The EX40 is the new name for Volvo’s XC40 Recharge as Volvo updates its naming strategy to better differentiate between traditional gas-powered vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric vehicles. If the EX40 seems very similar to the XC40 Recharge, it’s because it is. While the new EX40 gets a slightly larger range and quicker fast-charging speed, it has the same classy and comfortable cabin, smooth ride, and many standard features and tech as the outgoing model.
Base Price: $60,750
As Tested: $62,045
Horsepower: 402
Mileage: 103 MPGe city/85 MPGe highway/94 MPGe combined
The original XC40 Recharge debuted for the 2021 model year, and has seen increases in its range since then as well as some exterior and interior tweak. For 2025, Volvo says the EX40 has improved range and charging times relative to previous generations of the XC40 Recharge.
The five-passenger EX40 comes in two models, one with a single-motor, an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery and rear-wheel drive, and the other with two motors, an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery and all-wheel-drive. Both setups have a single-speed automatic transmission.
Each model comes in three trims: Core, Plus and Ultra. The single-motor trims start at $52,500, $53,300 and $59,000, respectively. The dual-motor models start at $54,250, $57,050, and $60,750.
The single-motor powertrain has a total output of 248 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with a range of up to 296 miles. The dual-motor setup makes 402 horses and 494 pound-feet and has a range of up to 260 miles. You can boost horsepower by 34 to 436 total with an available Performance Pack software upgrade.
Both powertrains deliver lively performance. Like most EVs, the EX40 is quick from a stop. Volvo says the single-motor models can go from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, while the dual-motor models can do it in 4.6 seconds. There’s also plenty of punch at highway speeds for merging and passing. Steering can be a little light and there is some body roll when cornering. You can set the braking to normal or one-pedal driving to maximize range. Volvos are known for having a smooth ride, and the EX40 doesn’t disappoint with the suspension soaking up rough roads and all but the largest bumps. The cabin is also very quiet, with no engine noise, of course. Visibility is good all the way around.
With DC fast charging, Volvo says the battery can go from zero to 80% in 28 minutes. Using a Level 2 charger, it can take 8 to 12 hours for a full charge.
Fuel economy is the same or similar to the 2024 XC40 Recharge. EPA ratings for the single-motor models are 118 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) city and 95 MPGe highway with a combined rating of 106 MPGe. Dual-motor models get 103 MPGe city, 85 MPGe highway and 94 MPGe combined.
When properly equipped, the EX40 can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
The cabin is elegant with clean Scandinavian design touches and high-end materials. But there’s no leather – rather, the upholstery is made of smooth Microtech synthetic and partially recycled materials, while the carpets include repurposed plastics. While the EX40 is one of the tiniest luxury EV crossovers, it’s surprisingly spacious. Front seats are comfortable and supportive with good leg- and headroom. The second row can technically fit five, which would be tight for adults, but four average-size adults will be fine there. A vertically oriented, google-based touchscreen is on the dash.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, heated front seats, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with nine-inch touchscreen, navigation, eight-speaker audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice recognition, wireless phone charging, ambient interior lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and matte black roof rails.
Available features include a surround-view camera system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heat pump, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, universal garage door opener, air purifier, power outlet, adaptive headlights, automatic high-beam headlights, glossy black roof rails, and a panoramic moonroof.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, oncoming traffic mitigation, pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist (Volvo’s semi-autonomous system that keeps the vehicle in its lane and maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front), and front and side parking sensors.
The google-based Infotainment system with its nine-inch vertically oriented screen isn’t the biggest among rivals and the icons are small, which can make it challenging to aim for them while driving. But the screen looks good and is easy to use. There’s a handy home button at the bottom of the screen and knobs for volume and tuning. The climate settings can be adjusted with little touch icons at the bottom of the screen, but again, it can be challenging to aim at them while driving.
Cargo space is good for a small EV. There are 16 cubic feet of space with both rows of seating in place, and a respectable 57.5 cubes with the second row folded. There are hooks in the rear cargo area you can use to keep things like grocery bags in place. A power liftgate is standard. There’s a small frunk (front trunk) which is a great place to store the charging cable. In the glovebox, there’s an extremely handy hook that folds out that you can use to hang your takeout bag so that your food doesn’t spill on the way home. Genius!
The good:
Decent range
Quick acceleration, especially with dual-motor setup
Elegant and surprisingly roomy cabin
Many standard and available features and tech
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Icons on infotainment system are small and can be tough to reach while driving
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $60,750. The destination charge is $1,295, bringing the grand total to $62,045.
Bottom line:
The EX40 gets a new name for 2025 but keeps just about everything that made the XC40 a top choice among small luxury EVs. The EX40 has handsome looks, quick acceleration, zippy driving dynamics, an elegant and comfortable cabin, decent range and lots of standard features and tech.
