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Sometimes, a car gets some things right, but doesn't quite do enough to earn an overall positive rating. The Volvo EX30 is one of those cars. It makes tons of great choices, but it failed to leave enough of an impression for Volvo to continue production here in the US. Despite that, I really liked the little crossover EV, in spite of the fact I was compelled to point out its flaws in our review. Here, you'll find the opposite.
The Volvo EX30 Is Just The Right Size
For the right kind of person, the EX30 is the Goldilocks size. It has five seats and a trunk, but it's also small enough to live with in tight city streets. Living in one such city, I found the Volvo no more difficult to maneuver and park than my own MX-5 Miata, a car most consider to be microscopic. No, it's not great for families, but the EX30's compact size does make it great for single folks or couples who don't often need to carry large items. The trunk is just big enough for some weekend toys, at 12.5 cubic feet, but without leaving you with a ton of extra car to haul around.
Volvo Nailed The EX30's Design
The EX30's design is a real highlight, and something that didn't get discussed enough when the car was launched. It's your typical Swedish minimalism, but CrossCountry models in particular have a little more zest to them. The front grille boasts a fun topographic map-like motif, and there are fun (and useful) Easter eggs throughout. One shows how typical items like golf clubs, furniture, and more fit in the trunk.
The EX30 CrossCountry Is Staggeringly Quick
There's nowhere more fun to drive the top-tier CrossCountry model than on a dirt road. With 450 horsepower and instantaneous torque, the EX30 is a riot. I loved the way it would spin up all four wheels when launched off-road. In the absence of fake gear shifts and engine noise, the EX30 is still lots of fun to drive. It responded well to my inputs, and off-road, the all-terrain tires give you some serious grip.
All Sorts Of Cool Materials Were Used
Materials selection can make or break a car, and this was something Volvo really hit out of the park in the EX30. Some of these materials, like the textured plastic door cards, were made of recycled plastics. They looked great, and more automakers are following Volvo in using recycled materials in their interiors. EX30s came with fun interior colors, too, like this green. The mix of cloth, (fake) leather, and some interesting textures made the EX30's interior a visually interesting place to spend some time.
The Sound System Rips
Volvo is one of only a few automakers that will let you make your own equalizer settings, and the optional Harmon Kardon sound system is all the better for it. Given the model's $48,000 price point, I was blown away by the sound quality. The level of clarity and texture came through in the mids, highs, and lows without issue.
