2025 Volvo EX40

New name, but not a new model. The 2025 EX40 takes over from the XC40 Recharge. It makes sense, since the Recharge name was given to fully electric as well as plug-in hybrid versions of Volvo SUVs. Otherwise, it’s business as usual for this small all-electric luxury SUV.

And what a good business that is. The now-EX40 offers all those attributes that are distinctly Volvo — such as handsome styling, lots of safety technology, and remarkable comfort. Factor in electric drivetrains for that silent-yet-rapid progress expected in luxury vehicles, and the EX40 makes a strong argument for itself.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury electric SUVs, including the Volvo EX40.

As well as the change of name, the EX40 now offers a Performance pack, which is a software update for Twin Motor models, raising output by 34 horses for a total of 436 horsepower. In the visuals department, a new Black Edition package becomes available.

The EX40’s starting price is similar to rivals like the Genesis GV60, Audi Q4 e-tron, Mercedes-EQ EQB, and Polestar 2. The Tesla Model Y comes in about $10K lower.

Before buying a new Volvo EX40 electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should pay. The EX40 should enjoy respectable resale values, as it did when it was the XC40 Recharge — slightly stronger than the Q4 e-tron, for example. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The most popular drivetrain, the Twin Motor, has a meaty 402 horsepower (or 436 with this year’s new Performance pack option) enabling a 0-to-60 mph time of a wonderfully quick 4.5 seconds, aided by standard all-wheel drive applying that power to the ground. There are faster electric SUVs, like the Genesis GV60 in Performance trim and an equivalent Tesla Model Y, but this EX40 is easily quick enough in the real world and doesn’t run out of punch at higher speeds.

Volvo cars are renowned for their smooth ride qualities, and we’ve found that the EX40 sticks with this successful approach. The lack of combustion engine also contributes to a serenely quiet cabin. The EX40 makes a fine oasis of calm, regardless of road conditions.

Volvo has achieved conflicting objectives with the EX40 electric SUV. It has created a useful amount of space in a small footprint. Plenty of storage areas manage to fit within a clean and uncluttered design. And comfort coexists with style and technology. Volvo offers tailored wool blend upholstery with the Ultimate trim for those who would rather not have leather. From a purely aesthetic point of view, we like the simple elegance of the EX40’s interior design. We always like those comfy Volvo front seats as well, the answer to any posterior’s prayer.

There’s been no compromise in making this an electric version of the XC40. There’s the same amount of space for occupants and cargo as the gasoline-powered counterpart. Actually, the EX40 adds another storage area under the hood, ideal for accommodating the charging cable.

Rear legroom of 36.1 inches is merely passable. Not as good as the Audi Q4 e-tron’s 37.2 inches or the Tesla Model Y’s 40.5 inches (the Model Y is 6 inches longer, though). The luggage area measures 16 cubic feet. Folding the rear seats down creates 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Again, these figures don’t compare so well with the larger Model Y, but the maximum is better than the Q4 e-tron’s.

Park an EX40 next to a gasoline-powered XC40 and the differences are subtle. The most obvious would be the grille, blanked out on this all-electric version. There’s still the same ground clearance of 8.1 inches (useful in the snow). In general, we like the styling of the EX40 SUV. This year’s Black Edition cosmetics package brings specific exterior paintwork, badges, and alloy wheel finishes — no prizes for guessing the color.

Google built-in
This standard Google-based infotainment system uses Google Maps for navigation, allows users to download other apps from the Google Play store, has the ability for over-the-air updates, and can be controlled using natural speech. Yes, it’s an Android-fest, but standard Apple CarPlay allows the integration of iPhones as well.

Digital driver information display
Exactly what a modern electric car should have, a 12.3-inch configurable display capable of providing all sorts of specialized information. Another standard feature in every new EX40.

One-pedal driving
One-pedal driving is where the (selectable) level of brake energy regeneration is strong enough to slow the vehicle all the way to a stop without the driver actually having to press the brake pedal. It’s all done by varying the pressure on the accelerator pedal. We’ve found that it soon becomes second nature and is great to have in frenetic city traffic.

Pilot Assist
We’ve logged hundreds of reduced-effort highway miles using Volvo’s Pilot Assist system, cruising comfortably with our feet off the pedals and a ready hand on the wheel.

Climate pack
This includes a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and a heat pump (transferring warmth from the drivetrain into the cabin). It’s an optional bundle for the Core and Plus models, or standard with the Ultimate version.

Pixel technology headlights with active bending lights
Multiple LEDs provide superb and safe illumination yet won’t dazzle other drivers. Active bending lights move with the steering to shine into the next corner. These features are standard in the top Ultimate trim.

The Twin Motor version of the 2025 EX40 has a maximum range of 254 miles, which compares well against the Audi Q4 e-tron with all-wheel drive (236 miles) and isn’t far off the Genesis GV60 (264 miles). Using a DC fast charger to take the battery from 10% to 80%, charging time is around 37 minutes. That’s on the slower side of typical.

The Single Motor version can go for 293 miles. That’s really good, better than most rivals. And it charges from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes (on a DC fast charger).

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Volvo’s new-vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. These terms are all typical for the luxury electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Safety Ratings

When it was called the XC40 Recharge, this SUV received a Top Safety Pick+ commendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Like every other Volvo, the EX40 comes with a comprehensive set of driver assistance features as standard.