2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge | Review & Road Test

For the latest Volvo XC40 Recharge pricing and information:

While this may look like a run-of-the-mill Volvo XC40, or should I say run-by-the-mill XC40, it’s not.

This is the all-electric XC40 Recharge.

For the next couple of minutes, we’re just going to talk about the new powertrain, so if you’re looking for a full review of the excellent combustion engine XC40, then check out our full review here.


This electric XC40 rides on the same platform as the gas-powered mini-ute, but that’s because it was initially designed to accommodate an EV version. Engine options our, two motors and a battery in.

The results on the engine to motor swap are tangible.

Acceleration times are quick. 0-60 takes about 4.7 seconds. That’s not a lot of time for a small hauler like this one.

You can thank that time for the Recharge’s power. 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque respectively, which of course, because this is electric, is instant. Yummy.


The second bonus is the way that substantial power is put down by all four wheels.

Where in the gas-powered models the XC40 experienced some tire spin, and perhaps even some torque steer, this Recharge version sees none of that. It’s just true power being put down when and where you want it.


The XC40 Recharge’s balance doesn’t feel thrown off for the new motor configuration. It gets real-life one-pedal braking, which you can disable if you prefer, which I actually do, and cargo space hasn’t been greatly compromised either. Hey, look, there’s a little frunk.


Some spots that might leave you a bit blanched include its price. The premium for the Recharge is steep, to the tune of a $55,000 base price.


The other drawback is its range, in that it’s only got 208 miles of it from a 75kW battery.

Back in the plus column for Google users, both the 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 9-inch infotainment screen now take orders from Android Automotive, which syncs contacts, calendars, and addresses for easier navigation integration.


Overall, color us intrigued by Volvo’s march into the subcompact crossover future. At KBB, we’re already huge fans of the XC40.

We named it a Best Buy in the subcompact luxury category for 2019.

And we happen to think the XC40 Recharge is going to generate a lot of buzz, too. Get it, buzz, cause that’s how the motors sound?

00:00 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
0:16 Motor
1:14 Driving Impressions
1:52 Pricing
2:15 Interior

[lpsglitterpaws]

I have this baby!!! I have owned it for almost 2 months and I love it! It’s super stylish and it’s range is not a problem at all for me. You have to think about your day to day driving and assess whether this is a problem for you. I get compliments about how beautiful this car is from others all the time

[doogiemcdougster]

Took a test drive yesterday at my local dealership. Loved everything about this, especially the incredible torque. Even with the low profile 20” tires and deliberately driving on cobblestone side streets, the ride was surprisingly comfortable. Just wish that for $59k sticker price the range was more in the 250 range.

[noneofyerbusiness]

I owned a Tesla Model 3 and traded it in for an XC40 Recharge. No doubt. No question. The Volvo is a superior car.

[Crazyuncle]

I’m in love with the color. It’s perfect for that car.

[huss]

A work colleague here in Sweden received his new XC40 recharge on Thursday of last week, a white one, will need to wait until next year to see what he thinks about it, time to enjoy our holiday period...

[Anvanho]

I drive all over my county (Sonoma) and neighboring counties regularly for my business for years now, and I've never approached 200 miles any one day. This sounds fine for me, I only need to:
A) Sit inside and see how my legs fit (I'm 6'2"), I've turned down lots of standard SUV's because of leg space, until I discovered Toyota Highlander years ago; am in a fairly new Hybrid SUV now.
B) See how the visibility out all windows is while in the driver's seat.
C) Check the trunk room storage width. Very important, as I must lay down music gear in the trunk (laying left-to-right) which I can do in all my Highlanders.

[jplay]

Good first attempt, battery can always be updated in years to come. But I agree, the range is the only drawback

[jessesea]

Great review! Wish it had more Range but overall I love the xc40.

[PSVitaFan]

Great review
I only wish we had charging stations at gas stations this wont-work for someone who has an apartment
And honestly I would buy it and I'm sure other people would too

[ananyavartak]

200 miles is still a great range and deal for an SUV which is built to keep your family safe. Flashy spaceship EVs can have a better range but what good it is if you can't survive a crash to enjoy its full range 😉

[KuyaArbee]

Love
My current xc40 👍👍👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩🤩 Volvo didn’t take shortcuts when engineering the cma platform on the XC40

[idkidkk]

Tesla has a lot of quality control issues from paint to panels. I'm surprised people prefer to have those issues over a less range but well built car like Volvo 🤦

[stewartstarling]

I like it. The built quality is better than the Model Y, and all though the range is less, it's just made better, and you probably won't have all the issues that come with the Model Y.

[Tware]

I'm down with the pricing just not the range. I want to get something like this for my daughter when she starts driving. But the gas engine has the advantage right now. Volvo please get this up to 300 plus miles electricity.

[diegomontoya]

Gentlemen, you had my curiosity...now you have my attention.

[kendavid]

Good looking cars&SUVs is a Volvo standard, heritage as well, my friend has a Tesla which lacks fit an finish he noticed

[rcpmac]

I don't know about the Y But A COMPARABLY equipped Mustang Mach e (the GT Model) extended range is 250 miles--- $62, 000! if you compare apples to apples Yes the base model is cheaper but it isn't comparable by a long shot. Mach-e Primum does have 300mi range and is $48, 000

[whatchuwant]

Great review, but is there a way I can disable the music.

[autonewstv]

Yes bigger wheels effect the ride quality. No looks are not more important than comfort, especially in a comfort oriented car

[tonysweet]

I bought two of the XC-40s in July, only planned to buy one but with used cars in such demand I received so much on trade in that when added to federal tax incentives and other discounts my price out the door was cut dramatically, and it was time time to go electric. I preferred safety, fit and finish over range, plus the car is just awesome. We received a portable charger with each one plus ChargePoint had an offer for a free home charger for each one. Federal tax credit for 30% off on installation of that also. My only complaints regard electronics and the mobile app. It is still in beta and works for some people and not for others apparently and that’s important on an electric car. I am sure they will get it right, but at this sticker this should not happen. Also, my wife loves Sirius, and of course you get additional free months with the cars, they all do it, problem is there is no app for Sirius for it yet, you have to Bluetooth it over. No apple CarPlay app until next year. In all fairness the Honda and Subaru I traded in had their share of electronic problems of this nature, especially the Honda. These are curable problems and not as bad as many I’ve read about. No regrets so far.