By: Krish Persaud
October 4, 2025
Volvo’s been pushing hard into electrification for a while now. The 2025 EX30 feels like a different kind of move. It is smaller, punchier and more aggressive than anything else in the lineup. This is the brand’s most affordable EV and also the quickest Volvo they have ever built. That is a strong first impression.
The EX30 sits on the same SEA platform used by other Geely brands. It might share architecture with some global cousins, though everything from the tuning to the cabin layout feels like a true Volvo product. Clean lines, sustainable materials and a heavy digital focus all come together in a smart and well-proportioned package.
Power comes from two permanent magnet motors, one on each axle, generating a combined 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque. The EX30 puts that down through all-wheel drive and sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds. It does this without any sport mode or launch control. Just tap the brake, drop it into drive, and the car comes alive.
The battery is a 69kWh lithium-ion pack, with 64kWh usable. On paper, charging speeds top out at 153kW on a fast charger. At home, we used our 9kW Ivy Level 2 charger. Topping up from 30 to 80 percent took just under four hours. That was enough to cover several days of real-world commuting without needing to plug in every night.
Handling is confident thanks to the short wheelbase and low center of gravity. The EX30 stays composed through corners and feels stable on rougher pavement, especially with the 20-inch wheels. Steering feel is tuned more for ease than engagement. It is accurate enough for everyday driving, though it does not deliver the sporty feedback you might expect given how quick the car is. For most drivers, the setup will feel relaxed and predictable.
We did notice something worth flagging. The acceleration is intense for a subcompact SUV, yet the brake pedal feel did not quite match the urgency of the power delivery. Under hard braking, the response was still adequate but felt softer than expected. It is not unsafe, though drivers looking for more confidence on backroads or tighter stops may want stronger initial bite.
Range is rated at 426km for the Twin Motor. In mixed driving across city routes and highways, our week-long test averaged 19.2kWh/100km. Real-world range sat comfortably in the high 300s depending on temperature and throttle use.
Inside, the EX30 leans all the way into minimalism. There is no gauge cluster and no head-up display. Every major control including climate, mirrors, audio, drive settings and even the glovebox runs through the 12.3-inch center touchscreen. The layout takes a few drives to get used to. Adjusting mirrors through a menu or tapping through pages just to open the glovebox may frustrate some drivers at first. Once you settle in, the screen responds quickly and the interface is clean. Volvo uses a Google-based system that includes native Maps, Assistant and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Our test vehicle featured the Mist interior theme. The mix of recycled fabrics and cool-tone accents gave the cabin a modern, Scandinavian look without feeling clinical. A floating center bar replaces a traditional dash and houses a soundbar-style Harman Kardon audio system. Sound quality was excellent, especially for a small crossover.
Front seats were comfortable and supportive, with massage and memory functions standard on the Ultra trim. Rear seating was tighter. Headroom was fine, though legroom was limited for adults on longer trips. Cargo capacity came in at 318 litres with the seats up, expanding to 904 litres when folded flat. There is no front trunk, but Volvo includes a small underfloor bin in the cargo area for storing charge cables.
Camera quality is an area where the EX30 could improve. The 360-degree view system is helpful, though image resolution falls short of expectations. Low-light performance from the rear camera was grainy and daytime clarity was only average. Given the attention to design elsewhere, the camera feed felt out of place.
Access is handled by a traditional fob or a card-style key. The card is thicker than expected and does not fit well in most wallets. It works, though most owners will likely default to the fob or digital key through their phone.
Our tester was a 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra finished in Cloud Blue with the Mist interior and 20-inch black diamond-cut wheels. Pricing came to $62,100 CAD, including all options and deliveryMY25 EX30 Twin Motor Cloud Blue….
The EX30 might be the smallest Volvo on the road, but it does not feel like an entry-level product. It delivers serious performance, clever packaging and a design language that feels fresh without trying too hard. Volvo’s decision to go all-in on digital controls will not be for everyone, and the brake tuning could use more bite to match the speed. Still, for drivers looking for a compact electric vehicle that actually feels premium, this one stands out. The EX30 is not just good for its size or price. It is simply good.
