2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge First Drive Review

We take a 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge out for a first-drive review to discover if Volvo's first all-electric vehicle can stand up to the competition.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge has a starting MSRP of $54,985 and an EPA-rated driving range of 208 miles.

It can DC fast-charge at rates up to 150 kW, which can recharge the battery from 0% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes.

Charging from a high-power 240V source at home it will take about 10 hours to fully recharge.

Overall we found the XC40 to be a pleasure to drive. It's powerful, the suspension eats up road irregularities, and it has very good regenerative braking to compliment the impressive acceleration.

On the downside, the price is high for the class it's competing in and the driving range might be inadequate for many prospective buyers.

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[Crazyuncle]

GREAT REVIEW! Rarely do I find a reviewer who has actually taken the time to study the nuances of a new car. You obviously have and it’s much appreciated. This is the first of your reviews I’ve seen but I’ll be watching your others now.

[AngeloMarasco]

Thanks Tom, this helps clarify the range issues with this great little EV. Everyone is always mentioning how the vast majority of Americans don’t need the range, however out here in the west, most destinations require bigger drives. For anyone driving into the mountains in the west, it’s usually a minimum hour drive and in many cases multiple hours. If you are only doing a day trip or single overnight, then you are at the mercy of very limited public chargers. And, if you run into a charging problem (like you did), then there is no way to get home! 250 to 350 range provides the option of skipping the charge in the mountains and heading back home. Would be great if Kyle of @Out of Spec Reviews did one out here where range really does matter.

[matttweed]

I've picked this over a model Y, over the use of space and the amazing build quality. Tesla have a real problem with car build quality, cutting corners in trim etc. I just feel more comfortable in the Volvo XC40, switching from a Model 3 due to lack of space for the kids.

[douglashamm]

I am glad you chose Fenway Park as a destination to demonstrate the nav SOX!

[jarkkohalme]

I drove XC40 P8 68 km and the same way back (total 136km), exactly at 80 km/h (50 mi/h) both ways, snowing, snow slush, 0°C, no major elevation differences. The forward leg consumption was 276 Wh/km and return leg was 265 Wh/km, average consumption was 270 Wh/km (ca.432 Wh/mi). The higher consumption of XC40 P8 comes from the permanent all wheel drive (both front and rear axle motors consume approx. the same energy), rather poor aerodynamics (and its relevance grows rapidly with the speed) and the heavy weight of ca. 2300 kg.

[johngaudet]

It's Volvo's first EV, the range will definitely get better. I have a 2020 V60 CC. I would buy this XC40 in a heartbeat.

[josephcameli]

Hey Tom. Just one correction... the MSRP is $53, 990 with a destination fee of $995. Nj’s rebate cap of $55k does not include destination fees. So you could add a different paint color and the heat pump while still being below $55k. Great video

[duck_hi]

Would love some additional information on the 70 mph test, and charge curve. Especially useful now that so many are for sale used for half the price.

[AdamJakowenko]

Is there a 70mph real world range test coming for this vehicle anytime? Would love to see that before I pull the trigger on buying this vehicle.

[kegardne]

Hello Tom,

Great review as always. Have you had a chance to do the DC Fast Charge test over again? I’m assuming EA and Volvo have resolved the issue by now. Also, has anyone range tested it at 70 mph?

[hdtvkeith]

Nice review. Enjoy your videos. We are struggling between the P8 and T5. Like the P8, but the range and inefficiency of the car has us concerned. Also hearing some quirks with the electronics and especially the infotainment. We looked at Mach-E and ride quality and low ground clearance and horrible seats took that off the list quickly. Not into Tesla and ID.4 AWD is still 6+ months out.

[johnnyscranton]

Hi Tom, did you confirm this car that you test drove was equipped with the heat pump option? It’s not standard, and reading your write up, it read as if they all come with it. From what I’ve read, most of the press vehicles tested so far did not have the heat pump option, and in this weather, could make a substantial difference. Just curious. Great video as always!

[KottBrian]

I understand the criticism but in my use case this vehicle works. I am the owner of an ICE XC40 and want to move to electric cars. The XC40 is an overall excellent vehicle, as most know from the reviews. If they weren’t coming out with the Recharge I would consider leasing another. The range is not an issue since 95% of my driving is in town and I can charge overnight. Volvo quality is a big selling point. Also the local dealer is great to work with. (I might have purchased a Polestar 2, except I live in Michigan and there is nowhere to buy it or service it.) On Inside EVS you keep saying range isn’t everything and I agree. Tom I guess I prove your analysis.

[hansn.]

Hello from Switzerland. Thanks for this very good review of this car. I'm fully agree with it, great design but very high consumtion! I had the car for a test drive of about 50 km and the consumtion was 33kwh/100km, with normal drive. This is very poor and it's not that what Volvo write in the specs of this car. The car was my favorite but now I will waite for the Audi q4 E-tron...A happy new year to all!

[tiburonhs]

Hi Tom- As always, a very clear and informative review. Re your concerns about the efficiency, do you know whether the car Volvo gave you to drive had the heat pump? For some stupid reason the heat pump is an option on the XC40 Recharge. Driving in winter without the heat pump would have a significant negative impact on efficiency. Likewise, if the car had the optional 20” wheels instead of the standard 19” ones, that too would hurt efficiency. Anyway, thanks for the review, and I love that the first address you had entered on the nav was Dunkin’ Donuts! Your old I3 follower, Harold Sogard.

[doogiemcdougster]

Thanks so much for your review, Tom. What were your impressions of ride quality on those New Jersey roads with the 20” wheels? I test drove this exact XC40 Recharge configuration the other day here in Florida and even on cobblestone side streets found the ride very comfortable with rumbles, bumps, and potholes to be surprisingly muted. Did you experience the same ride quality?

[tonys]

Tom, thanks for a thorough, strait-up review!. $55k price & 208 mile range will not cut it in North America, no matter how premium look and feel it is. Distances driven and range expectations here are more than in Europe or Asia (its intended market).

[thelondonbroiler]

Thanks for the review and especially for getting the ball rolling with the Electrify America charging issue! If not for you, chances are this would have been missed our ignored by "automotive journalists, " and this issue would have probably created a substantial headache for some customers, for who knows how long. Hopefully "IF" Volvo cares, they will evaluate the vehicle compatibility with all the major charger brands AND ALL MODELS.

"If Volvo is lucky" they will convince some households with multiple vehicles to buy this as $55k local While I know it's capable of taking long trips in, it will simply not be appealing to the VAST majority of Americans. As you pointed out, here are some truly great features about this vehicle, but I certainly agree with you, the detriments, namely range, cost, and efficiency, are going to sink it.

(Edited to add emphasis)

[Outrigger]

A commenter over at the Swede Speed Forum who owns a Model 3 and an XC40 P8 said it's the Signet chargers that are not compatible with the XC40 and the P2. Check with EA where the Signet charrgers are before you road trip in an XC40.

[daveo.]

Thanks for for the review Tom. I like the fact that they are using an Android based OS and provide tight integration with Google's apps. I wouldn't mind seeing that OS in other EV's. Do you have any idea how it works with the iPhone?