Volvo Plans Two New SUVs as EX30 Replacement and Bigger XC90 Rival Take Shape
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Volvo is preparing to expand its SUV lineup again. During a recent media roundtable, Volvo executives, including CEO Håkan Samuelsson, hinted at two important new models for global markets and the U.S.
One will sit at the affordable end of the lineup as a replacement for the discontinued EX30 in America. The other could become Volvo’s biggest SUV yet, positioned above the current Volvo XC90 and aimed directly at large luxury SUVs like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The company also confirmed that its South Carolina plant will play a major role in future SUV production.
Volvo EX30 Replacement Already in Development
Volvo says a new entry level SUV is “coming soon” and will effectively replace the Volvo EX30 in the U.S. market.
The EX30 had a short run in America. It arrived as Volvo’s most affordable EV with a starting price of around $40,345 for the single motor version. It was also cheaper than the gasoline powered Volvo XC40.
Still, Volvo pulled the EX30 from the U.S. lineup after only two model years. The company faced pressure from import tariffs and the removal of the federal EV tax credit. That combination made the small electric SUV difficult to price competitively.
According to Volvo executives, the replacement model will target a “similar price point.” Reports also suggest this upcoming SUV may replace the XC40 based EX40 EV as well. Volvo could even reuse the EX40 naming structure for the new model.
At this stage, Volvo has not revealed the platform, battery details, or official launch timeline. More information is expected in the coming months.
Bigger Than the XC90? Volvo May Launch a New Flagship SUV
The second SUV discussed during the roundtable sounds even more important for Volvo’s future in North America.
Samuelsson described it as a “family oriented, bigger car” that would be built at Volvo’s South Carolina factory. That strongly points toward a full size three row SUV positioned above the current XC90.
Right now, Volvo’s largest SUV offerings include the Volvo XC90 and the fully electric Volvo EX90. A larger model would help Volvo compete more directly in the growing full size luxury SUV segment in the U.S.
Possible rivals could include:
| Model | Segment |
|---|---|
| BMW X7 | Full size luxury SUV |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS | Full size luxury SUV |
| Cadillac Escalade | Large luxury SUV |
| Lexus TX | Premium family SUV |
Volvo also confirmed the upcoming SUV will offer multiple powertrain options instead of going fully electric only. That detail matters because the American market still shows strong demand for hybrids and plug in hybrids, especially in larger family vehicles.
Extended Range Plug In Hybrid Could Arrive
One interesting detail from the discussion involved Volvo’s next generation plug in hybrid system.
Samuelsson hinted that an extended range plug in hybrid setup, similar to the China market Volvo XC70, could work well in the U.S. market too.
The new system would reportedly focus more on electric driving while using the gasoline engine mainly as a backup power source. That approach sounds similar to range extended EV systems that several automakers are now exploring again.
For buyers, it could solve one major problem. You get long electric driving capability for daily use without worrying about charging infrastructure during road trips. In simple terms, it is the “have your cake and eat it too” setup automakers love to promise.
Volvo has already announced plans to build a new hybrid vehicle at its South Carolina plant before 2030. That timeline gives a rough clue about when this bigger SUV could finally arrive.
Volvo’s SUV Strategy Is Clearly Expanding
Volvo’s latest comments show the brand is not slowing down its SUV push anytime soon.
The company appears to be working on:
- A new affordable EV SUV to replace the EX30
- A possible replacement for the EX40 EV
- A larger flagship SUV above the XC90
- New generation plug in hybrid technology for North America
At the same time, Volvo continues balancing EVs and hybrids instead of rushing into an EV only lineup. That strategy now looks smarter than it did two years ago, especially in markets where charging infrastructure and EV demand remain uneven.
More official details about both SUVs are expected later this year.
Sources and References
Official Volvo Sources
- Volvo Cars USA Official Website
Official U.S. Volvo website with SUV lineup, pricing, specs, hybrid and EV details. - 2026 Volvo XC90 Official Page
Official XC90 details including pricing, features, powertrain options, and family SUV information. - Volvo USA Media Room
Official newsroom with press releases, future product announcements, and U.S. market updates. - Volvo Cars Global Newsroom
Global Volvo press and corporate announcements covering upcoming models and EV strategy.
Trusted Automotive Media Sources
- Car and Driver Volvo SUV Report
Detailed report covering Volvo’s upcoming EX30 replacement and larger SUV plans. - Car and Driver Volvo Lineup Guide
Complete Volvo model lineup with reviews, pricing, specs, and U.S. market rankings. - Motor1 Volvo Future Models Report
Covers Volvo’s future vehicle roadmap including upcoming EVs and hybrid SUVs. - Reuters Volvo EX60 Demand Report
Reuters coverage focused on EX60 demand, production, and Volvo’s EV expansion plans. - MotorTrend Volvo SUV Strategy Report
Explains Volvo’s changing SUV and EV strategy in the North American market.
Additional Useful References
- 2026 Volvo XC40 Review by Car and Driver
Useful for pricing and segment comparison related to the EX30 replacement discussion. - Volvo Editors’ Choice Awards Press Release
Official Volvo U.S. press release highlighting award-winning SUV models. - Automotive World Volvo Hybrid Update
Industry publication covering Volvo’s hybrid technology and software updates.
