Trailblazer: 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country Hits the Wilds

It's likely reasonable to attribute the widespread popularity of SUVs to American influence. Consequently, one might expect that the latest Cross Country edition of the Volvo EX30 , the brand's new subcompact EV is a gesture towards the U.S. market. However, the idea of outdoor exploration associated with SUVs also resonates in other regions, so Volvo brought us to the wild western coastline of Sweden—where city-dwelling Swedes enjoy camping, kayaking, and trekking—to test the EX30 Cross Country in the area they say served as its inspiration. (A detailed map of Sweden’s tallest peak is even engraved onto the front grille.)

Our journey included some urban driving along with a stretch on the highway and several sections on curved country roads — notably, there wasn’t any off-road terrain involved. Similar to earlier Volvo Cross Country models starting with the groundbreaking V70 Cross Country from the late '90s, this EX30 could handle a dirt path without issue, yet it’s not designed for navigating rocky areas or digging through thick sand and mud. Modifications compared to the standard EX30 are minimal. The vehicle's height has been raised by three-quarters of an inch, giving it seven-and-a-half inches of ground clearance. The suspension components, including the springs and anti-roll bars, have been slightly adjusted for comfort, and all-season tires mounted on 18-inch rims can be selected; however, the vehicles tested were equipped with summer tires on 19-inch wheels. Hill descent control comes as standard equipment, just like in the regular EX30 model. The front grille features an engraved design finished in dark gray, complemented by a similar gray detail on the tailgate. Both the front and rear bumpers have undergone revisions, and there is additional plastic protection around the wheel wells.

The EX30 comes with a standard dual-motor full-time all-wheel-drive system, though there isn't an exclusive off-road driving setting. It delivers 422 horsepower along with 400 pound-feet of torque. This is more than sufficient. our evaluation of the standard EX30 , the identical powertrain propels the small electric vehicle to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, which is incredibly fast. The experience becomes even more pronounced with the softer suspension setup, as pressing the accelerator causes the front end to lift dramatically. While this could resemble an electric performance hatchback, it isn’t set up for that style. Instead, the less aggressive spring stiffness and roll bar adjustments provide a comfortable drive, and the handling remains lightweight (even when using the most rigid of its three adjustable settings).

A Performance All-Wheel Drive mode is available, which defaults to sending power to all four wheels—however, the front motor engages only when necessary. Interestingly, the Performance AWD setting cannot be used with the maximum regeneration level, forcing enthusiasts of one-pedal driving to pick between the two options. Two additional regeneration settings are present: Low and Off, with the latter allowing for coasting.

The Cross Country model currently lacks official EPA range data, although federal ratings indicate the standard twin-motor EX30 (equipped with 19-inch wheels) achieves 253 miles. According to European WLTP tests, the Cross County version experiences a roughly 4% reduction in range. Volvo states that the 64-kWh battery supports a maximum charging power of 153 kW. In similar conditions, the standard EX30 reached 156 kilowatts during our tests and took 39 minutes to charge from 10% to 90%.

Taking time off at an electric vehicle charging station offers a chance to admire the craftsmanship of the EX30 Cross Country’s cabin. Observe how the door handles blend seamlessly with the metallic trim panel — this same integration applies to the air vent designs on the dashboard. Notice the stylish soundbar stretching across the dashboard near the base of the windshield. The vehicle we tested came equipped with the Pine interior option, showcasing soft green and tan tones; alternatively, a sleek blue-gray Indigo finish is also offered. Each choice includes sustainable materials with distinctive surface patterns, along with ample storage space.

However, the backseat area is not. The rear seats feature a level floor and sufficient headspace, yet they remain cramped overall, offering limited legroom for adults seated behind a tall driver who is six feet tall. Additionally, the EX30 Cross Country presents certain unusual design choices. The square-shaped steering wheel appears pointless because there’s nothing visible above the edge. Instead of traditional gauges, the driver only sees a centrally located touchscreen that manages all functions, such as displaying speed information. Some drawbacks consist of an on-screen slider for adjusting volume, controlling side mirrors using buttons on the steering wheel, and having one set of window controls responsible for both front and rear windows. Although the standard panoramic roof comes without shading, this may not pose much trouble in sunny-free Sweden; nonetheless, customers residing in the American Sun Belt region would likely prefer purchasing the optional shaded accessory from their dealership.

The EX30 Cross Country is scheduled to debut in the U.S. market later this year. It will only be available in the high-end Ultra trim level. The vehicle will exclusively feature a dual-motor drivetrain; however, Volvo has indicated willingness to introduce a single-motor version should there be enough interest. Although pricing details have not been released yet, it’s expected to carry a higher cost compared to the regular EX30, which currently starts at $47,895 for the dual-motor Ultra model. While we wouldn’t want to discourage someone from enjoying outdoor adventures, the single-motor configuration could actually work quite nicely in this scenario. This option would remove all-wheel drive capability but would enhance fuel efficiency and reduce costs without sacrificing too much performance. For a vehicle designed for exploring natural landscapes, does blurring the view truly add value?

Wanting to buy a vehicle? Discover the perfect fit at the MSN Autos Marketplace