Volvo has taken its smallest and most affordable electric SUV to the next level by introducing the EX30 Cross Country—a rugged, off-road-ready version of its best-selling EV. This new iteration embraces the adventurous spirit of Volvo’s Cross Country lineup, which has been around for over 25 years.
The Volvo EX30 goes cross-country with a more robust design, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain capability while maintaining its high-performance electric powertrain. With a dual-motor system delivering 422 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the EX30 Cross Country is built for more than just city streets.
Volvo EX30 Goes Cross Country From Urban Cruiser to Off-Road Explorer
The Volvo EX30 has already made waves in the EV market, quickly becoming one of the best-selling electric SUVs in Europe. Initially designed as a compact, city-friendly SUV, the standard EX30 is known for its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance.
However, Volvo saw an opportunity to expand its appeal beyond urban environments. The Volvo EX30 goes Cross Country with modifications that make it more capable on rugged terrain, catering to those who enjoy outdoor adventures. This new model builds on the brand’s legacy of Cross Country variants, offering a more rugged take on the standard EX30 without compromising its electric efficiency.
What’s New? Key Upgrades in the Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Some of the key updates done to this model are:
1. Raised Suspension and Ground Clearance
One of the most noticeable changes is the increased ride height. The EX30 Cross Country now boasts 7.7 inches of ground clearance, up from the standard model’s 7 inches. While this isn’t a dramatic increase, it provides better capability for handling dirt roads, gravel, and uneven surfaces.
For comparison, the Subaru Solterra, a similar-sized electric SUV, offers 8.3 inches of clearance, meaning the EX30 Cross Country isn’t far behind in terms of off-road ability.
2. Rugged Exterior Design
Volvo has given the EX30 Cross Country a more adventure-ready look with several off-road-inspired design elements:
- Blacked-out front grille with an embossed design
- Skid plates at the front and rear for added protection
- Wider wheel arches to accommodate off-road tyres
- Roof rack options for additional gear storage
- Unique badging and decals to differentiate it from the standard EX30
The Cross Country variant strikes a balance between ruggedness and refinement, making it equally suitable for city streets and dirt trails.
3. Same Powertrain, More Versatility
Under the hood, the Volvo EX30 goes cross-country with the same dual-motor AWD powertrain as the standard EX30 Twin Motor Performance model. It features:
- 422 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds
- 65 kWh battery with a range of up to 253 miles (EPA-estimated)
- Fast charging (10%-80% in just 26.5 minutes)
Despite its rugged modifications, the EX30 Cross Country remains a high-performance electric SUV that’s quick on the road while offering additional capability off the beaten path.
How Does It Compare to Other Off-Road EVs?
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country enters an emerging segment of off-road-oriented electric SUVs, including models like the Rivian R1S, Jeep Recon EV, and Subaru Solterra. Let’s see how it stacks up:
| Feature | Volvo EX30 Cross Country | Subaru Solterra | Rivian R1S |
| Ground Clearance | 7.7 inches | 8.3 inches | 14.9 inches |
| Horsepower | 422 hp | 215 hp | 835 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 seconds | 6.5 seconds | 3.0 seconds |
| Range | 253 miles | 222 miles | 316 miles |
| Starting Price | ~$50,000 (estimated) | $44,995 | $78,000 |
While the EX30 Cross Country doesn’t have the extreme off-road capability of the Rivian R1S, it’s significantly more powerful than the Subaru Solterra while maintaining a more affordable price tag than most adventure-ready EVs.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Volvo EX30 Cross Country?
The Volvo EX30 goes Cross Country with a clear purpose: to provide an adventure-ready electric SUV that blends off-road capability with urban practicality. With its rugged upgrades, AWD powertrain, and compact size, the EX30 Cross Country offers an appealing mix of performance, efficiency, and adventure capability—all in a package that remains practical for everyday use.
As electric SUVs continue to evolve, the EX30 Cross Country is a clear sign that automakers are serious about blending sustainability with off-road capability. If you’re looking for an electric SUV that can handle both the city and the trails, the Volvo EX30 Cross Country might just be the perfect choice.
Would you consider buying the EX30 Cross Country? Let us know your thoughts!