2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country Review
The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country is Volvo’s most affordable electric SUV with added rugged design and light off-road capability. Based on the standard EX30, the Cross Country version adds unique styling, taller stance, and all-terrain tires while keeping strong performance and premium features.
Battery, Performance, and Driving Specs
The EX30 Cross Country comes only in the high-performance dual-motor configuration.
Key Performance Details:
69 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Dual-motor all-wheel drive
Power output: 422 horsepower
Torque: Around 400 lb-ft
0–60 mph time: Around 3.4 to 3.5 seconds
Volvo’s quickest accelerating production model
Real-world driving confirms very strong instant acceleration
Single-Motor Variant (Standard EX30):
Rear-wheel drive
Power: 268 horsepower
0–60 mph: About 5.1 seconds
Same 69 kWh battery with about 64 kWh usable
Real-World Range and Charging
Range depends on the version you choose.
Estimated Electric Range:
Cross Country dual motor: 203 to 227 miles
Single-motor rear-wheel drive version: Up to 261 miles
Charging Details:
CCS charging port
Maximum DC fast charging speed: Approx. 150 kW
Not yet upgraded to NACS charging port
Exterior Design Highlights
The Cross Country version gets several unique rugged design upgrades compared to the standard EX30.
Front-End Differences:
Matte black closed grille
Topographical map-style detailing in grille
Silver skid-style lower accents
Slightly increased ground clearance
Lighting System:
Full LED headlamps
Thor’s Hammer pixel-style LED signature
Premium LED tail lamps, brake lamps, and amber indicators
Side Profile Features:
18-inch alloy wheels with matte black finish
Arrow-style wheel inserts
All-terrain tires for improved grip
Blacked-out roof as standard
Gloss black frameless mirrors
Heated mirrors with blind spot monitoring and auto-dimming
Black window surrounds
Cross Country badge on quarter panel
Avalanche-Style Details:
Extra cladding around wheel arches
Roof rack available as an accessory
Exterior Dimensions:
Overall length: 166.7 inches
Smaller than Volvo XC40 and XC60
Paint Options:
Sand Dune color shown
Total exterior color options: 5
Towing and Safety
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,527 lbs
Standard Safety Features:
All active safety systems are standard, including:
Collision avoidance systems
Lane keep assist
Blind spot monitoring
Emergency braking
Ultra trim adds additional safety and convenience features.
Interior Design and Materials
Volvo focused heavily on sustainability and minimalism inside the cabin.
Seat Upholstery Options:
Nordico faux leather and textile combination
Wool blend option at no extra cost
Seat Adjustments:
10-way power adjustment via a single control
Memory seats controlled through the touchscreen
Cabin Materials:
Recycled and sustainable materials used widely
Soft-touch dashboard surfaces
Textured center trim elements
Piano black accents
Unique Layout Highlights:
No traditional start button
Foot on brake and shift into gear to start
Column-mounted shifter
Floating-style door armrests
Center-mounted glove box
Storage and Practicality
Despite the compact size, storage is highly optimized.
Center Console Features:
Dual sliding cup holders
Can switch between:
Two cup holders
One cup holder
Fully open pass-through space
Smart Storage Features:
Hidden storage compartment in center console
USB ports inside storage area
Wireless phone charging pad
Pass-through storage to rear passengers
Other Storage Areas:
Large door pockets
Removable rear storage bin
Frunk available in front
Technology and Infotainment
Nearly everything is controlled through the central touchscreen.
Display System:
12.3-inch touchscreen (standard)
Digital gauge cluster displayed at the top of the screen
Main infotainment in the middle
Climate controls at the bottom
Audio System:
9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system
Full-width dashboard soundbar design
Connectivity:
Google built-in system
Google Maps native navigation
Google Assistant
Google Play Store
Comfort Features:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated steering wheel
Heated front seats (3-stage)
No ventilated seats
Camera Systems:
360-degree camera
Parking assist
Glass Roof:
Large fixed panoramic glass sunroof
Rear Seat Space and Comfort
This is one of the smallest SUVs in Volvo’s lineup.
Rear Seat Dimensions:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Legroom | 32.3 inches |
| Headroom | 38 inches |
Rear Seat Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Comfortable cushioning
Premium door materials
Cons:
No center armrest
No rear air vents
No reclining function
No heated rear seats
Rear Passenger Features:
USB ports
Rear window switches
Small storage cubbies
Cargo Capacity and Dimensions
Cargo space is limited due to the compact size.
Cargo Volume:
Behind second row: Around 12 cubic feet
With seats folded: Around 32 cubic feet
Cargo Measurements:
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Cargo length | 62 inches |
| Opening width | 39 inches |
| Height | 24 inches |
| Load-in height | 30 inches |
Underfloor Storage:
Additional hidden storage
Suitable for charging cables
Driving Experience
Acceleration:
Extremely fast for its size
Strong instant electric torque
Capable of pushing passengers back in their seats
Cabin Noise:
Measured sound level: 56.5 dB at 55 mph
Minimal tire noise despite all-terrain tires
Light wind noise at highway speeds
Ride Comfort:
Smooth ride even over bumps
All-terrain tires improve road comfort
Seats offer excellent long-drive comfort
Handling:
Agile and easy to maneuver
Slight body roll due to taller ride height
Low center of gravity from battery placement
Pricing and Variants
US Pricing Overview:
| Variant | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Single motor RWD | $38,950 |
| Cross Country AWD | $48,150 |
Actual on-road pricing may approach $50,000 depending on configuration.
Resale Value and Reliability
Estimated Resale Value:
| Time / Mileage | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 5 years / 60,000 miles | 42.5% of MSRP |
| 10 years / 120,000 miles | 12.5% of MSRP |
Resale is below industry average but slightly better than some German luxury brands.
Reliability Rating:
Volvo ranked below industry average based on combined reliability studies
Warranty Coverage
Warranty Details:
Basic warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance: 2 years / 20,000 miles
Final Verdict
The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country is a compact electric SUV that delivers exceptional performance, premium interior quality, and clever space utilization. It is best suited for buyers who want a fast, stylish, city-friendly electric SUV with light adventure capability. Buyers looking for long-range EVs or large cargo space may find better alternatives, but for urban luxury EV buyers, this remains one of the most exciting small electric SUVs currently available.
