Is the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge a BETTER luxury SUV than a Genesis GV70?

The XC40 Recharge is a compact luxury SUV from Volvo. On the outside you will find full LED lighting, 20in wheels and 2-tone paint job. On the inside you will be greeted by a digital gauge cluster and 9in infotainment system. Powering this XC40 are (2) electric motors that produce 402HP. Is the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge a BETTER luxury SUV than a Genesis GV70?
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Videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[@ScalexCzech]

Just about everyone who reviews these electric Volvos criticises the on-screen climate control, but almost never mentions that there's no need to touch the display at all, as everything can be controlled by voice. I don't even have to give an exact command like a robot, I just say "Hey Google, I'm hot.", "Hey Google, I'm cold." Or I can specifically say, "Hey Google, set the heat to 22 degrees and the fan to level two.", "Hey Google, set the passenger seat heater to level three." And I can do anything that way. Dictate a text message. Switch between one pedal drive and two pedal drive. Control the radio. Ask KZbin Music or Spotify to play me a specific playlist, a specific artist, or start a random playlist in a specific genre. I can use my voice to ask for directions to the nearest charging station, restaurant, or other POI. I understand that at first people may find it strange to talk to the car. I also felt like David Hasselhof in Knight Rider in my Volvo XC40. But after a few days I got used to it and it really is an extremely comfortable way to drive, leaving my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road the whole time.

[@natecabot]

I miss Kitt ♥

[@godofdun]

Hard to compare as the Genesis are larger/more expensive. I love that premium wool blend option, great to see more than just leather as an option increasingly. Volvo/Polestar getting some updates in terms of range and what not for 2024 model year, so either wait or use that to negotiate a better deal from the dealership.

[@SpaceyZee]

The Genesis is just on another level in design and material, and technology.

[@LuisUrbieta]

Joe I dig the Volvo XC40 and I firmly believe this is a True Apostle to the SUV's.

[@rahimi4762]

Agreed

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@rahimi4762 Nice!

[@marvinhenderson6379]

Very good video, very informative

[@q4077]

Joe you're simply best at the reviews gig. For kinda a funny looking guy, you made it pay! Dam good content

[@mrdave777]

Raiti….you’re my favorite. And I can list all your competition, you’re on top. I hate to remind you, I’d like that box of Twinkies at 1m. Lol. That benchmark is 10k away, sir!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank for having my back!

[@skippy5311]

Nice review. I think it short sighted to remove the rear window wiper as I am grateful for it on rainy days. Perhaps they could have tucked it under the roof spoiler so it is not normally visible. Although I prefer physical buttons for the warmers, I have no problem with the on screen climate controls. Automatic AC means you set it once and rarely need to adjust it again.

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and keep up the good work and I love the video 👍

[@jnyfumare]

Great review and I love Volvo!

[@mdshovel]

NOTE ... use voice button or say "Hey Google" and then you can set the heating/AC/fan how you want without having to touch the screen. Same with switching from OPD to no OPD or even navigating ... the list goes on - you can even ask for a joke or some worldwide statistic. BTW those particular seats are wool blend not just "recycled" material. This is all Swedish understatement

[@RaitisRides]

I like buttons.

[@rafaeltorovip]

I do like your description of the AC function 😂

[@indymajor7372]

Oh yeah, turbo graphics 16. Loved racing in Final Lap Twin and Keith Courage and World Class Baseball. It was just so different from playing the NES

[@AAly-hf5mg]

Great work

[@a86hero]

Beautiful car. I see you always don't like the black plastic around the wheels, as a cheap look.. It actually gives the wheels a sporty and bigger size impression.. If it's painted the total design will change and the wheels will look smaller

[@davidp2888]

I like this. It's different and stylish, but I'd keep the wheel arches as they are.

[@RaitisRides]

Good call David

[@user-gn1zs2bz7z]

@@RaitisRides вольво это китаиское авто.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Volvo XC40 Recharge is my daily driver. I love the thing. I had a TV reporter interview me about NEVI-Compliant charging and when I dropped the hammer, she began giggling like she was seven. Tesla has chill mode. Volvo engineers forgot to add any concept of that and left it wide open. It is also able to be glamped in. I fold the back seats down and put in an air mattress. As far as EVs go, the Android Auto is IMHO best in class for SoC destination estimation. It is one of the few that correctly estimates the effects on an EV from changes in elevations. If your goal is an EV that eaks out every ounce of efficiency, look elsewhere. If you want a comfortable, fun to drive, EV with a lux look & feel, I have to say this is an underrepresented option. As far as range goes, if you say 60 miles in an hr avg for highway, then 180 is three hrs. I am fine with the 240 I get. Every 3 hrs. I would prob stop anyway for bio breaks or stretching my legs. I agree the EV info is lacking. That seems to be the trend with higher end cars. We just got a Cadillac Lyriq and it too is the same way. I think the thought is too much info gets confusing so they leave it simple as a percent of full like a gas tank. Thx for the vid. I enjoyed watching.

[@normt430]

Car & Driver chose the Genesis over the Lyriq. Curious as to what you like and dis-like about the Volvo and Cadillac. And why not that other EV company?

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

@@normt430 My wife makes the purchasing decisions between us. The first EV she chose was the Tesla M3LR. We went all electric when she added the Volvo XC40 Recharge, trading in the last ICE we owned. She said she wanted something with more space for the cargo haul needs and for some reason she was not keen on the Y. She swapped the M3LR for a Cadillac Lyriq, for the main reason being driver comfort. The M3LR is pretty low (built for aero) and the seats are not great. She is very happy in her new Cadi. Way more comfortable, roomy, and all the lux features the brand is known for. She let's me now drive the XC40 Recharge as a daily driver. I love the thing to death. This weekend I am doing an EV road trip where I will glamp in it two nights. Roomy, lux feel, drives great. What's not to love? Hope this helps.

[@wardellward]

I’m digging that color

[@tomdrummy4984]

It looks good, but the Genesis is super sharp ! 👍

[@brentengstrom5406]

Nice, Joe!

[@omarcortes5754]

A nice compact for city/daily driving.

[@peteandtessTube]

Great review! No music nonsense. I’m looking for a family car about the size of our CRV. I’m completely sold on EV because we Love our Chevy Bolt EUV Premier which also has all the safety, comfort and sound bells and whistles so all I really want is something a little bigger and epa about 300 to 350 range. I’d say the Volvo is in the running. Thanks!

[@jimmydeneus7109]

💯💯 keep going

[@SplittingVoices]

My favorite part, ON THROTTLE!!!!!!

[@EverythingEvo]

Easy answer, heck no!

[@mystictk4149]

Looks good

[@bedhedted]

Brave man driving that fast on US 19

[@Brandnewmorg]

How would you compare this size to an Evoque?

[@jerrodg938]

I have a 2017 xc60 Gas volvo. Runs smooth

[@MuhammadFahad-qd4kg]

Excited

[@Blackwing668]

Joe was everything alright? I hope there wasn’t any problems 😊 my setup would be a white or a blue. And is the Kia forte getting a redesign or a refresh for 2024 or were going to see changes in the years to come? Because im thinking of getting one as my first car. 😊

[@RaitisRides]

Things were good man.

[@Blackwing668]

@@RaitisRides that’s good to hear!😊 on throttle here we go

[@MuhammadUmar-ip6ch]

Amazing 🤩

[@yahshaunyahu]

These cross overs are starting to look all alike. The toyota rava 4 , the Honda crv and now this

[@rahimi4762]

Thus been looking like this

[@tjadventures]

I love the black plastic trim around the wheels.

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that you are liking this one.

[@rizwanasukhiani4691]

Amazing

[@paulanderson6205]

Your supposed to use “hey google “ to make any adjustments like heat and drive modes

[@jankieseebaran6563]

Hey Joe hoping you get your hands on an MG HS phev

[@natecabot]

I prefer the understated Swedish design of Volvo. I also appreciate Genesis making a bling EV for those for whom ostentatious display matters. Big HP and torque sell me on Volvo. Picking up our XC40 soon!

[@bradentwilson00]

Which trim level is this? I like the black plastic inside rather than that silver square design. As well as the crystal gear shifter. What would I search to get this exact one?

[@RaitisRides]

Recharge top trim

[@user-ys5hp9ip6b]

Looks nice and looks different .

[@dalepritchard3335]

Not ready for all electric. I like long road trips done in a timely manner. But it is a cool car.

[@nah3193]

Genesis is way nicer

[@dadoo985]

No ventilated seats?

[@user-bj6sd6mk4m]

Should I get a new 2020 Nissan frontier

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I'd just wait and probably get the newer BEV Volvos. The Volvo design is now classic and wonderful but it's not their latest design language which starts with the EX90. Now, the design language is more important inside than outside. The display screen will be bigger, software integration better, no hump at all in the back floor, etc. If you want an XC40, a great vehicle, then this is good. The Genesis is not comparable, it's more luxurious with a plusher ride where the Volvo has that Euro firm yet compliant ride.

[@skippy5311]

Although I prefer the design language of the EX30/EX90 better, I would not want to buy in during the first model year of any EV. Too many potential software/hardware glitches. The XC40 Recharge certainly had its own during its first two years.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@skippy5311 No doubt. The bigger Volvos were even more problematic.

[@scottiverson7829]

Like it!

[@VanquishedAgain]

Naw its not. The xc40 is too expensive for what it is and nobody looks twice at it. Very boring conservative design. It is quick though

[@rehabmax]

The limited range and price is the main detractor of the model. Tesla is 10K cheaper before the tax incentive. I never liked that Info screen. I don't think they are selling many of these. I don't see them on the road at all. The price should be $15,000 cheaper.

[@normt430]

Many more options on this luxury EV than the premium Model Y Performance.

[@beastaish]

I just know Raiti was the best in his class at estimating how many pieces of candy were in a jar.

[@kathryndunn9142]

I'm loving the storage in the engine area I don't like the style of the system screen. I don't like the fabric seats 🤨 on the whole I don't like the whole car space in the boot is good. I'm liking the front window looks good when you can see the road like that drives smooths tho

[@CaryInVictoria]

The fabric seats (30% wool, 70%) are an option. Most opt for faux leather seat covers. I'm very pleased with the "tailored wool" seats in my C40. They are warm in winter, cool in summer and brighten the interior.

[@JorgeRiverosTales]

Pretty.

[@acecordova6703]

I almost gasped at 06:07 i thought he was gonna say just like your grandma 🤦‍♂️

[@alexi21san]

Thanks for the review Joe .My take is Genesis cars look way more luxurious inside and are less fiddle with more practical buttons for the car’s gadgets.They also look way more expensive and have better batteries.

[@rahimi4762]

Nope.

[@bhmth]

I think that, head to head, almost every EV in the segment (save for the kind of pointless-seeming EQB) is "better" than this Volvo, though ultimately this is the one I chose to get. I went for the simple vinyl seating though for durability and stain resistance. The boxy shape sucks for efficiency but is great for daily practicality, the tech lacks bells and whistles but the nav is insanely good and voice recognition is excellent. It's a great all-rounder for anyone shopping in this price class but not planning on taking a roadtrip and it doesn't scream EV like some of the competitors, which is just a style choice that one may or may not make. Plus some of the colors, like this green and the fjord blue, are really nice. Great review though you actually can push those seats down from the back once that cargo cover is off.

[@RaitisRides]

It will be interesting to see how it pans out.

[@mdshovel]

@@RaitisRides I saw some stats recently that the Volvo XC40 is the 3rd biggest selling EV in Europe and a long way ahead of number 4 downwards. One and 2 spot are Tesla

[@normt430]

Good choice! Or the C40 Recharge!

[@mdshovel]

@@normt430 or the new EX30

[@husnainkhan5717]

Very nice car

[@superluxuryofficial]

I love Volvo XC40 and it is way better than other competitors, There is no way Genesis can compete

[@briannwo1900]

My first game console was a Intellivision. Not sure many know about it though ?

[@RaitisRides]

Oh I do trust me!

[@stormyskyz4251]

I’m not buying a car without manual handles! This electric car is better than the other electrics I’ve been eying up

[@anique1990]

Nice 👍

[@zainabfatima5118]

I have a hw like this

[@specialeducationwithshamim2238]

I like it

[@flexor212000]

Hmm. Referenced TG16? I guess I HAVE to subscribe now...

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome!

[@amypeckham]

There is voice activation on the a/c just sayin'

[@drplando14]

Yeah, those ac in electric cars are powerful. I turned one on and the cold air hit my arm and it hurt for a few days

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

I like this car it’s super cool

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I can bring it to you!

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

@@RaitisRides 😊😊

[@RaitisRides]

@@wwesupermiahroblox4460 You are the best!

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

@@RaitisRides Thank you. You too!

[@Kimonha]

I love this car.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so fantastic to hear!

[@chrisgelo1425]

Joe, I'm looking forward to the Tacoma unveil! Also I was wondering if you could do a Trax 1RS review please. 🤔

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned

[@Blackwing668]

Bro there is a 2024 Chevy trax 1rs for sale in my neck of the woods.

[@chrisgelo1425]

@Cobra427BigBlock Dude you lucky bro

[@Blackwing668]

@@chrisgelo1425 yeah but no price has been listed yet.

[@chrisgelo1425]

@Cobra427BigBlock oh online it said 23,995

[@jonathansmith1590]

Interesting 🤔. Why not compare this to the Genesis GV60? 🤷‍♂

[@islanddon865]

Pretty fast. But the only thing it can't pass is a charging station. The range is laughable for anything but a city driver only...for $60k???

[@TbirdThunderHD]

100% agree. I have one as a rental now. I’m seeing 160 miles on a charge.

[@Spoolingturbski]

This car is just a place holder. Just wait for the EX30 and EX90. True scandinavian design

[@fabriciooliveira5025]

Carro 🚗 🏎 🚙 🚘 bacana 🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ron_with_the_crosstrek_spo7919]

Good video, thanks. Are you sponsored by Twinkies? Random fact: before WWII, the Twinkie filling was banana flavored from real bananas. Since banana imports were affected by rationing, the company (not Hostess) that made Twinkies switched to artificial vanilla for the flavoring, which is what you find today. Unless they make seasonal flavors like artificial pumpkin spice, and you stock up on four boxes even knowing your girlfriend will give you a lecture about junky food

[@flexor212000]

AC controls not on buttons is pretty much a deal breaker for me. Ugh! Change this please Volvo!

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel!

[@user-yb4hr3tf3u]

❤❤❤

[@khankhajjak4714]

Wow

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

The only Volvo product I can buy one now.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one Jeremiah!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

​@@RaitisRidesYeah, Hopefully I buy it

[@barryroche7234]

Nice job, Joe. I’m left scratching my a head a little talking to my self and concluding, “not for me”. To be honest in my opinion it lacks style, looks dated, small in size and range for the pricing. A missed opportunity to shine when compared to other competitors.

[@normt430]

The XC40 is a shared CMA ICE platform with C40 EV and Polestar 2 EV and is a few years old now. New models come in the next 18-months or so..

[@Shafi_jokhio]

Nice super

[@creditcardunboxings2880]

you can't get xc40 as a plug in hybrid. only mild hybrid & fully electric

[@jaymistry1239]

What car does Joe drive??????????

[@chrisgelo1425]

2023 Fl5 Civic Type R

[@normt430]

@@chrisgelo1425 thought he had a Mustang?

[@chrisgelo1425]

@@normt430 That too

[@ronaldclarke8198]

Sega Nomad 😊

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronaldclarke8198]

@@RaitisRides Yw!

[@tradermunky1998]

60k gets you old, I mean recycled, fabric seats with piping. Interior not doing it for me. Nice storage space and it looks fast.

[@CaryInVictoria]

The fabric seats are warm in winter, cool in summer and brighten the interior. IMO they look classier than the alternative faux leather seat covers. What's not to like? Seeing them in person may change your view.

[@tradermunky1998]

@@CaryInVictoria Nah, and I wouldn't buy fake leather either at that price. These car makers keep trying to pass off cheap stuff for expensive stuff. Certain amounts of resources are needed to produce fabric and plastics, versus leather. I think they call that overpaying. Just my opinion of course.

[@normt430]

@@tradermunky1998 the door and floor carpet are made from recycled fish nets and water bottles. The seats are a wool blend. Very sustainable than vinyl in that other car company.

[@tradermunky1998]

@@normt430 Hey, whatever you want to spend extra money on that makes you feel good, go for it, not saying there is anything wrong with that, we all do it. But I personally would never pay 60k for what I personally think is an inferior product, that makes me feel good.

[@normt430]

@@tradermunky1998 the segment leading Y Perf costs similar and is not luxurious.

[@josuecalderon2760]

They need to lower these prices. 61k ? Might as well buy a Tahoe. These prices are crazy.

[@RaitisRides]

There is more luxury in this particular SUV than a Tahoe.

[@zainabnoor9905]

👍🏻

[@paulanderson6205]

Genesis just focuses on how it looks expensive and not how it’s made and Volvo focuses on quality simple materials and luxury is used with safety and details you cannot see.

[@alengreen589]

👍

[@nickmccarthy5115]

Cadillac lyriq is better for the same price

[@jerrodg938]

Liquid! That car will go up in flames on empact

[@derrickdavis7917]

If im paying 60k for a vehicle I dont want cloth seats and I DAMN sure better never hear the word "Recycled Materials"... How dare you.

[@weirdshibainu]

You don't understand the ethos of Volvo.

[@derrickdavis7917]

@@weirdshibainu Guess it's not for me... Ill stick with the ethos of Mercedes and Lexus.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@derrickdavis7917 I get it. It's a selling point with their customer base.

[@normt430]

@@derrickdavis7917 Volvo/Polestar are taking a more sustainable approach to vehicle ownership compared to others. The floor carpet and door liner are from recycled water bottles. Obviously the wool blend is natural.

[@AdamJakowenko]

Correction: This is not faster than a GV60. Also it's disappointing they still haven't integrated the 360 cam view and the backup cam view on the same screen when you reverse. So many other cars do this now and it's really useful. Volvo and Polestar still have not and I can't figure out why.

[@normt430]

The XC40 is a shared CMA ICE platform with C40 EV and Polestar 2 EV and is a few years old now. New models come in the next 18-mknths or so.

[@Quinton0520]

Volvo all the way! Better than Hyundais! Plus safest car brand

[@TbirdThunderHD]

Real world range is horrible. I’m seeing 160 miles on a charge in the rental I have now. I would never buy one of these.

[@DannerBanks]

230 miles of range ... Woof

[@RaitisRides]

Is that a good woof?

[@Fwex]

second

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate your dedication!

[@Fwex]

@@RaitisRides easy to be dedicated when the content is top shelf brother

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

First too

[@RaitisRides]

You are on it man!

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

@@RaitisRides yea dude

[@rickrolled2691]

Don’t like the felt carpet material on the door either. And for $60k no leather seats…looks like Volvo doesn’t offer leather seats anymore? I’ll take a BMW X3 M40

[@joshharrison1160]

they offer leather seats but part of their brand is "animal friendly" and "sustainability" so they offer these "cloth" seats with recycled materials. Not everyone cares about those issues but many Volvo owners dig it

[@normt430]

The door and floor carpet is made from recycled fish nets and water bottles.

[@rickrolled2691]

@@joshharrison1160 I didn’t see an option for leather seating on the Volvo website

[@TnTteam09]

This dosent even hold a candle light to Kia Ev6 let alone Any Genesis product. Sorry not sorry, I. going with the S Korean brand.

[@normt430]

The XC40 is a shared CMA ICE platform with C40 EV and Polestar 2 EV and is a few years old now. New models come in the next 18-months or so.

[@wand3rlu5t]

The Genesis GV60 is too ugly to consider and I hate the interior. The GV70 electric is quite attractive but neither can touch any Volvo on design prowess. I would take this over any genesis in a heartbeat.

[@darkivaz-aaa1145]

Genesis is better joe

[@rahimi4762]

Hell no 😂

[@mattmekhaeil]

@@rahimi4762 they got some nice interiors and technology is on top. They’ve been a splash the auto industry. Let me ask you why you think it’s not better? They’re both nice suvs but the gv70 is better

[@frankjgornickjr3676]

Dude you don't know how to drive you're changing lanes without using the turn signal and your speeding!