We did not plan for the 2026 Volvo EX30 to join the garage. However, it’s here now, and we’re looking forward to it. This car replaces a 2024 Polestar 2 RWD that we got three months ago. Why? That 2 was declared a total loss after a Ford SUV rear-ended my partner while commuting in gridlock traffic on his way home—an unfortunate end for a sports sedan we loved and a favorite here. Thankfully, we found a suitable replacement in the EX30, Volvo’s smallest crossover SUV…if you believe the marketing and/or positioning.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: this is a hatchback with a very, very mild lift. Volvo may call the 2026 EX30 an SUV, but once you see it and drive it, you realize its true nature. We have a lot planned for this little Belgian-born Swede. From the daily commute to Palm Springs and/or San Diego outings, we’re ready to test this little guy. It may be in its final year in the U.S., but that won’t stop us from telling you all about it, especially after so many over-the-air software updates with more on the way.
2026 Volvo EX30: What We Got
The specific example we picked up is the standard EX30. You can also get a Cross Country variant of the EX30, but its EPA-estimated driving range rating drops from 253 miles to 227. It drops to 203 miles if you opt for the accessory 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Every EX30 comes generously equipped with many standard features on the Plus trim. This includes the nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, power front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a full suite of driver assistance technologies. Additionally, we chose the range-topping Ultra trim. That adds goodies like Pilot Assist, automatic parking, a surround-view camera, and an expanded driver assistance tech suite. We also got the Climate package, which adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for $500.
Unfortunately, going with the Ultra trim locked us out of the rear-drive single-motor model. That powertrain setup only comes on the base Plus model. Going Ultra immediately makes dual-motor AWD standard. We’re not complaining, though, because that gives us a ridiculous 422 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the EPA-estimated driving range rating doesn’t drop much at 253 miles. That’s down 8 miles versus the single-motor model’s 261.
In total, our car had a sticker price of $49,200. That includes a couple of accessories like a shade for the glass roof, all-weather mats, and an NACS-to-CCS adapter.
A Good First Impression
One month in, the EX30 has made a solid first impression. Its size makes it easy to dart around the busy urban and suburban roads of Los Angeles. Additionally, the pint-sized Volvo hatch feels right at home at highway speeds, solid and planted.
We’re looking forward to our ownership experience with it. Will the annoying driver assistance features make us go crazy? Is the EPA driving range rating accurate? Is it game for spontaneous drives out to San Diego and Palm Springs? How much can we stuff in it? We’ll answer all of that and then some, so stay tuned!
