2025 Volvo EX30 vs. Competitors
Volvo calls its all-electric EX30 crossover “small yet mighty.” It’s an apt description, as this five-seat utility vehicle earns bragging rights as the fastest production Volvo ever, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. The EX30 is also unique because it has no direct competition. There are subcompact EV crossovers and all-electric crossovers from premium brands, but only the EX30 brings together both of those elements.
Nonetheless, we’ve compiled other electric crossovers that buyers will likely cross-shop with the Volvo EX30. The rivals are the 2025 editions of the MINI Countryman SE ALL4, Kia Niro EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric. The comparison involves the least-expensive trims for the EX30 and Countryman SE ALL4, while the Niro EV and Kona Electric are configured at the top grade to better compete with Volvo’s luxury orientation.
Pricing
The EX30 is competitively priced within this group, with a starting MSRP of $44,900. It’s slightly more expensive than the Niro EV (top trim’s MSRP: $44,600) but undercuts the MINI’s base price of $45,200. At $41,150, the Kona Electric’s topmost trim has the lowest MSRP in this comparison, but we cover below how the EX30’s higher price tag is justified.
Power and Performance
Among these electric crossovers, the EX30 is in a league of its own when it comes to powertrain output. The twin-motor AWD EX30 puts out an impressive 422 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, blowing past the MINI (308 hp/364 lb.-ft.), Niro EV (201 hp/188 lb.-ft.), and Kona Electric (also 201 hp/188 lb.-ft.). This power enables the EX30 to deliver supercar-level performance at a price point below $50,000, something very few cars in this price range can match. The EX30’s zero-to-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds far exceeds the MINI, which requires 5.4 seconds for the same effort. Car and Driver reports slower times for the Niro EV and Kona Electric: 6.7 seconds and 7.0 seconds, respectively.
The Niro EV and Kona Electric also fall short in the drivetrain department, as these are only available with front-wheel drive (FWD). In contrast, the EX30 and MINI have standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
Range and Efficiency
In terms of range, the EX30 delivers a competitive 253 miles on a full charge, matching the Kia Niro EV exactly and only slightly trailing the Kona Electric's 261-mile range. The MINI Countryman brings up the rear with 212 miles. The EX30 achieves this range despite its performance focus and all-wheel-drive configuration.
The EX30’s estimated electricity consumption of 31 kWh per 100 miles is notably more efficient than the MINI's 35 kWh per 100 miles rating, while being close to the Kia's 30 kWh per 100 miles and the Hyundai's 29 kWh per 100 miles capability.
Charging Speed
The EX30 features Level 3/DC fast-charging capability, which allows it to replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in just 26.5 minutes, making it the quickest charger in this comparison. The MINI follows relatively closely at 29 minutes to reach 80%, while the Niro EV and Kona Electric require significantly longer times at 43 minutes each.
Dimensions
Despite being the shortest vehicle in the group at 166.7 inches in length (compared to 171.5 to 175.0 inches for the three competitors listed here), the EX30 maximizes interior space. Its 104.3-inch wheelbase approaches the longer Hyundai's 104.7 inches, allowing for comparable passenger space. That said, the EX30 offers better front headroom (41.7 inches) and front legroom (41.9 inches) than its rivals. This Volvo’s 7.0-inch ground clearance gives it another advantage over the Kia and Hyundai (both 5.9 inches) while slightly trailing the MINI's 7.4 inches. Ground clearance is crucial for traversing rougher surfaces and speed bumps, as well as clearing moderate amounts of accumulated snow.
Wheel Setup and Handling
The EX30 also beats the competition when it comes to tires and wheels: it rolls on wide 245/45R19 tires. These 19-inch units provide better road grip and cornering stability than the smaller 17- and 18-inch wheels found on the Kia (215/55R17), Kona (215/60R17), and MINI (225/55R18).
