Volvo EX40

Perry Stern from J.D. Power highlights the 2025 Volvo EX40 as a compelling electric compact SUV that blends strong performance with premium comfort and advanced technology. Stern expresses clear enthusiasm for the EX40’s powerful twin-motor drivetrain, smooth and agile handling, and efficient energy use, noting it delivers an unexpectedly fun driving experience for its segment. The review praises the minimalist yet stylish interior, comfortable supportive seats, and the well-integrated Google Built-in infotainment system, though it points out some usability drawbacks like the lack of physical climate controls and split-screen functionality. Stern also emphasizes Volvo’s commitment to safety with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features and solid crash-test ratings. While the EX40’s rear middle-seat legroom is limited due to battery packaging, and the infotainment home screen could be more informative, the overall tone is positive and confident, portraying the EX40 as a well-rounded, practical, and enjoyable electric SUV that stands out in a competitive market.

Jack Fitzgerald from Car and Driver highlights the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra as a stylish and sophisticated electric SUV that maintains the solid fundamentals of its predecessor despite a name change. Praising its luxurious ride quality, refined Scandinavian interior, and improved on-paper range, Fitzgerald notes the EX40’s quick acceleration and competent handling, though it falls short of being sporty or dynamic. The review appreciates the vehicle’s comfortable driving position and user-friendly Google-based infotainment system but criticizes the lack of physical controls and unimpressive EPA range estimates, especially compared to some rivals. Charging performance is decent but not groundbreaking. Overall, Fitzgerald conveys a balanced, moderately positive sentiment: the EX40 remains a compelling, well-rounded electric SUV that hasn’t evolved significantly but retains its core strengths, making it a sound choice for those valuing style and comfort over outright sportiness or cutting-edge range.

Autocar highlights the Volvo EX40 as a sensible, well-packaged electric SUV that builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the XC40 Recharge, with a refreshed name aligning it to Volvo’s electric lineup. The review conveys a moderately positive and measured tone, appreciating the EX40’s premium feel, comfortable and practical interior, and strong long-distance refinement. While the infotainment system is praised for its intuitiveness, it is noted as somewhat dated compared to rivals. Performance is solid, especially in the powerful Twin Motor variant, though the driving experience is described as safe and controlled rather than exciting. Real-world range falls short of official claims, particularly in colder conditions, and the EX40 faces stiff competition from rivals offering longer range, more advanced tech, or greater practicality. Nonetheless, Autocar values the EX40’s charm, reliability, and market positioning, recommending it as a worthy contender for buyers seeking a balanced, family-friendly electric SUV.

Oliver Young from What Car? highlights the Volvo EX40 as a refined and practical electric SUV with a high-quality interior and competitive range, especially favoring the Single Motor Extended Range model for its balance of performance and efficiency. The review praises the car’s comfortable front seats, premium materials, and intuitive voice assistant, while noting the infotainment system’s fiddly touchscreen as a drawback. Driving dynamics are described as smooth but somewhat uninspiring, with a choppy ride and vague steering limiting agility compared to rivals. The Twin Motor version offers impressive acceleration but at a higher price and weight penalty. The EX40 scores well on safety and reliability, with strong warranty coverage and advanced driver aids. While the boot space and interior storage are practical, rear seat flexibility is limited. Overall, the review conveys a measured enthusiasm, appreciating the EX40’s strengths in comfort, quality, and safety, but tempering excitement due to its ride and handling compromises.

Top Gear Team praises the Volvo EX40 as a sensible and well-rounded family electric SUV that impresses especially in its Twin Motor variant with exhilarating performance and refined handling. The review highlights the model’s thoughtful design, solid build quality, and smooth ride, noting that it avoids many typical electric vehicle compromises thanks to its dedicated EV architecture. While the EX40’s interior is described as decent but arguably not quite premium enough to fully justify its relatively high price, the generous standard equipment and practical features—such as keyless entry activated by driver presence—add value. The range options and charging speeds are practical and competitive, with the Single Motor Extended Range offering a strong balance of real-world range and usability. Overall, the EX40 is positioned as a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish, capable electric family car, though its cost may feel steep for a compact SUV. The review conveys a tone of measured enthusiasm, appreciating the car’s strengths while acknowledging its trade-offs.

Shane Wilkinson from DrivingElectric highlights the Volvo EX40 as a refined and practical electric SUV that builds on the well-established XC40 Recharge platform. He appreciates its spaciousness, solid safety credentials, and the user-friendly Google-based infotainment system, noting that mid-range Core and Plus trims offer strong value without needing to stretch to the costly Ultra version. The Twin Motor variant impresses with robust 402bhp performance and respectable range, though Wilkinson suggests the Single Motor rear-wheel-drive model will suit most buyers. While the EX40 is not the most engaging drive and carries a hefty price tag, it remains a comfortable, well-equipped family electric SUV in a fiercely competitive market. The review balances praise for its refinement and tech with candid observations about its limited practicality and driving dynamics, offering a thoughtful, measured perspective rather than unreserved enthusiasm.

Zach Gale from MotorTrend highlights the 2025 Volvo EX40 as a refined evolution of the XC40 Recharge, featuring key upgrades like a new dual-motor setup, battery improvements, and subtle cosmetic tweaks. The EX40 delivers solid handling, acceleration, and infotainment performance, making it an appealing small luxury electric SUV. However, Gale notes that its relatively short driving range and average charging speeds limit its competitiveness in the crowded EV market. While the EX40’s design offers a more traditional SUV presence compared to the smaller EX30, it still feels like a rebadged model in need of a full redesign to truly stand out. Gale suggests that buyers consider the EX30 as a compelling alternative, given its lower price, decent range, and comparable quickness. Overall, the review balances praise for the EX40’s strengths with measured criticism of its limitations, reflecting cautious optimism about its place among luxury electric SUVs.

Mario Christou from Carwow highlights the Volvo EX40 as a stylish and practical electric SUV that offers a premium family car experience with a comfortable, spacious interior and solid safety credentials. While the EX40 impresses with its refined motorway cruising, quiet cabin, and well-equipped trims, it shows its age compared to newer rivals, especially in interior design and infotainment usability. The driving experience is smooth but uninspiring on twisty roads, with noticeable body lean and unsettled handling on rough surfaces, particularly with larger wheels. Range and charging performance are competitive, though not class-leading. Pricing places it alongside premium competitors like the Audi Q4 e-tron, but the EX40’s dated cabin and less engaging dynamics may make it less appealing to those seeking a sportier or more modern-feeling EV. Overall, the EX40 is a handsome, comfortable, and safe choice for daily driving and motorway journeys, but it lacks the excitement and cutting-edge flair of some rivals.

John Velasco from Tom’s Guide highlights the 2025 Volvo EX40 as a solid, safety-focused electric SUV with a balanced blend of power, design, and practicality. He praises its elegant Scandinavian styling, spacious interior, and notably strong 408 hp performance that delivers responsive acceleration and confident highway driving. The EX40’s safety features and visible blind spot indicators stand out as key strengths, reinforcing Volvo’s reputation for reliability. However, Velasco expresses clear reservations about the vehicle’s relatively high price point and its lack of premium features compared to competitors like the Nissan Ariya and Genesis GV60. He also critiques the outdated touchscreen interface and the awkwardly positioned backup camera, which detract from the overall user experience. While efficiency dipped slightly during winter testing, he suspects better performance in warmer conditions. Overall, Velasco’s tone is measured and appreciative, recommending the EX40 primarily for buyers who prioritize safety and minimalist design over cutting-edge tech or maximum range.