**"2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country First Look: Ready for the Road?"** Or, if you prefer a bit more flair: **"2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country First Drive: Adventure Awaits"**

The extremely inexpensive EX30 still isn't available to Americans, but this Cross Country model makes for a good alternative.

Volvo definitely has a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. The present trading situation thwarted the Swedish car manufacturer's intentions derailed the Scandinavian automobile company's strategies undermined the Swedish automotive firm's objectives hindered the Nordic vehicle producer's initiatives complicated the Swedish motor vehicle maker's arrangements obstructed the European auto company's schemes interfered with the Swedish transportation enterprise's goals disrupted the country's leading car brand's projections frustrated the Swedish engineering-based business's ambitions dampened the success of the Swedish vehicular corporation's endeavors to spearhead the new EX30 lineup in America with A one-motor, unexpectedly inexpensive model , making it necessary to implement increased prices. The EX30 is now available exclusively in Twin Motor configuration, and only in the more advanced Plus and Ultra trim levels. However, much like how cocaine was for Rick James, power proves to be an incredibly addictive force.

The EX30's price, which starts at $44,195—higher than initially expected—is largely offset by the Twin Motor version's 422 horsepower—an extraordinary number for a car of this size. If that wasn't sufficient to distract potential customers from the less expensive, approximately $36,000 single-motor EX30 that was never actually released, Volvo has added an additional attractive feature to its base electric vehicle: the newly introduced Cross Country model.

Pairing the identical powerful twin motor drive system with rugged design elements and enhanced components, the 2026 EX30 Cross Country doesn't offer significant additional performance in rough terrain, yet exceeds expectations in terms of appeal. Additionally, although it will only be available in the high-end Ultra version, costs are anticipated to remain just below fifty thousand dollars—approximately $2,000 higher than the standard EX30 Ultra.

The Appearance Is the Attraction The Visual Draws You In First Impressions Matter Most Looks Are What Capture Attention Sight Seals the Deal Visuals Make the First Move Appearance Holds Power Initial Glance Has Influence Beauty Captivates Immediately Image Creates Connection

If you find the standard EX30 charming, then the Cross Country model—with its special black plastic-snouted design (featuring a detailed map-like depiction of a mountain summit), extended wheel arches, and front grille accents—will be fiercely endearing, much like a young child standing tall and squeezing their small hands into balls.

Volvo enhances the appearance with a 0.8-inch raise, where one-half is achieved through special springs (which are softer compared to those found in the regular EX30, along with softer anti-roll bars), and the remaining half comes from bigger tire diameters. Standard equipment features 19-inch wheels paired with road tires, although customers have the choice to opt for a reduced size of 18-inch wheels covered in off-road tires—available individually or within an package that also contains small mud flaps and a rooftop carrier.

Almost No (Fresh) Compromises

Final range numbers will be released soon, but the EX30 Cross Country is not anticipated to experience a significant drop in driving range due to its slightly increased height. All-terrain tires are expected to have the most noticeable effect, although Volvo has not yet shared specific details about this impact.

Both the 19-inch road tires and the all-terrain options are slim, which suggests the Cross Country model might offer a similar driving range as a standard EX30 equipped with the biggest wheels available. The base EX30 twin motor configuration has an EPA estimate of up to 253 miles, with the larger-wheeled models experiencing just a three-mile reduction.

While traveling along the route where the full EX30 Cross Country journey occurred, it becomes evident that there isn’t much difference between its driving experience and that of the standard EX30. The suspension feels slightly more plush, offering improved comfort compared to the already well-featured non-Cross Country versions. Pressing down hard on the gas causes the CC to lower slightly toward its back wheels, which is the sole indication that this EX30 has a raised stance and uses softer springs.

The EX30 Cross Country shares the same precise steering response and superior body management found in other models of the EX30 line. A notable feature that remains? The short yet sturdy design of the EX30 surprisingly minimizes forward-backward bouncing when driving over speed bumps and sudden road obstacles. Usually, cars with such a compact and elevated build tend to sway from front to back—but not the EX30, or the Cross Country.

A single star? We have not yet tested the EX30 with those off-road tires, which might add some squirminess to the driving experience along with increased noise within what is typically a quiet interior; we simply can't tell until we take an EX30 equipped with them for a test drive. We'll mention that these tires — Cooper Discoverer ATTs measuring 235/55R18 on a non-functional Cross Country model we examined — look great and should allow the EX30 to navigate deeper into mud-filled trails or snow-covered driveways compared to regular tires.

Was It Also Really Fast?

Equipping a 4,200-pound compact SUV with electric motors producing 422 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque results in exceptional speed. The Cross Country could be slightly slower than the typical EX30, based on tire configuration, yet still achieve a mid-three second 0-to-60 mph acceleration. Does a smaller electric vehicle SUV have to match the performance of a Porsche 911 Carrera? Not necessarily. But does it offer enjoyment? Absolutely.

Like on other EX30 models, drivers can experience a touch more responsiveness from the Twin Motor system by choosing the Performance All-Wheeled Drive setting. This maintains constant engagement of the front motor—however, interestingly enough, it prevents access to complete one-pedal operation—as long as the battery level remains over 80%. When below this threshold, or when Performance All-Wheel Drive is disabled, the front motor activates only when necessary, resulting in almost imperceptible delay. There isn’t a "sports" option, nor any additional driving settings in the conventional way, which makes this switch along with the stability control disable feature the most significant elements affecting the vehicle’s character.

Same EX30 Otherwise

The remaining aspects of the Cross Country experience—both positive and negative—are similar to those found in other EX30 models. The simple interior features several smart ways to cut costs, including door panels without speakers (with most sound coming from a TV-like soundbar located beneath the windshield) and two central window controls that manage both front and rear windows (a separate button lets you switch between them). While the "built-for-the-price" approach is somewhat overlooked due to the appealing look of the inside and premium elements like metallic door handles and elegant air vents, some of these cost-cutting ideas seem harder to justify now that even the least expensive EX30s come out to around $10,000 more than their initially advertised price.

Some internal components (numerous ones being made from recycled materials) might come across as either stylish or inexpensive based on which sense you use to engage with them. The woven flax embedded in resin that outlines the console and door panels resembles burlap preserved in carbonite but has the feel of a laminated kitchen counter. The patterned hard plastic material covering the bottom part of the dashboard and doors features a distinctive texture similar to a pick-up truck's bed liner—a fittingly sturdy option for regions close to where people's feet would be.

It's impossible to ignore the compact dimensions of the EX30. It's small in size. However, the design optimizes the available space effectively. The rear seating offers sufficient legroom and ample headspace, although this is achieved by placing the seat cushion very near to the ground. Most adult passengers will find their knees positioned above their hips, and there's limited foot clearance beneath the front seats for those who are tall. Nevertheless, children should be comfortable enough.

The same applies to the storage compartment, which features numerous practical compartments and a customizable cargo floor that can conceal items within a spacious yet shallow area underneath. The back seats can be flattened, and when the cargo floor is raised to its upper setting, it aligns with the folded seatbacks to create an expansive, level surface. There’s also a 0.2-cubic-foot container beneath the hood (yes, frunk!) capable of holding the portable charging cord and just slightly more. If additional storage is needed, consider purchasing the stylish rooftop rack and basket add-on.

Bringing Enhancements for Every EX30 Initiating Upgrades for All EX30 Models Introducing Advancements for Each EX30 Launching Refinements for Every EX30 Unit Promoting Betterments for All EX30s Advancing Features for Every EX30 Pioneering Improvements for All EX30 Users Rolling Out Enhancements for Every EX30 Facilitating Progress for All EX30s Enhancing Capabilities for Every EX30 Model

Volvo has already enhanced certain features of the EX30 since introducing the SUV earlier this year. These improvements will initially be available on the Cross Country model before being rolled out to other EX30 vehicles through software updates. One significant addition is a third regenerative braking configuration—off, which allows for coasting—as well as a more intense "high" setting (a "low" option is also present). This updated high regen feature facilitates effortless one-pedal operation; however, the deceleration experienced when removing your foot from the accelerator can feel somewhat sudden. In contrast, the low setting offers a gentler slowdown but does not reduce speed as quickly, making it necessary to use the brake pedal more frequently, particularly in heavy traffic conditions.

Vehicle owners should anticipate additional improvements for integrated systems, such as the vertical center console display. This panel utilizes Volvo's latest operating system and features an organized design, Google Built-in navigation and voice assistant capabilities, along with quick performance powered by a Snapdragon processor. Similar to lower-end Tesla models, this screen operates independently — there are no other displays within the cabin, so there isn’t a conventional instrument cluster positioned in front of the driver. Information about speed and driving assist functions appears at the upper part of the screen; navigation may occupy the full bottom area or just the middle portion, allowing audio and phone icons to serve as direct access points to these sections. The climate settings remain displayed at the bottom edge. Although certain individuals find it inconvenient to consolidate almost all controls onto the touch screen — there are zero physical switches on the dashboard — many people adapt swiftly to this setup.

Drawing from an established name and the rugged outdoor spirit it symbolizes, Volvo once again unveils something remarkable with the EX30. The Cross Country stays true to the elevated ground clearance, extra exterior trim, and overall Subaru-like feel seen in the original Cross Country model—a version of the V70 station wagon—that continues to live on through the current V60 and V90 Cross Country models. This marks the first time a Volvo SUV carries the Cross Country label instead of using "XC" in its name, and also the debut of an electric vehicle under this designation.

Although not highly innovative, the EX30's Cross Country version adds a unique character that is mainly about atmosphere but still stands out as enjoyable. The improvements are comparable to those included by Hyundai. the XRT trim leve I have been added to the Ioniq 5 this year. While this electric vehicle has a similar price point and is bigger, it doesn't come close to the Volvo's impressive performance or its captivating charm. If the EX30 Cross Country suits you—or more accurately, if you suit it—it will be available for purchase later this year.

Volvo EX30 Cross Country 2026 Model Features
BASE PRICE	$49,000 (est)
LAYOUT	Front and rear motor, all-wheel drive, five-person, four-door sport utility vehicle
MOTORS	154 horsepower / 157 pound-feet of torque at the front and 268 horsepower / 253 pound-feet of torque at the back, AC permanent magnet motor, 422 horsepower / 400 pound-feet of torque combined
TRANSMISSIONS	1-speed auto
CURB WEIGHT	4,200 lb (mfr)
WHEELBASE	104.3 in
Length x Width x Height	166.7 by 72.8 by 61.7 inches
0–60 MPH	0.0–0.0 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	00–00/00–00/00–00 mpg (est)
EPA RANGE, COMB	250 miles (est)
ON SALE	Winter 2025

Berbagi :