Test drive – Volvo EX30 Cross Country : More Adventurous, Still Seriously Quick

Jean-Pierre Ndu
juillet 28, 2026

The Volvo EX30 was already one of the most surprising compact electric SUVs on the market. Small on the outside, minimalist inside and capable of sports-car performance in Twin Motor form, it now gets the Cross Country treatment.

Raised ground clearance, specific body protection, all-wheel drive and a more rugged look: Volvo wants to give it a sense of adventure without completely changing the formula. And from the first few kilometres, it quickly becomes clear that this version is not trying to turn into a hardcore off-roader. Instead, it aims to be a more comfortable, more versatile and visually more playful EX30.

Design: The Cross Country Look Suits It

The Cross Country treatment genuinely changes the personality of the EX30. The front and rear bumpers receive specific protection, the wheel arches look more pronounced and the ground clearance increases to around 19 cm. There are also specific wheels and several Cross Country badges, while the front end features a small map graphic inspired by Mount Kebnekaise in Lapland.

Visually, we actually think this version gives the EX30 more character. The regular model can look very clean and restrained, whereas the darker details and slightly raised stance make this one feel more distinctive.

Inside, however, very little changes. The cabin remains extremely minimalist, built around a large vertical central display. Almost every function is controlled through it, including simple things such as adjusting the mirrors. It looks modern and clean, but it still requires some adaptation.

We would especially have liked a small driver display or a head-up display. On the motorway, having to glance towards the centre screen for basic information is not always ideal. The overall atmosphere, however, remains very Volvo: calm, simple and largely built around recycled or more sustainable materials.

Inside: Compact Above All

Up front, it is easy to find a good driving position. The seats are comfortable, lateral support is good and the overall quality still feels convincing despite some deliberately unconventional materials.

It is in the rear that the EX30’s compact dimensions become more obvious. Legroom is limited for taller passengers, while the 318-litre boot is not particularly generous. For two people or everyday use, it is perfectly manageable. For four people heading away with plenty of luggage, some planning will be required.

That is ultimately the compromise of the EX30: it offers a genuinely compact SUV footprint, which works brilliantly in town, but it cannot completely hide those small dimensions once you start travelling.

Behind the Wheel: Much Faster Than It Looks

This is where things get interesting.

The Cross Country uses two electric motors producing around 428 hp and 543 Nm, with all-wheel drive. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes just 3.6 seconds.

And you feel it immediately.

In Performance mode, a firm press of the accelerator is enough to push you hard into the seat. The response is instant and overtaking becomes almost ridiculously easy. There is always a huge amount of power available, even at already high speeds.

What makes the experience even more surprising is the contrast between that performance and the calm atmosphere inside. Everything feels silent, minimalist and almost relaxing… until you bury the accelerator and the little Volvo turns into a missile.

But the EX30 Cross Country is not only about straight-line speed. On a winding road, it remains reassuring and surprisingly composed. The battery is mounted low in the floor, helping to keep the centre of gravity down, while all-wheel drive provides plenty of traction. You can carry a good amount of speed through corners without feeling like you are driving a particularly tall SUV.

The specific suspension setup also improves comfort on rougher surfaces. It absorbs broken roads well and suits the Cross Country philosophy nicely. The trade-off is slightly more body movement when you start pushing harder, while the steering remains fairly light even when changing its assistance level.

So this is not really a small sports car disguised as an SUV. It is more of a very fast SUV that can be genuinely entertaining when you ask more of it.

Away From the City: Adventurous, but Not a True Off-Roader

With its raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive, it is easy to imagine the EX30 Cross Country heading much further away from the tarmac. In reality, its off-road ability remains fairly modest.

On a gravel track, snowy road or rough access road, the extra ground clearance and all-wheel drive definitely provide more confidence. But this is not a vehicle designed for serious off-roading. Its real playground is more likely to be mountain roads, easy trails and poor surfaces rather than technical terrain.

And that is not really a problem. The Cross Country treatment is mainly about adding reassurance when conditions become more difficult.

Range: The Main Compromise

The biggest weakness of this version appears when you start talking about range.

The battery has a gross capacity of 69 kWh, but the combination of two motors, all-wheel drive and the raised body slightly hurts efficiency. Official WLTP range sits at roughly 430 km, depending on configuration.

In town, consumption can remain below 17 kWh/100 km and the EX30 becomes relatively efficient. At around 110 km/h, you can expect something closer to 19 kWh/100 km. At 130 km/h, however, consumption can easily rise above 25 kWh/100 km.

That means longer motorway journeys require a little more planning.

Range drops more quickly at higher speeds, especially if you regularly use the performance or add roof accessories that increase aerodynamic drag.

DC fast charging reaches around 150 to 155 kW, with a 10 to 80 percent charge taking a little over 25 minutes in good conditions. The 22 kW AC onboard charger is also a real advantage whenever you find a compatible charging point.

Google Automotive also makes longer journeys easier thanks to its integrated route planner. Once a destination is entered, the system can select charging stops and precondition the battery before arrival, helping the car reach its best possible charging performance.

Conclusion : Probably the Most Likeable EX30

The EX30 Cross Country is quite an unusual vehicle.

It takes one of Volvo’s smallest electric SUVs, adds more ground clearance, all-wheel drive, a more rugged appearance and more than 400 hp.

On paper, the combination sounds slightly strange. Behind the wheel, it works surprisingly well.

We like its compact dimensions in town, its comfort on rough roads and the way it can deliver almost absurd acceleration whenever you press the accelerator. On a winding road, it remains stable, effective and agile enough to make you want to keep driving.

The Cross Country does not turn the EX30 into a real off-roader. It simply gives it more versatility and, perhaps more importantly, more personality.

Its biggest compromise remains range, particularly on the motorway. If regular long-distance driving is the priority, a rear-wheel-drive Extended Range version will probably make more sense.

But if you want a compact electric SUV that feels different, quick, comfortable and capable of leaving the tarmac occasionally without much concern, the Cross Country has a lot of appeal.

It is probably not the most rational EX30.

But it may well be the most likeable.