The Volvo XC40 Recharge Is A Swede Way To Electrify Your Ride

[@TylerBell]

Great review. We traded in our Tesla Model 3 LR for an XC40 Recharge a few months ago. The Volvo feels higher quality, and has a quieter and more comfortable ride. We've been very happy with it.

[@-Derp-]

Enjoy in good health sir. I am waiting for the XC60 and XC90 full ev variants to arrive, and will grab one of those. I drove the XC40, and I was in awe, however I have some tall friends (nearing 7 feet), and the XC40 wont do. The audio of the XC40 was the best I have ever heard in a car too, so I hope you are giving that a workout. Enjoy.

[@benoitduval5797]

I will exactly do the same in some months. XC40 P8 recharge order full options. I know the long distance will be...longer but for the daily 90% it will be much better.

[@richarddunn504]

Currently have a 2022 model 3 LR whilst waiting for Xc40 Twin Plus, love Volvo and this will be my 4th, but worried I may have spoiled myself with the toys, fun and tech, charging network with the Tesla 🤔 great review, btw.

[@whitneyminthorn445]

Still liking it? I'm thinking of doing the same!

[@TylerBell]

@@whitneyminthorn445 I still love it. I ended up buying a 2nd Volvo (XC60) to go with it

[@tommihelich2613]

I spoke to a woman I met at Home Depot driving one of these. She stated she loved hers and had no trouble driving to Portland (90 miles away) and back on a single charge. That’s how far we have to go for the nearest Costco. Thanks for your comprehensive review Tom.

[@davids1816]

Welcome back Mr. Voelk! Fun Fact - the battery is in the middle because that was the safest place for it to be in a crash. A Volvo saved my live once upon a time.

[@scottvanslee3121]

Loved the review! Bought my XC40 back in May. I drive 100 miles round-trip with no worry. However, most of my miles are highway, and yes, the range is likely near the lower end as you stated. However, in Chicago heat and cold extremes, I have loved this car for the most part top to bottom! As far as price goes, Volvo is a luxury brand and That's a reason this was my bag as opposed to a Hyundai or even Ford (Mach E still quite expensive in higher trims). Nevertheless, this is my 1st entry into the EV as well as luxury car world and I am very satisfied thus far. I recommend everyone doing their research as they should for every major purchase, but for our family, this was a no Brainer in the end! Cheers all!!

[@doogiemcdougster6740]

Thanks Tom! I've been waiting on your take on this and the comparison to the C40. Now if I could only make up my mind between the two, lol.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks Doogie!

[@rcpmac]

Regarding Volvo reliability I’d like to share my positive experience. Not sure if this helps you but my 2016 Volvo V60 t5 FWD sport wagon just turned 50k mi and besides a recent battery replacement it has been completely trouble free. Even the brakes are original! It has performed way beyond my expectations and is a fantastic car to drive with tight and solid handling and an honest 36 mpg highway with roof rack. Such a different experience from being an Audi owner.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

My Volvos tended to be reliable as well though we went through a lot brakes. The last one (a 2012 XC70) was a little more problematic. But it was bought used and I suspect was neglected for a time.

[@jimclay1969]

Tom, Thanks for the last few video's. They have been welcomed surprises. Hopefully your enjoying some relaxing time as well.

[@cme51773]

I’ve been a big fan since you were on KING Tv. You are head and shoulders above every auto reviewer on the net. I won’t buy a car without watching your review. Keep the high quality content coming.

[@JohnSmith-ef2rn]

I received my 2023 model XC40 recharge just over a week ago - it's great fun to drive. Handles very well, excellent turning radius, great vision and very comfortable seats. The sound system is nice - I'm not a "audiophile" by any means, so the subtle niceties of the sound system are probably lost on me, but it sounds a bit better than the sound from my 2016 Koleos. It's quiet, and the driving experience, from at least the front seat, is great. It's quick too - accelerates a lot faster than I was expecting! Great points - driving quality, sound, speed, handling Things it could have done better on, from my perspective - not much storage space (or, at least, not as much as my other cars), the rear passengers seemingly don't have as smooth a ride as the front passengers (judging by what my family tell me), and the range really does seem a bit low. I drive in the suburbs 99% of the time, so the range is more than adequate, but I was a bit perturbed by the fact that it seemingly lost about 6~7% after driving for what seemed to be a relatively short distance - 16km round-trip. Granted, I had only charged to 90% as recommended, but that seemed... a bit of a short distance to lose that much battery life. I'm in Australia, and it's summer still, so it wasn't due to cold weather. Still, I'm not too worried - I do plan on going on a road-trip soon, and there are enough EV chargers to ensure that I'll be able to top up as I go - EVs are still relatively rare (especially in rural areas), so as long as you don't travel during peak holiday season, you won't have to worry about not being able to access a charger.

[@BHBeckenbauer]

I have the XC40 Twin here in the U.K. - I’m getting 240 miles in summer. Very impressed with the car, particularly the rapid charging speeds. A software update gave battery pre-heating for rapid charging so it really can achieve near its 150kw for a decent period Nice review as always Tom!

[@seesantos]

We just bought the Xc40 Recharge and love it. It’s our 4th Volvo. Speaking of reliability, I got 240k miles on my 850 with hardly any issues.

[@davidcottrell570]

Thanks Tom, great review! Had mine for 2 months now and am easily averaging 250 miles range without optimization and with air conditioning on in these 80-90 degree temperatures. I love the fully loaded version, but am probably getting a set of 19” rims for winter - the 20” cart-wheel look is not so great for comfort, and curb rash is a worry. It’s diminutive size is fine for 4 people, but best of all, it doesn’t shout “look at me, I’m an EV!”.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks for the range info David. Good to know I'm on track.

[@motorv8N]

One of the best reviews of this vehicle - thank you. This is a gorgeous EV and is currently at the top of our list. I’m not thrilled at the amount of software glitches I read about on the XC40 Recharge forums though. Hopefully these are getting whittled down slowly with every software update and I concede that it’s a skewed representation because the people with no problems generally aren’t going online to crow about that. As for Volvo safety, I clearly remember as a kid in the 70s, one of our neighbours pointing out the three point seatbelts in the back of his parents’ Volvo, and said, “one day all cars will have these…”

[@TalismanPHX]

Welcome back Tom!!

[@PluginDuo]

Love it! Very distinctive style and useful space. Do wish XC40 had more range. Agree that some manufacturers deliver more than promised. Great content Tom!

[@Shotis]

I'm already sure this will be a fantastic review, Tom! I love that you're covering so many models. I know that shoppers will love the variety. As for the cars themselves, I'm glad to see Volvo selling both an XC40 and just the C40. It will help them compete against the onslaught of compact electric SUVs in the future.

[@tonylombardi3030]

A few corrections: 1. Wool blend is an option on 2023. It is not available for 2022 and does not replace the interior you had. The leather is simply replaced by a synthetic version. 2. There is a Core model available that starts at a lower price point than what you quoted. It was first available for 2022. Don Beyer Volvo Dulles has one available.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup, a bit of a misunderstanding between me and the Volvo folks.

[@JDelta87]

Welcome back, Tom. The XC40's interior looks to be of quality from front to back. It's a shame Evil Twin missed out on the seatback pockets.

[@joelpeterson2074]

So glad to see you back Tom! I hope your time off was exactly what you needed. Thanks for this review on the car my wife owns, I would say all of your conclusions hold up as an owner. Great car, range gets bad in our Minnesota winters, but my daughter LOVES those heated rear seats.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Twin Cities? I used to work at WCCO.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Always great reviews, Tom, thanks! But you forgot the footage of your man purse on that glovebox hook! Next time maybe.

[@Aoocci791]

i thought no more videos? good to see you back!

[@TJDST4]

Thank you. This is one of the cars on my list to check out this autumn when shopping. Yes, I will be using your price matching service. It is an excellent tool.

[@nmontefo]

Thanks for the closer look on the XC40! I’d much prefer this one over the C40! Also, curious of the previous Volvo models your family has had!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

850 wagon, V70, and two XC70s. We miss the last one quite a bit (but not its fuel economy).

[@nmontefo]

@@DrivenCarReviews Awesome, thanks for sharing! I'd still love to get an XC70 before they are "too old." A classic wagon.

[@DandaFundas]

Good to see the TP test is back on!

[@rubenharris9241]

Tuning in to support you as requested Tom! 🙂

[@TheRealSpuff]

Awesome review! It definitely is such a quiet ride from our test drives. Can't wait to get our 2023 in.

[@ma7mgte]

Great review as usual. Right now, the Cadillac Lyriq is still on the top of my list.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Lyriq is quite nice.

[@nsu300zx]

Great review. Anticipating the "real review" of the LyriQ.

[@PaulHo]

The same spine that intrudes on a mythical middle passenger actually allows them to carve out foot room for the outboard passengers, avoiding raising the floor with batteries and the knees up by the ears position.

[@rcpmac]

Also how often do we carry 5 people.

[@PaulHo]

@@rcpmac hopefully, never! 🤪

[@tosanblankson3195]

Volvos are nice and sweet cars to drive. I bet you made this review honestly. That's what you get from a Volvo. This is a nice car.

[@tomasbond9123]

Great review on one car I was considering. Love Volvos safety built Vehicles. Thanks for sharing 😱👌👌😱

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Volvo seems well worth looking at for my next vehicle.

[@Gonzol7]

I thought you were on "vacation"? Probably made this beforehand. Who composed the French overture for your car crash test scenes? Incongruous combo and therefore funny! Thank you, Tom!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'll be taking a few Tuesday off in the next few months, not all at once.

[@drew.851]

Great review as always

[@thinkabout602]

An excellent and complete review. That is one sharp and safe car (Recharge) Thank you and stay 💪

[@stevec3526]

I stopped by Bellevue Square on Sunday (July 31st and Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair weekend). I noticed that Polestar is in the process building a store in the mall there. I don't know when it is scheduled to open. When I went past the Tesla store there it only had a few people inside.

[@vmpgsc]

Nice, thanks Tom. Once Volvo optimizes their architecture for electric and incorporates emerging tech for battery efficiency, their vehicles @ this size will be super-compelling. Geely should have plenty of resources to keep Volvo chugging along. I think people that can wait a couple of years to buy an EV will be very happy.

[@firehog]

It's not a on switch, it's a butt-on 🤣

[@acchaladka]

Excellent point about voice commands, i hadn't considered that. I think Volvo could assuage concerns about voice and privacy by marketing privacy and making it as big as safety used to be. Agree with you about the red light green light. Wish they'd make this as a long roof with 800-KW system. Ordered a KIA 6 instead.

[@kentonbolte931]

Be interesting to see how many tp packs fit into the old 240 wagon

[@skylerroxasmidoriyatardisp2882]

Roughly a year ago there was a massive test drive event with EV's from multiple companies. I drove multiple EVs for the very first time , oddly I prefered the XC40 massively over the Polestar 2 in terms of driving dynamics. The Polestar seemed to be too heavy, this seemed like an oridinary car

[@sig_7760]

Nice Video---thought you were on holiday?

[@readyplayer2]

Great review, Tom! Uneasy about reliability vs. the Hondas that have treated me exceptionally well (I suffered with maintaining several aging BMWs and swore I’d never buy another ICE platform from them again) but the design and safety of the XC40 and C40 is definitely very intriguing. I love the interior of the C40 you recently reviewed, the blue door panels and carpeting look gorgeous.

[@rcpmac]

Not sure if this helps you but my 2016 Volvo V60 t5 FWD sport wagon just turned 50k mi and besides a recent battery replacement it has been completely trouble free. Even the brakes are original! It has performed way beyond my expectations and is a fantastic car to drive with tight and solid handling and an honest 36 mpg highway with roof rack.

[@anthonydurkin1829]

The dual motor is sold in Australia too. It’s a shame you don’t use metric units of measurement like the rest of the world.

[@Xillr]

I wonder what if we left the car while we have passengers in the car waiting, will the car actually shuts down or will the car's AC still runs?

[@bosternou96]

How did you find the 20” wheels compared to 19” from a comfort and noise point of view? What about consumption ?

[@TobyCostaRica]

Waiting for something bigger, hopefully a XC90 Recharge is on the way!

[@danw9773]

I laughed when the toilet paper came crashing down on the frunk 😂

[@jenniferarroyo96]

It seems like a nice vehicle and it looks amazing. Are there any recalls on it?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

None that I know of, you'd have to do a through check.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, I really like the coupe version of the XC40 recharge. In a duck egg blue would be my choice

[@whatchuwant77]

Welcome back Tom. Is their a shade that slides shut to cover that glass roof?

[@davidcottrell570]

Yes

[@mrseancrawford]

Great review Tom! But seriously, no fun fact? Come on!

[@Dark_Vader888]

XC40/C40 Recharge full electrics are made in the Geely super factory in China along with Polestar 2. It's NOT made in Belgium.

[@sammyriding]

I really like your vest jacket.. do you mind saying where it’s from? Thanks! And love watching your videos 😎👍

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's Nike, like nearly everything I own.

[@sammyriding]

@@DrivenCarReviews Awesome! Thank you so much for answering

[@anthonydurkin1829]

What’s 223 miles in normal measurement? Like in kilometres.

[@davidstoler7567]

I hope you help Wifey with her work too. You owe her!!

[@ELMS]

I have an electric Kia. When I compared the Kia to the Volvo I was SO disappointed. My Kia included adaptive cruise (an option on the Volvo) and a heat pump (also an option on the Volvo). Etc, etc.

[@denault3985]

Decent EV, still prefer a greater range though. Btw, was this video shot recently since Seattle has been in the 90°s lately?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Shot a few weeks before during a cold snap

[@michaeldavala7572]

Volvo is currently owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a Chinese company which owns over 15 other vehicle makers.

[@barryw9473]

Thanks, Tom. Maybe I missed it, but what is the amp rating of the OBC?

[@davidcottrell570]

11.2kW

[@ned8249]

Is the honey do list done already?

[@tonvandenbroek679]

I hope you're enjoying your time-off.😀

[@mva6044]

@Voelk, why you picking at Sheboygan!?! It's ain't all that cold over here. With all the TP testing you do, you'd think you'd enjoy comin' over to visit the toilet museum (aka Kohler Design Center).

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've been there in January. I'll disagree with you.

[@SuperMcgenius]

The right place for the cables

[@bozzo651]

Hey where was the evil twin?? You should have showed us one of those old commercials of Volvo staked up on top of each other. I remember always saying when my kids were old enough to drive I'd buy them a used Volvo because of their safety. I didn't but now one of them has bought herself a Tesla model Y which I think is ugly but beats everything out there on range, performance and space for less than 70 k. BTW that is beautiful country up there in Washington and if you live in that neighborhood you are extremely blessed. Cheers from Pennsylvania!

[@billsElitetrucking349]

I'm done with electric cars, I went back to gasoline because of all hassle associated with electric cars and trucks ! No more for me , I've learned my lesson and my " ELECTRIC CAR ANXIETY SYNDROME IS GONE " ... Happy days are here again !!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

James, do you know "All Electric"? You two seem to be awfully similar.

[@allelectric1330]

I feel sorry for electric car drivers and future owners. They will simply have to learn the hard way .. as I did. These things are a huge hassle, all those lost hours sitting in those charging stations, huge anxiety, plus a outrageous expense in the long run. Good luck trying to sell a used Electric car with wore out battery modules. You'll find out nobody wants to pay the ridiculous price of batteries ... Batteries are very ... very expensive to replace ( thousands of dollars) ... and make no mistake, you will be replacing them. These batteries are highly toxic to our environment, with a high potential for disaster to our surroundings. LITHIUM BATTERIES ARE NOT GREEN CLEAN ENERGY BY ANY MEANS! ... I wish I knew all this before I bought my car . Do your homework before buying !

[@TobyCostaRica]

Don’t have to feel sorry for all of us, some of us do our research before spending 50k 1) What charge stations? Plug in at home, and we have a second vehicle for road-trips 2)EV grade cells usually have 10+ years minimum before range drops 80%

[@paulholterhaus7084]

For a similiar price, The Lyrik is VASTLY nicer.........Makes the Volvo look primative..............Paul

[@jermainec2462]

I hate they never made a S40 it would be nice to see on smaller sedan hybrid or a small electric S40 would be nice too cuz I'm over all this crossover craze... Lol

[@gertahnstrom784]

They designed the S40... And it ended up being the Polestar 2, which share the same chassis. I'm also sad they didn't make a Volvo out of it, as I'm sure it would've ended up a bit different and more conventional, especially in the Interior.

[@jermainec2462]

@@gertahnstrom784 but despite them trying to make it separate pole star and Volvo are basically the same damn thing LOL I hate to say it but these manufacturers are leaving out the regular people with the constant Price height of vehicles everybody's going up market especially with the EVS

[@jrmt6]

On EV Road trips - I've found that my bladder has less range than my Tesla, and its usually done charging before I even walk back from the restroom! I wouldn't go back to road tripping combustion cars again.

[@birkinboy3976]

I love the fact that the electric looks the same as the gas powered xc40 with the exception of grill, worth the the range loss to me.

[@mjhowson2389]

The efficiency rating at 6:06 shows how far most companies trail Tesla. Tesla does have its share of issues, but when it comes to powertrain efficiency they are one of the leaders. I believe Lucid is the only other EV to drop below 30 kWh per 100 miles. I think the Volvo is an interesting alternative and may make a good second car. As you say, Tom, know your use case. For $50k I’d probably go with the Hyundai. Faster charging. Much more range. V2L. The Hyundai platform seems more advanced than the Volvo.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

However, that efficiency rating is just the EPA estimate. Tesla seldom reaches its rated efficiency and Volvo is conservative. So they're closer than the numbers indicate. Haven't tested a Lucid (though got to drive one a few weeks back).

[@PresidentJackBauer]

Nice

[@awolryan]

Tom, this XC40 is right up your personal Volvo fanboy liking. You adding it to your garage?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope. I'm waiting for a year or two to see what shows up. Would love to see a sports car.

[@ltkwok]

Love the design. But the price to range ratio does not seem competitive. An equity plush (but a little strange design) Ioniq 5 costs less and has better range and tech.

[@Dondon_s]

Can u still turn off the car even though u are sitting on the driver's seat?

[@jasanmiguel]

I think you need to expand on the efficiency chart. As I can tell the Volvo is the least efficient on that chart. There might be folks who won't understand that. Volvo should improve on that!

[@JustMe99999]

Is the apocalypse coming? The store should prevent you from hoarding that much TP...

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIl-v9h]

That price tag though….

[@genzigzag]

Good job Volvo... the down side is exchange rates in the Canadian market... this vehicle is $70k+ and with higher starting price it doesn't qualify for federal or provincial incentives. Withnits lower starting price the Polestar 2 cousin is a better value.

[@joerichardwad1645]

Why does Volvo, now a fully owned Chinese company, still get away with saying they’re “Swedish”

[@gertahnstrom784]

Still designed and developed by Volvo, with the same people and company. Chinese owners still makes less impact on decisions than Ford did. So Volvo is more Swedish now, than before Geely.

[@ien2023]

Looks great as Y competition. Too bad it has to rely on unreliable third party charging.

[@C7kizer]

q4 etron with greater range is a good rival

[@duett445]

I wish he would use metric instead of imperial measurement.

[@markgold5408]

Too bad the efficiency is so awful

[@bengt_axle]

Does Costco ever accuse you of hoarding?

[@dschonsie]

need another volvo funfact? maybe you haven't heard about that one yet.......volvo is latin and it literally means i roll

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've used that at least half a dozen times.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Not a single comment in 14 hours? Your viewers believed you went on vacation? Anyway, why Swede way, not Swedish way? Also, isn't it more Chinese than Swedish?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

For some reason, all comments were held and I was camping. Things are now normal.

[@jmcarb2698]

Don't kid yourself. Volvo is owned by Geeley. It's a Chinese EV. Not a sweedish one.

[@trond713]

To expensive and to short range.Least 500 kilometer in year 2022

[@Hazdazos]

Volvo makes some nice looking vehicles but in the end, they are owned by the Chinese these days which means they are an immediate no-buy in my opinion. We all own already too many products either made in China or by Chinese brands. Having a car that is ultimately made by a Chinese company isn't something I am interested in.

[@neilurquhart8622]

XC40’s are designed in Sweden, made in Belgium and Sweden for European/UK market. The ones manufactured in China are for their domestic market. Good luck with trying to not buy ‘Chinese’ products! 🤪🇬🇧

[@yslee1401]

Nothing Sweedish about Volvo/Polestar. They are 100% Chinese

[@anglosaxonmike8325]

So basically Volvo took the petrol body shell, and converted it to battery. The charging socket is where the old petrol filler used to be, and the transmission tunnel is still there in the way of rear seat passengers. What a bloody scam. And what an ugly lump. A Chinese lump.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The CMA architecture was designed and engineered from the ground up (in Sweden BTW) to be gas and electric. Polestar 2 uses it too. Compromises happen when designing that way, but it serves both powertrains (and profitability) as Volvo transitions to full electrification. EVs have charge ports in various places. No big deal.

[@bmwloco]

And nothing kills more motorcyclist than Volvos. I'm safe, "...who care about those around us..." kinda think.

[@magneto8002]

Nice but I just don't need an SUV.

[@jenniferarroyo96]

It seems like a nice vehicle and it looks amazing. Are there any recalls on it?