Volvo EX30 or electric Volvo XC40, which is the best choice?

Two electric SUVs from Volvo, which superficially look quite similar. However, there is a significant price difference. The cheapest Volvo EX30 costs 36,795 euros, while the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric Single Motor must fetch at least 45,995 euros.

The XC40 is therefore 9,200 euros more expensive than the EX30 in basic trim. The difference with the Volvo EX30 Extended Range is 4500 euros. Both cars are eligible for a purchase subsidy of 2,950 euros. This is because the subsidy is paid out on the basis of the tax value, which is just below the limit of 45 grand for the basic version of the XC40 at 44,830 euros.

We will not include the Volvo XC40 Single Motor Extended Range in this comparison. With a starting price of 51,495 euros (tax value 50,330 euros), it is much more expensive than the EX30, especially because it is also not eligible for the SEPP.

Price and performance: EX30 best choice

If we look at the price and performance, the Volvo EX30 Extended Range seems to be the best choice. It offers the greatest range, accelerates the fastest and has a heat pump on board as standard. Moreover, it has the highest towing weight.

We would, however, tick one extra from the options list: the climate package worth 360 euros. That includes seat and steering wheel heating. These facilities add a lot of comfort and the fiscal value remains neatly below the subsidy limit of 45,000 euros.

Volvo XC40 better family car than EX30

On the other side of the coin we see the smaller external dimensions of the Volvo EX30. They return unabated to the interior space. The legroom in the back in particular is a lot more limited than in the XC40. The trunk is also smaller; that saves more than 100 liters. That makes the Volvo XC40 the best family car of this pair.

Better operation Volvo XC40

In addition, there are a number of taste matters in which the XC40 has an advantage over the EX30. The most important concerns the instruments. In the XC40 you have a relatively traditional dashboard with a ‘clock shop’ with the most important information in front of the driver.

In the EX30 you have to turn your gaze to the large infotainment on the right for all the information, because there is no head-up display available. That smacks of austerity. The same applies to the window controls. In the EX30 this is done via centrally located switches in the center armrest. On the XC40 they are neatly located in the door panels.

The fact that the EX30 has the transmission lever on the steering wheel, and not on the center tunnel, like the XC40, takes some getting used to, but otherwise works fine.

Equipment EX30 and XC40

The Volvo EX30 in the base Core version comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and single-zone climate control. The infotainment screen has a diameter of 12.3 inches. In the entry-level XC40 (Essential) you get a smaller (9-inch) touchscreen, but larger wheels (19 inches) and automatic air conditioning with two climate zones.

Finally, we would like to mention that the Volvo EX30 is currently only built in China, while the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric is produced in Europe.

Conclusion: choice depends on family situation

Are you a maximum of two people or do you still have small children? Then the Volvo EX30 is objectively the better choice. You will then receive the interior with its less user-friendly features as a gift. Do you have growing children and do you also want to go on holiday with your EV? Then the Volvo EX30 will quickly be too small and we would opt for the XC40, although you will have to dig a little deeper into your wallet.

If road tax is indeed levied based on weight in 2026, the XC40 will also become more expensive in monthly costs.