- We’ve logged around 1,500 miles so far on our 2025 Volvo EX30, and it’s already left quite an impression.
- Right off the bat, this little EV shocked us at the test track. Its acceleration numbers were nothing short of eye-opening.
- We’ve run into some tech hiccups, but Volvo says over-the-air updates are on the way to smooth things out.
Recently, the UGTeam has incorporated the all-electric 2025 Volvo EX30 into the ongoing long-term-vehicle-test series. Ever since Volvo teased it in 2023, the team at Edmunds has been itching to get behind the wheel — and it’s been getting plenty of seat time (and lively logbook entries) ever since.
Unexpectedly Fast
Completely casual about our performance testing procedures, we saw the EX30 – again, let me repeat that — we saw the EX30 record the jaw-dropping time of 0-60 miles per hour, avowedly unbelievable 3.6 seconds, equal to that of a Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet we had tested the same day. As if this performance was pooh-poohed, one more stomp of the accelerator and you’d realize 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds without changing to high-performance AWD mode.
Distinguished for a car with genteel looks, as the 2009 EX30 is! How intriguing could that be? Four hundred twenty-two horsepower and four hundred lb-ft torque at its maximum speed. To exemplify, with a quarter mile in 12.1 seconds while clocking in at 109.3 mph, the unfortunate thing here is that the car activated its speed limiter in the end, knocking a 112 mph by the time the end of the quarter.
“The number is slightly anticlimactic because it nailed the limiter before the finish line,” commented Kurt Niebuhr, senior vehicle test editor. “Free of that cap, it could have easily punched into the 11s.”
In other words, don’t expect the cornering abilities of a Porsche just because it can do this in a straight line. “When it comes to cornering, it’s not a 911,” Niebuhr remarked. “On the skidpad, the EX30 seems a bit lackluster, with pretty evident body roll and tire flex from the all-season rubber.” The steering, light and overly assisted, adds to the slightly squishy feel.”
Driving it is still fun, though. “Such light steering, soft suspension, and plush seats make for an EX30 that feels almost too quick for its good-and that’s exactly what makes it a lot of fun,” Niebuhr finished.
Tech Frustrations: Living With the Volvo EX30
Owning the Volvo EX30 isn’t all electric thrills and fun launches—it also comes with a fair share of tech-induced headaches. Our logbook is already filled with grievances, and the foremost among those is an offender, who is bossy and lazy., That relentless “bok” sound. Every time the car spots a new speed limit or a road sign—say, a pedestrian crossing—it dings and flashes the info at the top of the touchscreen. Annoying, right? You’d think you could just disable it. Nope. Not until the long-awaited 1.5.2 software update rolls out (which is just around the corner).
Do you like to change those to manual from auto? Brace yourself. You’ve got to dig into the settings menu, tap on “exterior lighting,” choose your desired option, confirm it using a button on the steering wheel, and then manually close the touchscreen pop-up. One could be forgiven for feeling there are too many necessary steps for a simple Facebook task. I, yes, leader, what are computers prone to causing?
The touchscreen itself hasn’t been a breeze either, especially when it comes to smartphone mirroring. Apple CarPlay randomly decides not to work, and Android Auto? Nowhere to be found—despite the car running Google-based software. “Just give me Android Auto!” As Kaufman argued_” This whole system is an exercise in irritation.” Even after logging into his Google account, he’s faced with endless setup tasks. He’s granted what feels like hundreds of permissions, but the car still refuses to read his text messages. Turns out, he has to enable Google Assistant permissions—but only while the car is parked, which he never remembers to do because the issue pops up mid-drive.
Tech Quirks Dull the Drive
Driving the EX30 is similar to flying blind. It feels more like a guess, as there are no traditional gauges behind the wheel. And the constant stream of alerts doesn’t help, especially the “pull over if tired” warning that crops up just as you start the journey. “The laptop fails with the simplest of demands,” remarked Luke Huisman, who is a video editor. There’s real promise here, but it needs polishing before I’d want to take it out again.”
Small Size, Big Appeal
Now, let’s focus on the good points of the EX30.. First off, the size is just right. When moving through regions profusely supplied with a wardrobe of giant EVs, EX30 seems the effortless choice for those who prize compactness, which bestows practicality.
“It’s compact, but not cramped,” noted Kaufman. “I can comfortably fit my wife and 5-year-old without feeling squeezed, and the cargo space handles everyday needs just fine.”
2025 Volvo EX30 Interior: A Creative Touch
Step inside, and you’re met with one of the EX30’s biggest strengths: its interior. Script writer Duncan Brady captured it best: “The cabin feels sustainable, imaginative, and celebratory — it’s hands-down my favorite part of the car. The recycled plastic trim, filled with bits from the factory floor, looks like festive confetti. The seats are both beautifully shaped and seriously comfy. Even the air vents give off retro-cool vibes, like something from an ’80s art-deco organ. And the textured plastic door panels? They look like upcycled art. Are those real metal handles? Impressive.”
We’re still waiting to run the EX30 through our full Edmunds EV Range Test, but on paper, it’s promising. The EPA claims it’ll deliver around 250 miles on a full charge, with an efficiency rating of 31 kWh per 100 miles. We’re excited to see how it performs in real-world conditions — stay tuned for the full report.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volvo EX30 is a designer small EV that endows charm and creativity to its interior design and dimensions. It is a chic alternative to the large electric SUVs out there. Yet, the UI interface and sometimes overly eager driver alerts put it a tad behind the competition. Potentially, with a few refinements in terms of driving dynamics and tech usability, the EX30 could shine like none other in the small EV category; for now, however, it remains a viable option with the possibility of improvement.
Also Read: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Review: An Appealing Monster with Astonishing Power