The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge: The all-electric subcompact luxury SUV excels in style, safety and substance

This year, Volvo
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 has extended the XC40 Recharge’s maximum range figure to 293 miles by way of a new single-motor powertrain. The twin-motor version, meanwhile, sees its range increase to 254 miles — an improvement of 31 miles over last year, which it needed if it was going to be a credible contender against rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron (265 miles) and Mercedes-EQ EQB (250 miles). That said, the Tesla
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Model Y still rules this particular roost with a maximum of 330 miles.

See: The 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQB: The all-electric small SUV is superb family transport

Nevertheless, the 2024 XC40 Recharge comes with a lot of standard safety equipment, enjoys excellent build quality, and comes with a major car company’s backing and other advantages.

The gasoline-powered Volvo XC40 and the slinkier C40 Recharge each have separate reviews.

Also see: The 2023 Kia EV6 vs. the Volvo XC40 Recharge

2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge pricing

The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge starts at $52,450. That’s for the single-motor version, a new variant this year and the one with the best range: 293 miles. Twin-motor models have all-wheel drive and start at $54,200.

These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and don’t include the $1,195 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

Rivals include the Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y, both starting in the $50K region. The Mercedes-EQ EQB kicks off in the mid-$50s. And the Genesis GV60 is more like $60K.

Before buying a new Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should pay. The XC40 Recharge enjoys respectable resale values, slightly stronger than the Q4 e-tron, for example.

Check out: The cars, trucks, EVs and SUVs with the best resale value in 2024

What’s new for 2024

This latest model year marks the arrival of a single-motor version with rear-wheel drive and a fairly impressive range of 293 miles. The all-wheel-drive twin-motor version has its range increased to 254 miles.

The midlevel Plus trim gains a cabin air purifier, and the top-tier Ultimate receives pixel technology headlights with cornering lights. There are also some new colors, along with fresh designs of the 19-inch alloy wheels on the Core and Plus versions.

Also see: What’s in the cards for car shoppers in 2024? Here are 5 trends experts expect.

Driving the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge

The new single-motor powertrain of the all-electric 2024 XC40 Recharge SUV makes 248 horsepower and, more importantly, 310 lb-ft of torque. Torque creates thrust, which is better perceived and appreciated in everyday driving.

A great attribute of electric motors is the ability to deliver torque from a virtual standstill. So the single motor can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, which is brisk even if it’s not breathtaking. And if anyone is concerned about the unusual (for Volvo) rear-wheel-drive layout and the possibility of losing the tail end when cornering quickly or making an evasive maneuver, we say don’t worry. This car comes from a company renowned for its “safety first” approach.

The twin-motor version comes with a slightly different setup than last year, with the happy outcome that torque is increased by a smidge (technical term; actually 8 lb-ft) and range improves to 254 miles. The sprint to 60 mph takes around 4.5 seconds, thanks to the standard all-wheel-drive system’s ability to apply power to the road. Nor does it run out of punch at higher speeds, thanks to 402 horsepower. If that amount of muscle were in a combustion-powered car, fuel bills would be high.

In both versions, the weight of the battery pack is offset by placing it below the floor, keeping the center of gravity nice and low for stability.

Plus: If you’re thinking of a new electric car, take a serious look at the 2023 Kia EV6

Well-designed interior

Volvo has achieved conflicting objectives with the XC40 Recharge electric SUV. It has created a useful amount of space in a subcompact footprint. Plenty of storage areas manage to fit within a clean and uncluttered design. And comfort coexists with style and technology. Volvo offers tailored wool blend upholstery with the Ultimate trim for those who would rather not have leather.

There’s been no compromise by making this version of the XC40 all-electric. There’s the same amount of space for occupants and cargo as the gasoline-powered counterpart. Actually, this Recharge adds another storage area under the hood, ideal for accommodating the charging cable.

The rear legroom of 36.1 inches is merely passable. Not as good as the Audi Q4 e-tron’s 37.2 inches or the Tesla Model Y’s 40.5 inches (the Model Y is six inches longer, though). The luggage area measures 16 cubic feet. Folding the rear seats down creates 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Again, this figure lags behind the Tesla Model Y’s but inches past the Audi Q4 e-tron’s capacity.

You might like: 18 new EVs to watch for in 2024

Our favorite features and tech

Google Built-In
This standard Google-based infotainment system uses Google
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Maps for navigation, allows users to download other apps from the Google Play store, has the ability for over-the-air updates, and can be controlled using natural speech. Yes, it’s an Android-fest, but standard Apple
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CarPlay allows the integration of iPhones as well.

Digital driver information display
Exactly what a modern electric car should have, a 12.3-inch configurable display capable of providing all sorts of specialized information. Another standard feature in every new XC40 Recharge.

One-pedal driving
One-pedal driving is where the (selectable) level of brake energy regeneration is strong enough to slow the vehicle down without the driver having to press the brake pedal. It’s all done by varying the pressure on the accelerator pedal. It soon becomes second nature and great to have in frenetic city traffic.

Pilot Assist
In tandem with adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist makes small steering inputs to keep the XC40 Recharge in its desired lane. This doesn’t add up to hands-free driving but cuts down on fatigue during long freeway stretches. It’s standard equipment in the Ultimate trim.

Climate pack
This includes a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and a heat pump (transferring warmth from the drivetrain into the cabin). It’s an optional bundle for the Core or Plus models and is standard with the Ultimate version.

Pixel technology headlights with active bending lights
Multiple LEDs provide superb and safe illumination yet won’t dazzle other drivers. Active bending lights move with the steering to shine into the next corner. These features are newly standard in the top Ultimate trim.

Don’t miss: How long you can expect an electric car to last

Power, range and charging

Rear-Wheel Drive
New this year, the single-motor version of the 2024 XC40 Recharge places its one electric motor on the back axle to make this a rare animal — a rear-wheel-drive Volvo. Output is 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s a little more than its fossil-fuel counterpart. Maximum range is 293 miles. A larger-capacity battery than the twin-motor version results in a fairly brisk charging time of 28 minutes to go from 10% to 80% using a DC fast charger.

All-Wheel Drive
This year sees a modified drivetrain going into the Twin Motor model. Instead of identical units on both axles, the front has slightly less power than before, while the rear has more. The combined output is 402 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. For the sake of efficiency, the front motor only comes into play when necessary. This version’s maximum range is 254 miles. Using the 10%-to-80% metric, the charging time is 37 minutes.

Single Motor
248 horsepower
310 lb-ft of torque
EPA combined fuel economy: 106 MPGe (118 city, 95 highway)
EPA-estimated range: 293 miles

Twin Motor
Dual electric motors
402 total horsepower
494 lb-ft of total torque
EPA combined fuel economy: 99 MPGe (106 city, 91 highway)
EPA-estimated range: 254 miles

See: 10 electric SUVs that seat 7

Safety ratings

The XC40 Recharge has received a Top Safety Pick+ commendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the maximum 5-star overall score from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Be sure to read: These are 2023’s safest new cars

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

Volvo’s new-vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. These are all typical for the luxury electric vehicle sector.

KBB’s car review methodology.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.