2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge
| MSRP | $56,395 |
|---|---|
| What others are paying | $56,591 |
- 8 Colors
- 2 Trims
- 2022
- 2021
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Review
- Quick acceleration and enjoyable handling
- Practical SUV body style
- Helpful Google-based voice controls
- Cabin is well insulated from noise
- Less range than rival EVs
- Below-average energy efficiency
- Infotainment system can be glitchy
- Small cargo area
- Range improved from 208 to 223 miles on a full charge
- 360-degree surround-view camera now standard
- Wireless smartphone charging added to all XC40 Recharge models
- Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is an all-electric version of the gasoline-powered XC40, Volvo's smallest SUV. It's the first full EV marketed as a Volvo and is soon to be followed by the sleek and mechanically identical C40 Recharge. As with most long-range electric vehicles, the XC40 Recharge features DC fast charging — which can fill the battery from zero to 80% in 40 minutes — or fully recharge in eight hours using a 220-volt home or public charging station.
According to the EPA, the 2022 XC40 Recharge offers a respectable 223 miles of range when fully topped off. That EPA estimate is an increase of 15 miles over last year's XC40 Recharge thanks to a software update. We've yet to put the 2022 model through our real-world range test but a 2021 model made it 240 miles in our test with a fully charged battery. This is certainly enough for most daily driving, but know that some rival EVs can go considerably farther.
The Volvo has a lot of tough competition, with even more on the way. Rivals include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Tesla Model Y, the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace. The XC40 is smaller than most of its rivals, but it packs a ton of features and performance into its compact package. If you're looking for an EV but don't want the flash of something like a Model Y or Mustang Mach-E, we think the XC40 Recharge is well worth a look. Check out our Expert Rating for additional evaluation of the vehicle's comfort, utility and more.
Our verdict | |
The XC40 Recharge is small but packs a lot between its fenders, including a new operating system powered by Google and more than 400 horsepower. It's a bit pricey and a bit short on range compared to the rest of the field, but it could be an attractive choice if you're looking for a small and quick electric SUV. | |
How does the XC40 Recharge drive? | |
The best thing about the XC40 Recharge is how it drives. Beneath its unassuming wrapper is easy and instant thrust. Accelerating to 60 mph happens in just 4.5 seconds, quicker than Ford's Mach-E and Tesla's Model Y Long Range. And despite the Volvo having some pretty basic all-season tires, there's a decent amount of traction and control out of the corners that makes this little SUV pretty fun to whip around. All this speed doesn't come at the sacrifice of everyday drivability either. The XC40 Recharge is effortless to drive at any speed and features a one-pedal driving mode that dials up the motor's regenerative braking effect, allowing you to slow to a stop without having to use the brake pedal. And speaking of modes, there is an off-road mode that helps with steeper hill descents should you encounter such a situation. But considering the Recharge's marginal ground clearance, we wouldn't venture very far off the pavement. | |
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 a mix of suede and leather, and they are fairly comfortable and have a decent amount of adjustments. 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 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. The menus aren't quite as intuitive to navigate as in the related Polestar 2, but the functionality is just as good. 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 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. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is still unavailable (Volvo says that a software update is coming), 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. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The XC40's Recharge has a smaller cargo area than its nearest competition, with a 20.4-cubic-foot trunk and 1-cubic-foot frunk, but it is nevertheless a pretty useful space. We like the 60/40-split folding rear seats, a pass-through and a foldable tray that doubles as a grocery holder. The cabin offers a variety of other storage spaces, including a clever little removable trash bin. Felt-lined doors keep items from rattling around. Using your XC40 for kid duty? The child seat anchors are clearly located under flip-up doors, but they're buried a little deep for comfortable access. You might have the best chance of fitting a bulky rear-facing seat in this car compared to most other SUVs this size, but it'll still be a tight fit. The Recharge can tow up to 2,000 pounds. That's the same as the Polestar 2, less than the Model Y (3,500 pounds) and more than the Mach-E, which is not rated for towing. | |
How are the range and efficiency? | |
The EPA estimates the XC40 Recharge has a maximum range of 223 miles and uses 39 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles of driving, making it one of the least efficient luxury EVs despite its small size. For comparison, the Tesla Model Y only uses 27 kWh/100 miles and even the three-row Model X is rated at 35 kWh/100 miles. In Edmunds' real-world testing the Volvo proved more efficient. We've yet to test the XC40 with the increased range but in our initial testing of a 2021 XC40 Recharge — the one with the slightly lower range EPA estimate of 208 miles — we measured 35.4 kWh used for every 100 miles of driving and a maximum range of 240 miles on a full charge. It's possible that the the updated XC40 (with an EPA-estimated range of 223 miles) will go a little farther than that. 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, the XC40 Recharge can charge from zero to 80% battery capacity in about 40 minutes. | |
Is the XC40 Recharge a good value? | |
While the XC40 Recharge has some attractive qualities, we don't think it's one of the better values even if you consider the available $7,500 federal tax credit. It isn't any less expensive than its larger and more spacious competition — the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y — and offers a lot less range than either. Also, while the XC40 Recharge feels like a solidly built car, the cabin materials aren't particularly luxurious. Volvo's basic and powertrain warranties last for four years/50,000 miles, which aligns with the coverage of most competitors. The battery warranty is covered for eight years/100,000 miles, and Volvo covers scheduled services at every 10K miles for up to three years/36,000 miles of ownership. Roadside assistance is included for four years with no mileage limit. | |
Wildcard | |
If we had to sum up the XC40 Recharge in a single thought, we'd say it's unassuming yet fun and effortless to drive. Speed is instantly accessible, and the lower center of gravity makes for a stable little SUV that's entertaining to toss around. If you're looking for an EV that stands out in a crowd, the Recharge isn't it. But if you like a sleeper, something that packs a wallop of speed but flies well under the radar, then it could be right up your alley. | |
Which XC40 Recharge does Edmunds recommend?
Volvo XC40 Recharge models
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is available in two trim levels: Pure and Ultimate. Both are powered by a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the floor of the cabin that sends power to an electric motor at each axle, meaning all XC40 Recharges feature standard all-wheel drive. Output is an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates range at 223 miles, though Edmunds' real-world testing showed an impressive 240 miles of range.
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $56,395
- Battery & Range
- EPA KWh/100 mi.This value tells you how much energy in kilowatt-hours a vehicle would use to travel 100 miles. Unlike mpg, however, where a larger number is better (for example, a vehicle that gets 30 mpg is better than one that gets 20 mpg), a smaller number is better in kWh/100 miles because you are using less battery energy per mile.: 39
- Time To Charge Battery (At 240V)This can be tough to pin down, but we assume for simplicity that the 240V power source will enable the vehicle's onboard charger to operate at full capacity, and that the battery is fully depleted and will be recharged to 100%. Given those assumptions, the value provided is simply the battery's capacity divided by the onboard charger's power rating. For example, a battery rated at 100 kWh will need 12.5 hours to recharge fully using an 8.0-kW charger.: 8.0 hr.
- EPA Electricity RangeThis value is the estimated number of miles that a vehicle can travel in combined city and highway driving (using a mix of 55% highway and 45% city driving) before needing to be recharged, according to the EPA's testing methodology.: 223 mi.
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 1-speed direct drive
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 174.2 in. / Height: 65.0 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 80.1 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: N/A
- Curb Weight: 4741 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 25.0 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite XC40 Recharge safety features:
- City Safety with Auto Braking
- Warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes if a front collision is imminent. Can detect vehicles, pedestrians and animals.
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins drifting out of the lane, then applies steering and braking force to guide it back.
- Park Assist Pilot
- Guides the XC40 into an adjacent parking spot with minimal driver assistance.
Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. the competition
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E was a revelation when it debuted in 2020, taking home the Edmunds Top Rated Luxury EV award. It's sporty, stylish and surprisingly well appointed inside, with good in-car tech and driver aids. It's more spacious and less expensive than the Volvo, but the Mach-E lacks the XC40 Recharge's standard all-wheel drive.
Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is Tesla's smallest SUV, slotting below the Model X and alongside the Model 3 sedan. It's quick and sporty and offers excellent range, though it's failed to meet its EPA estimates in Edmunds' testing. Tesla also offers some advanced in-car tech and driver aids, and access to the automaker's Supercharger network is a huge plus for those who frequently use public charging. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Tesla Model Y.
Volvo XC40 Recharge vs. Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron is a comfortable and well-appointed luxury SUV. It's slightly larger and more expensive than the Volvo. EPA-estimated range is about the same, though we actually saw better range in the Volvo during our real-world range test. Audi offers lots of standard features in the e-tron, and there's a sleek Sportback for those who want an even more stylish EV.
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FAQ
Is the Volvo XC40 Recharge a good car?
What's new in the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge:
- Range improved from 208 to 223 miles on a full charge
- 360-degree surround-view camera now standard
- Wireless smartphone charging added to all XC40 Recharge models
- Part of the first XC40 generation introduced for 2019
Is the Volvo XC40 Recharge reliable?
Is the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge?
The least-expensive 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Pure Electric Plus 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $55,300.
Other versions include:
- Twin Pure Electric Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $58,150
- Twin Pure Electric Plus 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) which starts at $55,300
