2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge

The 2023 Volvo XC40 is currently the smallest SUV model offered in Canada by the Swedish luxury automaker. Volvo produces a gasoline powered version of the XC40 as well as the EV or “Recharge” labelled version we are testing. There’s no mistaking the overall look of the XC40 as anything other than a Volvo with the familial styling shared with both SUV’s and sedans in the Volvo line-up. One notable difference on the Recharge and with most EV models is the solid front panel in place of a traditional grille as there is no cooling radiator needed on an electric vehicle.
The cabin of the XC40 Recharge confirms its premium status. Seats are clad in a combination of suede and leather. The doors panels feature soft touch surfaces with what appear to be inlaid wooden panel that illuminate at night. A large central dash-mounted LCD touch screen handles most of the vehicle functions and adjustments. Climate controls, audio controls (including am/fm or SiriusXM channel selections) and battery parameters or charging cable release are all done through the one touchscreen.
The central instrument cluster is and another easy to read LCD screen located within the area behind the steering wheel. Interestingly, our top of the line tester did not come with a heads up display which can be found on less premium priced vehicles from other manufacturers.
The XC40 provides up to 1328 litres of storage in the rear cargo area with the rear seats folded down flat. An additional storage area for smaller items (perhaps the charging cable) is located up front where an engine would normal sit.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge comes in two electric powertrain versions. A single motor, rear wheel drive model and our tester, the twin motor model, producing 402HP and 486 lb-ft of torque. The front and rear axle motors combine to provide all wheel drive performance in dry or inclement weather. Volvo claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds which is pretty impressive. While we did not conduct any timed runs for this review, the vehicle feels quite quick.
The powertrain is fed by an onboard 78 kWh lithium Ion battery. A single charging port at the left rear of the vehicle is able to accept levels 1, 2 or fast charging DC current level 3 charging.
Volvo claims a maximum range on the dual motor XC40 Recharge of up to 409 kms for the twin motor model. A respectable figure but not in the same ballpark as other premium offerings in the compact SUV category. In our test we found the range estimates quite accurate and likely based on a worst case scenario. A daily commute of 100 kms of highway driving resulted in about a 25% reduction in battery capacity. The single motor model is rated for range up to 472 kms.
Charging times for the XC40 were quite reasonable. Without a level 2 charger at home, I was relegated to using the level One 110V charger supplied with the vehicle. Overnight the battery was able to replenish up to 16% of charge which more than half the amount needed for my commute the following day. Every few days a short visit to a level 3 charger would top up to over 80 % and allow a slower gradual charge to over 90% on the level One overnight.
In terms of driving dynamics, the XC40 Recharge was a treat to drive. On the road, the XC40 handles like a car with nimble handling. Overall sight lines are very good, the only exception being rearward vision while reversing. The upswept window line of the rear doors creates a significant blind spot trying to find obstacles backing up.
The many comfort features in the cabin make the XC40 Recharge an enjoyable place to spend time in, whether as driver or passenger. The seats are very comfortable with the usual adjustments plus variable lumbar support as well as a manual thigh support extension, a rare feature to find on vehicles these days.
Overall, the Volvo XC40 is a vehicle I could easily live with. Furthermore, its an EV I found fit my lifestyle without too much sacrifice. The charging ease and range were adequate for the needs I have for a vehicle.
The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge starts at $59,900 for the base trim, single motor model. The top of line, twin motor unit we tested had a sticker price of just under $75,000.
For a more detailed breakdown of pricing and trim levels, please visit the Volvo Canada website for exact options and pricing.