Review: 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge - Flying Under the Radar

I spend a week with the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge to see if this electric XC40 is worth picking over its competitors. One thing is for certain, it has very thrilling performance with an instant 402 HP punch. Beyond the acceleration, the Recharge XC40 is a quiet and smooth cruiser. Unfortunately, its electric range isn't as high as many of its competitors, and the price is a bit high. Additionally, its missing key features like smartphone integration and some important EV features. Overall though, it's still a great electric vehicle, especially for those that want to blend in with a more normal looking electric SUV. What do you think about 2021 XC40 Recharge? Thanks to Volvo for providing this vehicle to review!

Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:03 Interior
4:07 Initial impressions
6:18 Acceleration
8:14 Handling
9:32 Range and battery info
10:58 Highway and safety tech
13:16 Thoughts after a week
18:09 Efficiency
20:48 Pricing and competitor comparisons
23:57 Final thoughts

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Matt Maran Motoring is a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program. volvo xc40 recharge range volvo xc40 2022 volvo xc40 recharge 2021

[MattMaranMotoring]

NOTE: Since filming this video, Volvo thankfully has added a range gauge and an EV screen through a software update.

[stevebrown]

The 20” wheel option is staggered. 235 in front while 255 in the rear. Just like a proper hot rod 😎

[disneyfan]

I love my XC40 recharge. Other then a few issues and it being at the dealer right now lol. I love driving it. It’s so quick and easy to handle.

[KuyaArbee]

Also as a current ice owner of an XC40 I’m excited for gen 2 ev xc40! More horsepower the better ! I love the refinement of the XC40 for such a compact suv it’s incredible!

[CaryInVictoria]

I test-drove a XC40 Recharge recently and thought the modulation of the one-pedal driving was perfect. Mind you, I've had a BMW i3 for the past five years and found the regen braking on both cars to be very similar. I expect most new owners of the XC40 Recharge will fully acclimate to the one-pedal driving mode very quickly and use it all the time.

[warmongerism]

I like the foot pedal change. Shows that they want to make the electric car feel more natural to us. I never understood why Tesla wanted it to be an on/off switch.

[DucatiDiaries]

Pretty good looking car. Waiting for the back road on this. 😆. Pretty interesting about no start button. I'm glad they "normalized" it making it feel like a regular car. Great review as always brother Matt.

[Bunphettered]

Matt, would you buy this over a Model Y?
Based on the plus/minus, is the Volvo worth the sticker price? 🤔

[danhall]

Our 1st 3 cars were late 60's Volvos and we have had a soft spot for them ever since.
My wife is crazy in love with the look of this car & I have to agree. Best looking Volvo since the 1800E Sport wagon & C-30 IMO. But the price is even crazier for what you get -- given the poorly thought out infotainment system and no CarPlay !?! And who needs low profile 20" wheels on a BEV? Here in the PNW ever one on dealer lots (and yes unlike the many other vanishing makes, there are XC40 on dealer lots) is fully loaded & at least $55K. Sorry Honey, we're sticking with the Kia Niro!

[KuyaArbee]

Woohoo! Subaruwrxfan legend video! Volvo for life! 🤩🤩🤩

[XavierSMG]

My mom loves her Volvo, I wanna buy her a new one so bad 😭

[bmshaven]

Please review my 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0T AWD. I'm here in PA. The only legit review on this sleeper was by AutoVlog before he was popular lol.

[scottbrawley]

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 Pure-Electric!

[nueng]

Looks like you recorded the video earlier in the year. You should have done some research on the issues you reported as I believe they have been solved with the latest software update.
Not sure what’s happening with car reviews lately but reviewers don’t seem well prepared. Next time do some research on online communities to inform yourself better.

[BlackPawGaming]

this thing just kill iX3 dead cold. RIP

[xaionik]

Nice car but once again European EVs need better range. I don't think their worried because most Europeans don't do long trips all the time. But still, you're selling it in America. It needs more than 190.