2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country First Drive Review + Video

The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country marks a return to funky form for the brand, which has been offering more rugged versions of its vehicles for decades.

In the case of this EX30, however, it’s the first time the treatment has been applied to one of Volvo’s electric vehicles (EVs). The result is interesting if nothing else, with this subcompact crossover looking a little more adventurous while remaining as sleek and modern as the standard version. However, range suffers as a result — and it only gets worse with the right tires for the job.

Less Country, More Cross

There’s a case to be made that Volvo’s designers could’ve leaned into the Cross Country aesthetic even more with this all-new version of the EX30. As it stands, it has to be among the most subtle applications in the treatment’s nearly 30-year history, having made its debut in 1998.

Unpainted plastic panels adorn the front and rear ends, making them the biggest differentiators between this and the standard version of the EX30. While the piece on the back is simple and plain, the one up front has a subtle topographic map moulded into it along with the coordinates for the Kebnekaise mountain range in northern Sweden — a nice nod to the brand’s birthplace.

Otherwise, the Cross Country wordmark is hidden in a few places — high up on the pillars behind the back doors, and down low on the back bumper — plus there are some narrow wheel arch mouldings, but that’s about it. Even the ride height is barely taller than the model it’s based on, with just a 19-mm (0.75-in) lift compared to the regular EX30.

Rugged Looks Lack Range

One way to bolster its image is to opt for the available 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, although doing so comes with a fairly significant range penalty. Because while every EX30 uses the same 69-kWh battery pack (65-kWh usable) that’s good for as much as an estimated 420 km with rear-wheel drive — and 407 km with four-wheel traction — it amounts to just 327 km with the Cross Country treatment applied.

The 19-inch wheels seen here that come with street-specific all-season tires mean a range of 365 km, which is at least a little less worrying. It’s also a number that seems well within reach, although surpassing it might prove challenging, with this test turning in numbers nearly identical to the EX30 Cross Country’s official Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) figures.

Of course, it comes with a pair of electric motors and all-wheel drive as a result, just as any Cross Country model should. And since such a setup underneath the EX30 is only offered in high-output guise, at least for the time being, the results are numbers that could make most sports car owners blush. A total of 422 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque is produced by the system, which means a claimed zero-to-100 km/h time of just 3.8 seconds.

There’s no sense in doubting it, either, considering how quickly this little crossover takes off when prodded. Unleashed on a loose surface like gravel, the EX30 will happily — and hilariously — wriggle and squirm as it surges ahead, the tires fighting for traction along the way. No, that’s not exactly what this Volvo is meant for, but it’s enough to make it more of a trail-running shoe to its predecessors' hiking-boot personas.

Fundamentals and Flaws

It’ll still do all the stuff an EV like it is meant to, including offering one-pedal drive modes that have been tweaked to be better defined than before. There are now three settings instead of two, with high- and low levels of aggression, or the system can be shut off entirely. (The same changes will be pushed through to existing EX30s via an over-the-air update, according to Volvo.)

The steering feel can be adjusted, too, although that’s a misnomer considering how vague the system is. Instead, the resistance can be ratcheted up — or down — as required, adjusting the amount of input that’s needed to change directions. And, indeed, this Volvo does so in a hurry, which is a credit to the quick ratio of the steering as well as the stubby wheelbase it rides on.

The suspension has supposedly been tweaked for a softer tune, resulting in a slightly more plush ride, although big bumps and heaves in the surface below can still be jarring. That’s at least the case with the larger 19-inch wheels, which come wrapped in tires with a relatively short sidewall of 50 mm (2.0 in). But beyond a bit of excess road and wind noise, which is attributable to the near-silent electric powertrain, the EX30 Cross Country is a pleasant little crossover to drive.

A Cool — but Cozy — Cabin

Volvo’s designers deployed some clever tricks to create a cool cabin, some of which is rooted in sustainability, and some that seems intent on saving the automaker money. The soundbar mounted at the base of the windshield centralizes the speakers instead of spreading them throughout the space, while the console-mounted window switches and door locks do the same, all of which reduces the wiring required inside.

Even the way the cup holders deploy from the console reduces clutter and makes the front half of the cabin feel more spacious than it is, as do the door panels that feature nothing more than narrow armrests and streamlined aluminum handles. However, no amount of cleverness can hide just how cramped the rear seats are, with limited legroom in particular.

While there’s nothing that sets the EX30 Cross Country’s cabin apart from the rest of the lineup it looks good nonetheless, with two colour schemes to choose between. In addition to a denim-inspired “indigo” look is the “pine” cabin shown here that mixes in lighter colours on the dash, doors, and seats, further adding to the perceived sense of space. Better still, both are packed with sustainable materials, including flax-based trim and recycled upholstery.

Updated User Interface

The EX30 does without a dedicated instrument display, with drive-related information — speed, selected gear, range, and more — sharing space with infotainment features on the 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dash. And while the configuration will surely take some getting used to for those accustomed to a conventional setup, updates to the interface itself make it more user-friendly than before.

Better still, according to Volvo, those same changes will be rolled out to existing EX30s via over-the-air update, fulfilling its commitment to constant improvement based on user feedback. They include more homescreen shortcuts courtesy of the so-called contextual bar lower on the interface that changes to reflect the most commonly used features and functions.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country may be inspired by some iconic models in the brand’s recent past, but its range limitations make it even more suited to life in the city than the subcompact crossover on which it’s based. It’s also probably true that it would be better served by even more aesthetic changes — wider wheel arch mouldings, or the same topographic treatment for the plastic panel on the back — but it’s nice to see Volvo having fun with its EVs.

Pricing wasn’t announced at the time of this writing, but expect an increase over the conventional EX30 when this new version goes on sale later this year. The top Twin Motor Performance Ultra trim currently rings in at $62,100 before freight and tax.