Automotive

Review: 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge offers affordable electrified luxury

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The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a fully-electric subcompact luxury SUV
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a fully-electric subcompact luxury SUV
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
With a low starting price and lots of amenities, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is cheaper than most of its competitors
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge has an EPA-estimated range of 223 miles, but we consistently got better than that
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge has a refreshingly "normal" design inside and out
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge weighs about 900 pounds more than its ICE sibling
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge doubles the HP of its ICE counterpart and nearly triples torque output
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
Cargo space in the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is compact, but usable and enough for most needs
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The comfortable interior and usable Google-based infotainment in the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge are high points
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
The "frunk" under the hood of the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is just about the right size for its included charging cord
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
Frunk space in the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge can also accommodate extras such as wiper fluid or jumper cables
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
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The XC40 Recharge is an all-electric subcompact crossover based on the internal combustion version of the XC40 compact utility. At launch in 2019, it was Volvo’s first battery electric model but the Swedish carmaker's electric offerings have expanded since then.

At a Glance

  • Familiar interface and interior without a lot of overdone future tech
  • Lower cost than most of its rivals
  • Less range than those costlier competitors
  • Easy to like and enjoyable to drive

Competition in the luxury market for compact EVs is pretty stiff. Several models of note, such as the Jaguar E-Pace, Tesla Model Y, and Audi Q4 e-Tron are also found in this segment. Unlike the others, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, being part of a model lineup that wasn’t electric from the ground up, has a contemporary design with a distinct lack of uber-futuristic elements. That, to us, is a good thing. Design elements meant to push futuristic ideals, often at the expense of usability and even practicality, can be an annoyance.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 can be found with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in its standard internal combustion (ICE) engine model. Volvo then decided to forego the plug-in hybrid route in larger Recharge models and instead made the XC40 Recharge a fully battery-electric model instead. Trim levels remain the same as they are for the standard XC40 ICE models: Core, Plus, and Ultimate. Our test vehicle was an Ultimate model.

Powering the 2023 XC40 Recharge is a 78-kWh (75-kWh usable) battery pack mounted beneath the frame rails underneath the floor. Motors at each axle combine to provide all-wheel drive with 402 hp (295.7 kW) and 486 lb-ft (659 Nm) of torque. That’s roughly double the horsepower of the ICE variant and nearly triple the torque, which more than makes up for the nearly 900 lb (408 kg) of weight added by batteries and components.

Frunk space in the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge can also accommodate extras such as wiper fluid or jumper cables
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas

The range estimate for the XC40 Recharge is at 223 miles (359 km) per charge at 39 kWh per 100 miles (161 km) of driving. That EPA estimate is low, in our experience, as we were closer to 240 miles (386 km) per charge in our week with the SUV. This was mainly due to our higher efficiency return at just under 36 kWh per 100 miles.

Our exact average, after driving to about 25% and recharging twice, was 35.7 kWh per 100 miles. Our first run through was heavy on highway miles (driving over 55 mph (88.5 km/h) to 24% battery. The next run through was mostly in stop-and-go city and low-speed (sub-40 mph (64 km/h)) driving over the next several days. This everyday style driving upped efficiency further and had us recharging at 25% battery. These two trips averaged together gave us a real-world confidence of nearly 240 miles (386 km) per charge. Interestingly, a new battery design for the 2024 model year will up the EPA’s rating for the XC40 Recharge to 293 miles (472 km) per charge in a new rear-wheel drive option and 254 miles (409 km) for the AWD model.

As a compact five-seat model, made to comfortably carry four, the 2023 XC40 Recharge is a nicely done vehicle. Its styling is unique for the class and its interior is well appointed. The base model includes amenities like heated front seats, simulated leather, dual-zone climate, a 9-inch touchscreen, and more. Cargo space is adequate, though not large when compared to some others. It’s enough for most people’s needs.

Infotainment is Google-based with a smartphone-like interface that might be confusing at first. The learning curve is slight, however, and the user interface becomes second nature as it’s very much like an Android phone. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are there.

With a low starting price and lots of amenities, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is cheaper than most of its competitors
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas

Our greatest complaint about the 2023 XC40 Recharge is in its upper-end options. In order to get adaptive cruise control, a more efficient heat pump for cabin heating, and heated rear seating, one must opt for the most expensive Ultimate trim level. These items aren’t available à la carte. There is a US$5,000 difference between the base Core model and the top-most Ultimate model, which isn’t terrible, but it moves the XC40 Recharge from being a value option luxury EV to a priced-like-the-others model.

Even at that higher price, though, the little Volvo EV does have a lot going for it. It’s engaging to drive, comfortable as an every day, and good for longer drives. The battery range is sub-par for the class, but considering the lower price tag and its urban- and suburban-centric design, it’s plenty for most people’s real-world needs. The starting price for the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge is US$54,645 plus delivery.

Product Page: Volvo XC40 Recharge

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4 comments
MDR
Hmm,,,,
$54.6K is $1.6K more than I paid for my Model Y.
Auto pilot and heat pump were included, as was 330 mile range.
The Recharge doesn't strike me as much of a bargain.
IMHO
DavidB
I was excited by “affordable,” but I have to agree with @MDR: that doesn’t sound like much to get excited about.
Captain Obvious
You mean "affordable" if you mortgage your house or rob a bank. And it's a refurbished ICE body, not a blank sheet EV design.
Reason
That is one truly ugly car

It is as if that was the point