Tesla Model 3 vs Volvo EX30: Two great EVs, one clear winner

The Volvo EX30 is arguably one of the most significant electric cars to be launched in recent years. But how does it fare against the Tesla Model 3? In this CarGurus UK review, Vicky Parrott pitches these two impressive electric cars against each other to see how they compare for practicality, cost, range, performance, technology and more.

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#cargurusUK

[scottmackintosh]

I’m utterly baffled by the fixation on the EX30 not having a speedo hidden behind the steering wheel?!! It sits clearly in your peripheral vision, the same as a traditional speedo, you simply glance slightly left rather than slightly down.

[sevensixtysteve]

I have a loan EX30 at the moment and I like it a lot. It drives really nicely with a good balance between handling and comfort and the range/efficiency seems more than good enough for what I want. I've had no issues with the screen - actually I found it quite easy to find what I want and most of the useful stuff seems only one level down and easy to switch off (lane keep assist, speed limit warnings and so on.) I only really noticed two things, one the sun bounce off the various controls (particularly the stalks and switches on the steering wheel) is really bad and the also the attention notification is fairly intrusive. Sometimes it seems to bong for no reason and if I shift my hands on the steering wheel, it panics. I am not sure how irritating that will be to live with so at the moment, I'm going to keep my ICE and see if software updates improve it.

[kb]

These two cars are not even in the same class. The camera man is trying very hard not to do a size comparison side by side.

[martinloney]

It’s staggering that a car designed so long ago now is still the benchmark. Sheer brilliance.

[rogeriogomesosorio]

I just made more than 1000 kms with the volvo EX30 Extended range… is a good car, but it seems an unfinished product; there are lot of software bugs, and lot of controls that should have been made easily accessible… also, back space is not that good. Is the most efficient car from Volvo, but is not efficient when compared with the tesla or even other cars like the hyundai Kauai/Kia Niro EV. There’s no CarPlay or android auto, not even wired.

[rob]

We have owned a model 3 and spend a week driving a EX30. The ex30 feels a lot more premium even tho it’s basic. Also the paint will stay on the Ex30 because it’s a Volvo.

[fredderf]

The Volvo EX30 is a B segment car, and the Tesla M3 a D segment. Shock horror the EX30 is smaller. Hardly a like for like compare.

[rogeriogomesosorio]

Volvo EX30 is not affordable nor cheap. If you spec it up it will be quite expensive

[gileshalliwell]

I like the Volvo but in my view it can’t touch the Tesla especially if you do a lot of miles. I’ve done 76000 miles in two years and charging network clinches it! Plus the boot and back seat of the Volvo are hopeless and you have to specify the Ultra trim to get Tesla levels of equipment…. But I still like the Volvo, but would look for an I3!!

[abebegirmay]

The Volvo Ex30 is very small size as compared to Model 3 specially back sit legg room and bot is very small. That volvo Ex30 is not family car as compared to Model 3. I think the comparison should be Volvo Ex30 with VW ID3, and Model 3 with BYD Seal because they are similar size looking cars.

[mrakronyahoo]

The main problem with the Tesla is the lack of indicator stalks. It is not designed for countries with lots of roundabouts - like the UK!

[Spoolingturbski]

I’ve had a love hate relationship with Volvo for over a decade. But I must say the newer cars have grown into themselves and proven to be very well done premium option.

[eilifnrgaard]

I recently bought the EX30 Extended Ultra, and have driven it for about a month. Kids have long ago left the nest, so my wife and I don’t care much about the fairly cramped rear seats. With the backseats down, you have a 900 liter boot, which is more than enough.
Absolutely LOVE driving this beautifully designed car - my first EV. Such a relaxing experience, with plenty of power - and very comfortable to get in and out of 😊
Only significant flaw is not being able to store the large cable in the frunk (only 7 liters).

[Mi]

Nice video, complete and no nonsense.
How does this duo compare to the new long range Kona EV?
Thanks a lot.

[psandbergnz]

it would have been helpful to test the noise levels of both cars on the motorway (same stretch of road). I'd like to know which one is quieter, Without a dB test, the report is incomplete.

[Harrythehun]

How was the app and software in the Volvo?

[thomaseriksson]

Thanks for this🙏🌹
The EX 30 with 18 inch standard wheels get more comfort and less roadnoice👍

[brenwarren]

The Supercharger network is so important it cant be overstated. We drive around Europe from the Netherlands, and in almost every EU country the Tesla charger network is super reliable and well located, so tbsy you can travel thousands of km across the EU block with no stress. If you were rekying on non tesla chargers run by all those random providers, across the different countries, youd definitely have a lot more hassle.

[ramadevanramachandaran]

The Tesla app and software is miles better then ex30. Before bashing me, I own both cars . The EX30 software is so bloody buggy

[allendavid]

The next video in my feed is that Tesla have fired their entire charging team