Nathan has logged hundreds of mountain-driving miles in the previous Volvo XC40 Recharge EV, and he’s here to tell you that the 2024 version delivers the goods. It’s a sweet marriage of sleek Swedish design, taut yet smooth handling, wicked acceleration, and functional utility. Whew! That’s a lot going on for such a small crossover. And that’s why it’s such a special EV.
The XC40 Recharge here is roughly the same size as a Mini Countryman and Chevy Bolt EUV. In other words, tiny. Yet, climb inside, and the driver and passengers don’t feel cramped. In fact, Nathan, at 6 feet tall, can sit easily in the 2nd row behind his driver’s seat position. That’s unusual for almost any crossover this size. Like IKEA furniture, the XC40 is a master of small interior space.
The XC40 EV comes in two flavors: a rear-wheel drive version with the larger 82 kWh battery good for a claimed 290+ mile range and the twin motor all-wheel drive model we tested with a 78 kWh battery and a listed 254-mile range.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Sports Car?
The Recharge’s twin-motor all-wheel-drive system puts out 402 hp and a diesel-truck-like 494 lb-ft. Torque. Mash the accelerator, and the Recharge takes off. Handling has a welcome Euro tautness to it that Volvo was able to combine with a smooth, comfortable ride. And this gets to why we love this EV. It’s practical, fast, and fun to drive. Unlike the Chevy Bolt, the Tesla Model 3, or Model Y, it’s not a simple, speedy errand-runner.
That’s not to say this Volvo’s perfect. It’s pricey. The rear-drive model starts at $54,000. The all-wheel drive Ultimate Nathan tested clocks in at $61,000. Worse, the Recharge no longer qualifies for the $7,500 federal rebate. While we love driving the XC40 Recharge, those prices are a lot to ask for a tiny crossover, especially one that can’t claim “class leader” in any category.
Other quibbles: there’s not a lot of cargo room left if carrying four passengers. The climate controls are only accessible through the touchscreen, which is problematic if you wear gloves on a cold morning. And Nathan, in particular, hates that there’s no Start/Stop button. The car turns on and off automatically based on the presence of the key fob.
Click on the video below and take a look for yourself.
