Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Pros
Quick acceleration from dual-motor version
Helpful Google-based voice controls
The cabin is well insulated from noise
Cons
Small cargo area
Some desirable features are only offered on the most expensive trim
What's new
New single-motor rear-wheel-drive model joins the lineup
Improved driving range for all versions
Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
Thanks to new motors, enhanced efficiency, and longer estimated driving range, the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUV is substantially improved even if it looks the same as it did last year. This compact luxury crossover is available in a new single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant providing nearly 300 miles of range. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration continues, also equipped with new motors and a range increase to more than 250 miles. Those updates resolve our primary criticisms of last year's XC40 Recharge, making the already practical and likable Volvo EV more appealing.
Volvo XC40 Recharge EV Insights
Trim:
XC40 Recharge Single Motor Core
Range
293 miles
EPA Estimated Range
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 249 miles after 8 years.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Columbus, Ohio. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
SAE ComboStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Plug Type
8 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
Edmunds spotlight: How new motors make this Volvo competitive
Volvo equips the XC40 Recharge Single Motor Extended Range with a rear-mounted electric motor and an 82-kilowatt-hour battery. The 248-horsepower motor accelerates the SUV to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and the range estimate is 293 miles. Volvo says the battery recharges to 80% in 28 minutes using a 200-kilowatt fast charger. The Twin Motor uses the same 78-kWh battery as last year, but new electric motors extend the driving range to 254 miles and allow operation as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle unless the front motor is needed for traction or acceleration. With 402 horsepower, the Twin Motor zooms to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The battery recharges to 80% capacity in 34 minutes on a 150-kW charger.
Competitors to consider
The Tesla Model Y is the sales leader among small electric SUVs. It's an appealing EV for sure, but not everyone wants to drive a Tesla. Other luxury-brand alternatives to the XC40 Recharge include the Audi Q4 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RZ and Mercedes-Benz EQB. Thanks to its new and more efficient motors and improved range estimates, the Volvo is now a compelling choice.
Which XC40 Recharge does Edmunds recommend?
Two factors that drive EV ownership satisfaction are a long driving range and quick charging times. As such, we recommend the new XC40 Recharge Single Motor Extended Range version because you get improvements on both metrics compared to the Twin Motor. You can also likely get away with buying the base Core trim level. But if you want adaptive cruise control and a heat pump (which helps with overall efficiency), you'll need to buy the most expensive Ultimate trim.
Volvo XC40 Recharge models
The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a compact electric SUV with seating for five people and up to 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space. It is available in Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor models, each offered in Core, Plus and Ultimate trim levels. Volvo equips the Single Motor version with an electric motor (248 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque) that powers the SUV's rear wheels. Twin Motor models have front and rear motors (402 horsepower, 494 lb-ft of torque) to create a standard all-wheel-drive system. Keep reading for our rundown of the key features you get with each trim level.
Core
The Core trim includes a generous list of standard equipment. Highlights include:
19-inch wheels
Hands-free power liftgate
Remote keyless entry with emergency call assist
Ambient interior lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration system
12-inch digital instrumentation panel
Synthetic leather with recycled textile inserts
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Google built-in (provides extra Google-based voice command functionality)
Apple CarPlay
Wireless smartphone charger
Eight-speaker audio system
In addition, the Core trim has several driver assist features:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Plus
If you're looking for a few extra features, the Plus trim delivers with:
Panoramic glass roof
Air purification system
Synthetic suede upholstery with synthetic leather bolsters
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the XC40 Recharge and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of, to the side, or behind the vehicle when parking)
Ultimate
For the maximum amount of equipment and technology, the Ultimate adds:
20-inch wheels
Upgraded headlights
Heat pump (heats the cabin more efficiently than a normal heater)
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats
Harman Kardon premium sound system
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volvo and the car in front)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
A Climate package is available for the Core and Plus trim levels. It includes:
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
My Volvo XC40 Recharge had multiple issues, just 2 days after taking delivery of the XC40 Recharge center console crashed and reset to factory default, and lost navigation display in driver side. Even after a few visits to Volvo dealer, issues are not fully resolved. After dealer fixed the driver navigation display issue, the car is stuck in the “guest profile”, I am unable to login to … Google account. At this point, your dealer is unable to fix the issue properly and whole is very frustrating that nothing really works properly.
Volvo Mobile app on this car is simply terrible. If you click on the Demo mode on the mobile app you can't get out of that demo mode. And you can't simply reconnect either- simply awful. Looks like some high school dropout wrote the mobile app. And also, you have to set the privacy setting to fork over all car data to Google before anything works properly- Charge level won't show unless you set the privacy setting open to all your data to Google and Volvo.
I heard about this about Volvo, but, good grief this very frustrating that your dealer can't properly fix the issues.This is my first Volvo and probably my last!
I had similar frustrating experience my Tesla Model 3 with leaky tail lights and leaky roof, but at least Tesla actually fix the issue. Not the Volvo, can't seem to figure it what is wrong with the car.
Update:
At ~80 miles infotainment system got stuck in reloading screen and got reset to factory default and lost driver side navigation view.
At~120 miles stuck in “Guest profile” and requires full reload of Software- dealer couldn’t even fix this repairs without help from Volvo USA.
At ~580 miles AC stopped working in middle of 95 degree weather.
At~640 miles, looks like June update happen to car and YouTube music and few other apps stop working.
At ~720 miles, car reboot itself awhile driving to Volvo dealer to fix other issues. This cannot be safe to drive.
More update:
At ~1140 miles shut down and restarted in middle of driving again.
At ~1500 miles shut down again.
At ~1800 miles charging port stuck in Green.
At ~2220 miles dealer finally replace IHU, AC issue is not fixed. Volvo think that replacing IHU will fix the Air Condition.
At ~2250 miles same day that IHU was replaced infotainment system reboot again.
Yes, Volvo is fully aware of Air Condition issues with compressor on Volvo XC 40 Recharge- they are not sure how to fix it and also part that required fix is out of stock for next 6 months.
Poor reliability and efficiency; worse support
1 out of 5 stars
E.H., 06/23/2021
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
I fell in love with this car when I test drove it. It's snappy and fun, it's quiet, and it looks great. Then I bought it, and everything went to hell. There were electrical problems every day I owned it. The glass spontaneously shattered (nothing hit it) and covered us in sharp fragments and nearly caused a deadly accident. Volvo's Roadside Assistance refused to respond (told me to call … insurance), and their Support could not be bothered to help. The Volvo of Tacoma GM suggested I write up the entire experience and submit it to the Volvo corporate office, which I did in full detail. It was sent early in the work day, and they promised a response in 2 hours. I didn't hear back until the following day, and what I received was a formulaic response that asked me to re-type all the details I had just sent them. Either they had not bothered to read it, or Volvo has their Support people burden their customers so that they give up and go away.
So after less than three months as a first-time Volvo customer, I am going away. I am paying the price to sell this rubbish so that I can buy something from a company that actually cares about its build quality, reliability, and support.
Take my Volvo, please
1 out of 5 stars
L C, 11/27/2021
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
Do your research! Do your research! Do your research!
Same issue as review I just read, center console computer went out on my maiden voyage home from the dealership. Took almost 2 weeks to secure a loaner just to have it looked at. After 2 days I picked it up and the console went out on the way home and 3 more times before I could get back to the dealer the same day. They loaner I got … was the same make, model and color -- all electric. 3 days later the rear brakes locked up (according to the manual, these are proprietary and can only be serviced by Volvo, great another red flag). There's more but I won't bore you, the wind up is that it took almost a month to fix it. 4 weeks ago, in the middle of this month of no car, I contacted Volvo requesting a full refund. They've been dragging it out hoping I lose interest. One more complaint, I was promised by the dealer as well as in a Volvo ad that I'd receive a home charging unit for free, nearly two months later it's still a no-show. Do your research!
xc40 recharge electronics buggy
3 out of 5 stars
Lynn R, 08/26/2021
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
Volvo has not figured out why I can't get connection to on call to work..2 days in service so far and multiple calls to Volvo USA.
The console periodically needs reset or Maps stops working. Modem only reads AT &T and my account does not connect to Volvo..so no metrics or alerts. You need it to know when charged or if charging.
Nobody is properly trained or helpful..the car was … rolled out without testing. The Swedish pride is gone..instead you have Chinese rigging. I regret buying this car . should have bought Tesla Y
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge, so we've included reviews for other years of the XC40 Recharge since its last redesign.
In 2021, Volvo introduced its all-electric XC40 Recharge. To date, Volvo has only offered one powertrain configuration for the XC40 Recharge: two motors and all-wheel drive. For 2024, a single-motor trim with rear-wheel drive joins the dual-motor version. This brings the cost of entry down and the range potential up. For most shoppers who are considering a Volvo, this entry-level trim will absolutely get the job done.
How much power does the 2024 XC40 Recharge have?
For the first time, Volvo will offer the XC40 Recharge with two powertrain choices. The entry-level single-motor version has one motor on the rear axle making 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is good enough to get the car to 60 mph in a claimed 6.9 seconds. The performance hungry among us will be more interested in the dual-motor variant that packs one motor on each axle and all-wheel drive. Power surges up to 402 hp and 494 lb-ft, which drops the 0-60 time to 4.6 seconds.
While the battery pack is the same size in both trim levels, Volvo squeezed out some extra capacity in the single-motor, now at 82 kilowatt-hours. The dual-motor has slightly less at 78 kWh.
How much range does it have?
For 2024, Volvo says the dual-motor XC40 should get an EPA-estimated 254 miles of range. The more frugal single-motor trim should be good for 293 miles. We look forward to getting both trims in for our Edmunds real-world range test in the near future.
As far as charging goes, the Recharge is relatively speedy. It should take about eight hours to charge from empty to full if you have a 240-volt power source that outputs 11 kW. On a 150-kW DC fast charger, Volvo says the XC40 Recharge can charge from 10% to 80% capacity in 34 minutes for the dual-motor or 28 minutes for the single-motor.
How does the XC40 Recharge drive?
Don't let the somewhat modest 248-hp figure in the single-motor fool you because this pint-sized EV can boogie when you give it the beans thanks to a healthy torque figure that is available at a moment's notice. Getting the car up to highway speed is a breeze, and when a little extra is needed to make a pass, the Volvo obliges without any stress. Volvo says 60 mph should happen in 6.9 seconds, but it feels quicker in the driver's seat.
Volvo's one-pedal driving is smoothly integrated, so slowing the car down to a stop just requires a gradual lift of the foot. We're not as pleased by Volvo's odd two-stage steering settings. In both modes, the steering doesn't provide much feedback to the driver and feels too disconnected from the road. This just isn't an EV that's begging to be pushed hard. The XC40's personality on the road is much more tame than that of its Polestar 2 cousin.
Instead, think of the single-motor XC40 Recharge as a very well-sorted daily driver. Its suspension is tuned with comfort in mind, soaking up bumps big and small. The sound insolation is fantastic, so you only hear the outside world at high speeds. The dual-motor XC40 is a more potent animal across the board. Its 402 hp and 448 lb-ft make this unassuming crossover a total sleeper car. While its power is more than abundant for those who crave something quick, we'd still look elsewhere for a performance-focused EV.
How comfortable is the XC40 Recharge?
For a small, sporty SUV, the XC40 Recharge is fairly comfortable. The biggest differences between this all-electric version and its gas-powered counterpart? The Recharge is much quieter and its climate control turns on faster. We found the regular XC40's engine to be a big contributor to noise, and its slow-booting onboard systems meant delays in turning on the climate system via the touchscreen controls. The Recharge starts up and is ready to drive the moment you open the door, and its electric motors produce very little noise.
The Recharge's ride is more firm than comfortable, likely because of its extra weight and its bias toward sporty handling. The front seats are covered in a soft wool blend and come with decent adjustability. As in the other XC40s, the headrests have an odd forward angle to them, which may be uncomfortable for people with longer torsos.
How's the XC40 Recharge's interior?
Volvo's typical user interface remains, and most controls are accessed through the touchscreen. But the Recharge inherits Google's new in-car operating system, which includes convenient apps such as Google Maps and Spotify built right into the car.
For such a compact SUV, the XC40 has a relatively roomy cabin that's a breeze to get into and out of. Tall drivers might not be able to find a comfortable seating position due to limited steering wheel adjustability and the protruding headrest design. Legroom in the back should suffice for anyone 6 feet or shorter. There's good visibility all around thanks to large windows, and an optional 360-degree camera makes maneuvering in tight spaces even easier.
How's the XC40 Recharge's tech?
With the Google operating system onboard, there are some great and some not-so-great features. We love being able to access apps like Google Maps inside the car, and having the Google Assistant as a voice recognition system makes it one of the easier ways to control things.
We don't like that a sudden loss of the data connection will render all the Google features useless until the connection is restored. It offers Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and the Bluetooth connection is pretty limited. Four USB-C ports plus two 12-volt outlets and a wireless charger ensure there are ample options for keeping devices charged up. A full suite of advanced driver aids is optional and a bit pricey, but we think it's worth getting since all the features work quite well.
Edmunds says
The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a better proposition than before thanks to its multiple powertrain options and improved range and charging. Don't count this little crossover out when considering your next EV.
FAQ
Is the Volvo XC40 Recharge a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 XC40 Recharge both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 XC40 Recharge gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the XC40 Recharge has 25.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volvo XC40 Recharge. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge:
New single-motor rear-wheel-drive model joins the lineup
Improved driving range for all versions
Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Volvo XC40 Recharge is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the XC40 Recharge. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the XC40 Recharge's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 XC40 Recharge gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 XC40 Recharge is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge?
The least-expensive 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Core 4dr SUV (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $52,450.
Other versions include:
Single Motor Core 4dr SUV (electric DD) which starts at $52,450
Twin Motor Core 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $54,200
Single Motor Plus 4dr SUV (electric DD) which starts at $55,400
Twin Motor Plus 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $57,150
Single Motor Ultimate 4dr SUV (electric DD) which starts at $58,800
Twin Motor Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $60,550
What are the different models of Volvo XC40 Recharge?
If you're interested in the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the next question is, which XC40 Recharge model is right for you? XC40 Recharge variants include Single Motor Core 4dr SUV (electric DD), Twin Motor Core 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD), Single Motor Plus 4dr SUV (electric DD), and Twin Motor Plus 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD). For a full list of XC40 Recharge models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more