Used 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Almost everything about the XC40 Recharge is impressive. All-wheel drive is standard; build quality is suitably high for a luxury vehicle; the interior and exterior designs are yet more examples of Volvo’s intelligence and creative talents; the tech is fresh; and the quick responses of the drivetrain make for an entertaining drive.

The one issue is range, the distance traveled on a single full battery charge. The XC40 Recharge is estimated to achieve 223 miles. Every rival can do better, even if just by a couple of miles, as is the case with the Lexus RZ 450e.

As long as potential buyers don’t need a longer range, they might take one look at the Top Safety Pick+ commendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and decide that an electric XC40 Recharge is for them. That’s a perfectly valid call.

The gasoline-powered 2023 Volvo XC40 SUV is reviewed separately.

This is one of the highlights of owning a 2023 XC40 Recharge luxury SUV. Electric motors produce virtually all of their thrust from a standstill, and this Volvo EV supplies a thumping 486 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is swift and responsive.

Nor does it run out of punch at higher speeds, thanks to 402 horsepower. If that amount of muscle was in a combustion-powered car, fuel bills would be high.

The extra weight of a battery pack is offset by placing it below the floor, keeping the XC40 Recharge’s center of gravity nice and low for a feeling of stability. With the added attribute of standard all-wheel drive, the XC40 Recharge can handle shifts in direction and put its power to the ground with great proficiency.

One-pedal driving is another plus point. It’s where the (selectable) level of brake energy regeneration is strong enough to slow the vehicle down without the driver actually having to press the brake pedal. It’s all handled by varying the pressure on the accelerator pedal. It soon becomes second nature and great to have in frenetic city traffic.

Although the XC40 Recharge is supposed to run for 223 miles on a full battery, we would want to find a charger pronto after driving 200 miles in real-world conditions.

Volvo has achieved conflicting objectives with the 2023 XC40 Recharge electric SUV. It has created a relatively generous amount of space in a subcompact footprint. Plenty of storage areas manage to fit within a clean and uncluttered design. And comfort coexists with style and technology.

Also, there’s been no compromise by making this version of the XC40 all-electric. There’s the same amount of space for occupants and cargo as the gasoline-powered counterpart. Actually, this Recharge adds another storage area under the hood, ideal for accommodating the charge cable.

On the subject of space, rear legroom is 36.1 inches. The luggage area measures 16 cubic feet and folding the rear seats down creates 46.9 cubic feet.

For 2023, Volvo now offers tailored wool blend upholstery with the Ultimate trim, for those who would rather not have leather. New colors and wheel designs are also available.

The characteristic T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a design feature in every contemporary Volvo, receive a slightly new look in the 2023 XC40 Recharge SUV.

This change is accompanied by a new frameless grille. Or should that be a frameless/grille-less grille? There isn’t a radiator behind it to cool a combustion engine. Volvo also tweaked the front bumper. Subtle things.

1. 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, and has the ability for over-the-air updates. It also can be controlled using natural speech. Yes, it’s an Android-fest, but standard Apple CarPlay allows the integration of iPhones as well.

2. 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 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge.

3. Removable/folding load floor
It’s always good to come across a feature designed by people who go to the supermarket and grab take-out food, just like the rest of us. Then they apply their knowledge and talent to create a clever item that provides hooks for grocery bags, along with acting as a cargo organizer. Standard at the Plus trim level.

4. Pilot Assist
In tandem with adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist makes small steering inputs to keep the XC40 Recharge in its desired lane. This doesn’t add up to hands-free driving, but cuts down on fatigue during long freeway stretches. It’s standard equipment in the Ultimate trim.

5. Climate pack
This includes a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, headlamp washers, 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.

6. 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 an optional package for the top Ultimate trim.

The full name of this electric vehicle (EV) is the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin AWD. It signifies that two motors are deployed, one for each axle, creating an electronic form of all-wheel drive (AWD). Total output is a muscular 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque.

These motors take their energy from a lithium-ion battery pack. Replenishing this battery to full takes about eight hours with a 240-volt home setup. Every hour adds 30 miles of range. A DC fast charger requires about 40 minutes to bring the battery to 80%.

The maximum range on a single charge is 223 miles. That’s virtually the bottom of this class.

For electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) figures. The ones given here are from 2022, but we don’t anticipate any changes for 2023.

Dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors
402 horsepower
486 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 92/79 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 223 miles