I Test Cars for a Living — Here's Why I Think Volvo's New XC40 Recharge Is Worth Your Money
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As a mom of three and an engineer, you better believe having a convenient, practical and safe vehicle for my family is a top priority. And when it comes to safety for family-friendly vehicles, Volvo stands out. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we have long been fans of the larger XC60 and XC90 (a 2019 Best New Family Car Award winner) series for families, and love the XC40 as a more playful vehicle that still harnesses the strength and quality of the brand’s lineup — just in a more compact, city-friendly build
So I was thrilled when Volvo announced the XC40 Recharge, an all-electric addition to its roster. It's Volvo's first entry into the all-electric (a.k.a. pure electric) market, hitting the road just weeks after Volvo announced ambitious climate goals to reduce its carbon footprint and to become a net-zero emission company by 2050 or sooner.
Last year, the gasoline-powered Volvo XC40 won a Good Housekeeping 2020 Best New Family Car Award thanks to its refined ride and spacious interior. At the time we noted that the XC40 “strikes the balance of being both a fun and functional ride in a category that is gaining popularity,” referring to the growth and popularity of small SUVs. Volvo's XC40 Recharge builds on this, with great performance combined with a more eco-conscious power source that has zero tailpipe emissions. Take note, if living more sustainably is high on your priority list.
Overall Review: The Volvo XC40 Recharge ups the ante on the incredibly dynamic and desirable XC40 with its more conscious, all-electric powertrain option. We recommend the vehicle as a great option particularly for city drivers with its well-designed, compact build.
Performance and Engine
Volvo’s first-ever pure electric small SUV is our top pick for family-friendly safety. It builds on a familiar vehicle, but it now has twin electric motors and all-wheel drive. Each axle is powered by a 201-hp motor (for 402-hp combined). Gone is the internal-combustion engine found on the front end of the gasoline-powered model; it's been replaced with a new reinforced underbody structure and the electronic controls. The 75-kWh lithium-ion battery is under the floor in an aluminum cage. Volvo says it can get to 60 mph in under five seconds, which we'll confirm as soon as we can get it on the test track.
The electric XC40 Recharge accelerates effortlessly. It's peppy and responsive on varied driving terrain. From the second you sit in the car, you feel how solid and well-built it is, offering a refined ride, smooth handling and a quiet interior.
Exterior
The distinctive exterior has a contemporary and bold appearance. For most people, the XC40 Recharge will look remarkably similar to the gas-powered version. There is no conventional radiator grille or exhaust tailpipe for obvious reasons, but otherwise it's largely the same.
Interior and Cargo Space
The interior likewise looks and feels much like the regular version. Of course, the traditional tachometer is replaced with a power-flow meter. The XC40 is a compact SUV, and for such still offers a comfortable ride for all passengers. It has a modern, thoughtful design that feels airy and upscale.
Part of what makes Good Housekeeping’s car evaluations unique is that we are always looking at our reviews from a 360-degree perspective. It has to be a good performing vehicle, of course, but what sets it apart is when it can also add in functionality and convenience. And the XC40 does this in spades.
With added amenities and clever storage compartments, the XC40 Recharge is just as spacious as the standard gas version. Plus, it loses no cargo space (57.5 cu. ft.) on the electric version. There are lots of smart storage compartments for all your odds and ends, including my beloved "frunk" (front trunk!) to keep items like your charging cables or gym bag. There are also clever hooks throughout, one that you can flip out from the glovebox that's perfect for holding your purse and others behind the back seats for hanging things like takeout food. You can also opt for additional accessories, like a cargo area barrier for pets or an aluminum bicycle holder.
Connectivity and Infotainment
Volvo departed from its Sensus Connect system in favor of the newly developed Android Automotive. With its large touchscreen, it’s really pleasurable to leverage for Google products like Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store. Or you can opt for connection via your iPhone.
Assisted Safety Tech
The Volvo XC40 Recharge features many assisted safety technology standard, including automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Some highlights include:
Adaptive cruise control: Volvo's Pilot Assist is very helpful particularly in more congested areas, as well as in open cruising.
Cross-traffic alert: If you've ever tried backing out of a tight spot, fearful of approaching vehicles, you'll rejoice with this driver assist technology. Not only will you get warnings, but it will auto brake if a collision is deemed imminent.
Lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning: Volvo's BLIS (blind spot information system) is designed to keep you safely in your lane and alert you if others try to creep in. The steering wheel gently vibrates to alert you.
Range and Charging
The EPA estimated range is 208 miles in mixed driving on a fully-charged 78-kWh battery. That being said, real world conditions can definitely impact range, like extreme temperatures, inclement weather, windy days and road conditions. You may also deplete quicker if your using a lot of heating or cooling on your rides.
Volvo claims you can get to an 80% charge in less than an hour with a fast-charging DC station. However, like most people you'll likely have a slower, standard charging station at home, which is ideal for overnight charging. With the recommended three-phase 11kw wallbox, you can go from empty to fully charged in about eight hours — which hopefully correlates with the shut-eye you get each night! If you’re looking to get a charging station at home, Volvo has partnered with ChargePoint for the physical charger and Qmerit for the professional installation. We definitely recommend installing a charging station at home to help eliminate any range anxiety you might otherwise have for your everyday driving.
More Questions, Answered
✔️ How much does the XC40 Recharge cost? The car has a starting MSRP of $53,990 before available federal and state tax credits.
✔️ What happens if I have a problem with the battery? Volvo offers an eight year or 100,000 miles warranty on the battery, and if necessary the battery can be replaced.
✔️ Is the Recharge viable for long-distance driving? Given you can get over 200 miles on a single charge, you should be able to find an AC or DC fast-charging station along your trip if properly planned. You can use an app like PlugShare or EVGo to help ID places along your route. Volvo also has a built-in route planner through Google Services.
✔️ Are there more sustainability steps Volvo is taking? Across the board Volvo is dedicated to traceability, and as such utilizes blockchain technology with routine inspections and checks from a mine to the car factory. Volvo continues to work to improve with responsible supply chains and more efficient usage of resources.
✔️ What colors is the car available in? The Recharge is available in eight colors, including my favorite for families, Thunder Grey Metallic, which is great at hiding blemishes on your car when you've been too busy to clean it.
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