly strong scores for adult and child crash protection.

Every version gets an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system that recognises cars, cyclists, pedestrians and large animals. If you want a full suite of safety kit, it’s worth going for the mid-range Plus trim and up, which comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous driving function.

Warranty

Every new XC40 Recharge comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which includes roadside assistance, a three-year paintwork warranty and 12 years of cover against rust. The EX40's battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Reliability

The Volvo XC40 Recharge received mixed feedback in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, based on real-world owner reviews.

Many owners reported ongoing issues with warning lights and software faults, particularly with the infotainment and battery systems. Some had to return to the dealer multiple times, often facing delays due to parts shortages. One owner went as far as calling the car “unreliable from day one.”

Although a few praised Volvo’s dealers for their polite communication, others faced long waits for appointments and courtesy cars.

Find out more about the used Volvo XC40 Recharge’s reliability on our dedicated page.

Motor and battery

The early Twin version is the best value. It’s similarly priced to the Single Motor model, but it comes with stronger performance and a longer range. The newer 2023 and 2024 models with their upgraded motors and batteries are more appealing, but these are still quite expensive.

Specification

We think Plus trim provides the best balance of cost and kit, with useful features such as keyless entry, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and a heat pump offered as standard. It’s also one of the more popular trim levels, so there are plenty available on the used market. First Edition models are worth going for, too, if you can find a good one.

Our favourite Volvo XC40 Recharge: 78kWh Twin Plus

The most obvious alternative to the XC40 Recharge is the Tesla Model Y. While it’s not the most comfortable option (the ride is on the firm side), it’s a great electric SUV with strong performance, a good range and a very spacious interior. There are loads of them available on the used market, too.

The Audi Q4 e-tron is a close rival to the XC40 Recharge. It’s good value when buying used, plus it’s a comfortable, practical and classy choice. It’s worth going for bigger battery versions to optimise range.

The Genesis GV60 is a less obvious choice, but it’s worth a look. It has one of the best interiors of any electric SUV, with plush materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. It’s spacious in the back and well-equipped too, plus the rear-wheel drive versions have a good range. There aren’t that many available on the used market, though.

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