Volvo, like many other carmakers, has taken steps towards a fully-electric lineup. While this mostly refers to Polestar – Volvo’s sub-brand – since January 2021, the first EV with a Volvo badge is a fact. The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is an all-electric take on the funky, compact SUV (CUV), and there’s a lot to like about it.

What’s New for the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge?

Until a year ago, you could get Volvo’s CUV, the XC40, with a variety of petrol and in some markets diesel engines. The XC40 Recharge changed that in January 2021, when it went on sale. The all-electric XC40 Recharge retains much of what makes the regular XC40 a great proposition in the compact SUV segment while providing the emissions-free driving experience that comes from an electric powertrain.

The cabin is still one of the brightest and most spacious in the segment. The floor-mounted batteries and electric motors, bolted directly to each axle aid for a lower center of gravity while a new Android-based software allows for over-the-air updates.

Pros and Cons

2022 Volvo XC40 Trims

Like other Volvo models, including the regular XC40, the XC40 Recharge comes in three trim levels, offering a various degree of customization:

Momentum - this is the base trim for all models of the Volvo lineup, but still gets you leather upholstery, walnut tree inserts, and a high-grade sound system.

R-Design – the sporty trim that adds a sportier body kit, bigger wheels, and more performance-inspired exterior and interior features.

Inscription – the luxury trim is also the highest of the three Volvo trims available. It comes with distinctive exterior features like new wheels and chrome accents while the interior gets upgraded leather upholstery, and an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.

2022 Volvo XC40 Exterior

The Volvo XC40 Recharge may be an EV, but it shares almost all its aesthetics with the gasoline and diesel-powered versions. The most notable difference is the closed-off front grille since EVs don’t require air induction to make power. Other than that, the lack of tailpipes, and the “Recharge” badging, the exterior is virtually identical to the regular Volvo XC40.

Dimensions

2022 Volvo XC40Recharge Dimensions

Exterior Colors

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is available in the following exterior colors: Crystal White Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Stone, Onyx Black Metallic, Bursting Blue Metallic, Sage Green, Thunder Grey Metallic, Fusion Red Metallic.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Performance

Engine and Transmission

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is available with a single electric motor or two electric motors. The single-motor variant is aimed more towards range while the twin-motor version provides much better performance.

The single-motor XC40 Recharge powers the front wheels only and relies on a 69 kWh battery. Under the WLTP cycle, it is capable of 270 miles (434 km) of range on a single charge. Fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes.

The single motor provides 231 horsepower at 4,919 to 11,000 RPM and 243 pound-feet (330 Nm) at 0 to 4,919 RPM. This allows the single-motor Volvo XC40 Recharge to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.0 seconds.

The dual-motor variant of the XC40 Recharge relies on a 79 kWh battery and has an average range of 260 miles (418 km), according to the WLTP standard. It’s also able to recharge from 10- to 80-percent in 36 minutes – four minutes slower than the single-motor variant. Its dual-electric motors provide a combined output of 408 horsepower at 14,000 RPM and 487 pound-feet (660 Nm) at 0 to 4,350 RPM.

Depending on which mode you are in the dual-motor XC40 Recharge can sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.7 to 4.3 seconds. Regardless of how many electric motors the XC40 Recharge comes equipped with, power is sent to the wheels through a DirectDrive single-speed automatic.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge specifications

Driving Impressions

Being an EV, the first thing you notice is the instant torque, thanks to which you can effortlessly merge onto a highway. The XC40 has always been a quiet and refined vehicle and this is even truer for the EV version. The XC40 Recharge is heavy, compared to the gasoline-engine variants – 3,527 pounds (1,600 kg) for the base XC40 T2 versus 4,740 pounds (2,150 kg) for the twin-motor XC40 Recharge.

Another highlight of the XC40 Recharge is the ride quality, which is surprisingly smooth for a compact SUV with a relatively short wheelbase. The standard wheel size for the XC40 Recharge is 19-inch. You would think the optional 20-inch wheels would affect the ride quality negatively, but you would be wrong, as it still remains composed.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Energy Consumption

The single-motor version of the Volvo XC40 Recharge has an average energy consumption of 32.19 kWh / 100 miles (20.0 kWh / 100 KM) or 3.1 miles (5.0 km) / kWh WLTP.

The 408-horsepower, dual-motor variant of the XC40 Recharge gets an average consumption of 40.23 kWh / 100 miles (25.0 kWh / 100 km).

Volvo XC40 Recharge Interior

Seating and Interior Space

The interior of the car is where you spend a lot of time and the Volvo XC40 Recharge features the familiar, well-executed interior of the regular XC40. The front and back seats are heated and there’s plenty of adjustability, which is logically laid out on the side of the seats. Volvo XC40’s boxy design makes not only for great visibility, further enhanced by the large side mirrors, but also for plenty of leg and headroom regardless of whether you are sitting in the front or in the back.

The Volvo XC40 has the most fully-utilized interior space in the whole segment.}}

Interior Colors and Materials

In terms of interior color schemes, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is available in Blonde Leather (Momentum & Inscription trims), Amber Leather (Momentum & Inscription), Charcoal Leather (all trims), and Oxide Red Leather (Momentum & Inscription).

In terms of materials, the Volvo XC40 Recharge does not disappoint. Soft-touch materials are found throughout the entire interior, including the dashboard, center console, and doors, which feature the largest door pockets on any compact SUV. The door panels and dashboard also feature an interesting distinctive gloss texture, resembling a computer chip. There's also plenty of interior storage space and comfortable armrests, front and back.

The dashboard features very few physical buttons, most of which are logically laid out on the steering wheel. If you go for partial leather on the seats, you get a micro-suede upholstery on the center with leather side bolsters, and contrasting stitching. Your other option is a full leather interior, in one of the above-mentioned color schemes.

The only, slight letdown is the plastic back of the front seats, which also feature cargo nets that are bound to go saggy if used regularly. Otherwise, Volvo, currently, has some of the best interiors, for the price.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Trunk and Cargo Space

In terms of cargo space, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is at a slight disadvantage compared to its internal combustion engine-powered XC40 versions. While the regular XC40 boasts a cargo capacity of 16.24 cubic feet (460 liters) to 47.18 (1,336 liters), the all-electric XC40 Recharge provides slightly less - 14.8 cubic feet (419 liters) and 45.73 cubic feet (1,295 liters) with the rear seats folded.

When folded, the rear seats provide a flat cargo area, maximizing practicality. The low loading area also makes it easier to lift things and put them in the back, without having to call Thor Bjornson. Like other EVs, the XC40 Recharge features a front trunk (frunk). However, it can be used for small objects only, as it is primarily intended for the charging cable.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Infotainment and features

Infotainment

A nine-inch vertical touchscreen is where most of the car’s functions can be accessed. This includes the HVAC controls, which may be a bit of an overkill. There are a few physical buttons beneath it, among which is a rotating volume knob for the amazing, Harman Kardon premium sound system. There’s also a built-in Google assistant with voice command and you can bring Google Maps on the 12.3-inch driver display while still getting all vital information like battery charge, speed, etc. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support come as standard.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Problems and Reliability

With a few exceptions, Volvo cars have always had a great reliability record. In recent years, the brand has been keeping a high score in terms of quality and reliability. That said, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is not without issues.

There was a recall in the US, issued in November 2021, listed under recall number: 21V881000, concerning a loose bolt that can reduce structural protection of the vehicle, potentially causing harm upon a crash.

Another U.S. recall from August 2021 was issued under recall number: 21V682000, and addresses the seat belt issue, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.

Last, but not least, recall number: 21V109000 addresses a disconnected high voltage system that can cause a loss of power.

Overall, the Volvo XC40 is a reliable vehicle, but as is sometimes the case with early models, there are certain quirks that need addressing. When on the used market for an XC40 Recharge, check if all the recalls have been done.

Warranty

Volvo is confident in the XC40 Recharge and the extensive warranty is a testament to that. Upon purchase, you get a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, a four-year/50,000-mile drivetrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. Volvo also offers a three-year/36,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan, free of charge.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Safety

The IIHS review of the Volvo XC40 Recharge resulted in the compact Swede getting a Top Safety Pick + award – the highest rating a vehicle can get. Volvo is known for safety and the XC40 Recharge lives up to the reputation, featuring all active and passive safety systems, as standard.

Key Safety Features

Some of the highlights include collision warning and avoidance, oncoming lane crash avoidance and mitigation, rear collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and a lane-keep assist, automatic post-crash braking and door unlocking, run-off road protection, driver fatigue warning, blind-spot assists with steer assist, road sign information, and cross-traffic alert with auto-braking.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge a Good Car?

The existence of the Volvo XC40 Recharge can be chalked down to an easier transition towards electrification. As we know, Polestar is supposed to be Volvo’s EV brand, which is why the XC40 Recharge was an unexpected sight. On the other hand, it is a welcome addition, since it combines a very traditional and practical, boxy design with a futuristic powertrain.

The XC40 Recharge has one of the best interiors dollar for dollar, and one of the most spacious in the segment. Moreover, in the 408-horsepower, twin-motor variant, it’s plenty quick. To top it all off, Volvo, generally, has a high reliability rating, which makes the XC40 Recharge a very strong contender.

What’s the Price of the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge?

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge has an MSRP of $$55,085 for the twin-motor, for the US market. This is a good amount more than its sibling, the Polestar 2. That starts at $45,900, with the top-trim setting you back $49,900.

Additional Packages

For now, there is only one package available for the XC40 Recharge. The Advanced package will set you back an additional $1,300. It includes Pilot Assist Driver Assistance with adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, headlight cleaning, a 12-volt socket in the trunk, and wireless charging.

If you want a nice metallic color, be prepared to add another $695 to the price, ramping up the total price up to $57,080.

What new Volvo XC40 Recharge Should I Buy?

There aren't many options as much of the equipment comes as standard. That said, if you can spend $53,990 on the base model, add a bit more to get the much quicker twin-motor variant. It has slightly less range but charges almost as quickly as the single motor XC40 Recharge.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Comparisons

Volvo XC40 Recharge vs Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y is the baby SUV in the Tesla lineup. Even the Long Range version, which provides 326 miles (525 km) is more affordable, at a $53,990 starting price. The Model Y Performance costs $60,990 and provides 303 miles (488 km) of range. Depending on the version, the XC40 Recharge has 270 and 260 miles of range, respectively. Performance-wise, Tesla Model Y Long Range does the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) discipline in 4.8 seconds, which is slightly slower than the XC40 Recharge.

The Model Y Performance, however, does the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds versus Volvo's best time of 4.3 seconds. Tesla Model Y has third-row seats and is more practical, in terms of cargo space, with a minimum of 12.8 cubic feet (363 liters) and 67.9 cubic feet (1,923 liters) with the second and third-row seats folded down. However, quality is still an issue with Tesla, and the XC40 Recharge is, simply, built much better, especially when it comes to the interior.

Read our full review on the Tesla Model Y

Volvo XC40 Recharge vs Mercedes-Benz EQB

At around $55,000, the Mercedes EQB costs about the same as the Volvo XC40 Recharge. However, it falls short of it in terms of performance. Two versions - EQB 300 and EQB 350 - are available, and both fail to match the performance of the dual-motor XC40 Recharge. With the more powerful version packing 292 horsepower and 383 pound-feet (520 Nm), 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) is possible in 5.9 seconds.

On the other hand, all-wheel-drive is standard on both models. The EQB relies on a 79 kWh battery and can return up to 31.22 kWh / 100 miles (19.4 kWh / 100 km) WLTP. Fully charged, the EQB has a range of 263 miles (423 km), which is similar to the XC40 Recharge. Despite the EQB being just as high-tech and highly finished, the XC40 Recharge offers a better bang for the buck.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-Benz EQB