Overview

The new Volvo EX30 Cross Country is a stylish new addition to growing Volvo’s all-electric lineup, offering a more rugged twist on the brand’s entry-level car to offer an interesting new alternative for anyone looking to buy one the best electric SUVs. With extra ground clearance, chunkier styling, and optional off-road tyres, it offers adventure-friendly versatility if you don’t want to go too far off the beaten track.

It’s expensive in cash terms, weighing in at an estimated £47,000, but as it doesn’t have many direct rivals, that’s all relative. I like the concept and execution, and it is the sort of car that has lots of appeal to small families looking for an EV that promises to support an active lifestyle. However, if Volvo offered cheaper versions, the EX30 could a big hit. For now, it’s a stylish and desirable addition to Volvo’s EV lineup.

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What’s new?

The EX30 Cross Country is based on the all-wheel-drive Performance version of the standard EX30, which means ample power for almost ludicrous acceleration off the line. To give it more SUV attitude, Volvo has raised the ride height by 19mm, added beefier bumpers, roof rails, and a new front panel featuring an etched map of Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak. These elements, finished in matte black, give it a distinct rugged appeal.

It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, but buyers can opt for 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres for better off-road capability. Volvo is marketing the Cross Country as more than just a trim level, offering accessories such as a full roof rack, mudflaps, and an electric towbar for those who want to take it off the beaten path.

If you’re into owning an SUV, then it’s up against the Audi Q4 E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz EQA, although both are larger. If it’s the performance that tickles your fancy, you could also try the Smart #1 Brabus, which offers similar acceleration without any of the off-roader attitude. To find out more about how I formed the opinions I’m about to express in this review, head over to our how we test cars explainer page.

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What’s it like inside?

Inside, the Cross Country is virtually identical to the standard EX30 inside. That means a clean, minimalist design, good-quality materials, and a focus on sustainability. Upholstery options include a wool and Nordico mix or a denim-inspired recycled fabric, both keeping in line with Volvo’s eco-conscious ethos.

The 12.3-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the dashboard, controlling almost all functions, including climate settings and driving modes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included, and Volvo has improved voice commands, but the lack of physical buttons remains a downside for me. I don’t mind a touchscreen, and this one is well executed, but I also like the option to use physical controls as well.

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Space in the front is decent, and headroom is adequate for adults in the back but, owing to the tapering design of the EX30’s rear end, the amount of room is limited. While it will fit three children in the back at a push, even two full-sized adults will be cramped. Taller passengers will likely struggle with the lack of leg and shoulder room, so we’d only recommend the EX30 for short journeys with a full passenger load. 

With a 318-litre boot seats up and 904-litre seats down, the EX30 Cross Country lacks luggage space compared with its SUV rivals. It’s 70:30 split, which does a least add flexibilty, as does the moveable floor panel. Overall, it offers 172/591-litres less than the BMW iX1 and 142/546-litres less than the MINI Countryman electric.

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Volvo EX30 range and charging

The EX30 Cross Country uses a 69kWh battery, which delivers an official WLTP driving range of 264 miles with the standard tyres. Opt for the all-terrain tyres, and that drops to 230 miles. While respectable, it’s a little underwhelming compared to newer family EVs that comfortably push past 300 miles.

Charging speeds are acceptable if not cutting edge, with DC rapid charging up to 153kW allowing a 10-to-80% top-up in around 26 minutes. Home charging at 11kW AC takes around seven hours, making overnight charging convenient for most owners.

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What’s it like to drive?

Although I wasn’t able to take the EX30 Cross Country on public roads, I did test it on a frozen lake in northern Sweden, some 200 metres from the shoreline – a weird experience. While this means my experience isn’t directly comparable to driving on UK roads, it did give me a solid sense of its handling and ride, and how it handles poor driving conditions because there really isn’t such a thing as a smooth ice surface.

The extra ride height and softer suspension setup make it more comfortable over rough surfaces, and it feels stable and well-balanced when driving quickly. Body roll is well controlled, and the EX30 is generally agile, making it well-suited to urban environments. The steering is responsive but lacks some feel, while the brakes are strong but slightly grabby.

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Performance is impressive – the twin-motor setup delivers 428hp, launching the car from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. That’s quicker than all but the most top-end of hot hatchbacks, and the acceleration never disappoints. But the good news is for parents who want to lend their car to their kids, the power delivery is progressive rather than aggressive, and is comfortable being driven gently.

One downside? The stability control is very keen to keep you safe, limiting the amount of fun you can have in slippery conditions. While that’s great for keeping it on the road when the going gets tough, it might frustrate keen drivers who have a frozen lake to play on. Also, while the optional off-road tyres make a big difference in tough conditions, they do eat into the driving range.

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What models and trims are available?

Volvo is offering the EX30 Cross Country in just one spec, based on the Performance AWD model. That means there’s no cheaper, single-motor version – something that could have made it more appealing to a wider audience.

If you’re considering a small electric SUV with some off-road capability, your options are pretty limited. The Jeep Avenger 4xe (a plug-in hybrid) and the Audi Q4 E-Tron Quattro the closest potential rivals, but neither offers quite the same rugged, light off-roading appeal as the EX30 Cross Country.

Despite its name, this isn’t a hardcore off-roader. Like previous Volvo Cross Country models, it’s more about giving you confidence on rough tracks, gravel roads, and in bad weather rather than tackling serious off-road terrain.

So, the EX30 Cross Country is a small premium electric hatch with a healthy dose of SUV attitude, and it will be interesting to see if it sets a trend that rival manufacturers launch similar models. For more detail, our individual ratings can be found on the next page.