2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Review

Key Features:

• All-electric powertrain
• Google-based infotainment system
• Handsome interior and exterior styling

Direct Competitors:

• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Tesla Model Y

It’s still going to be a very long time before electric vehicles (EVs) are all we drive, if it even happens at all, but it’s not for want of automakers trying. Volvo is adding some form of electrification to all of its vehicles for those looking to buy an EV, which includes hybrid powertrains, but the 2022 XC40 Recharge runs entirely on electricity.

XC40 Recharge | Photo: Volvo 

Handsomely designed and with a very comfortable interior, the XC40 Recharge provides a fuel-free option for those who prefer a compact SUV. It’s fun to drive and it performs well, although it doesn’t have as much battery range as many other EV offerings. 

Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for provincial environmental rebates on the purchase price or lease, as well as a federal rebate of up to $5,000.

How much does the Volvo XC40 Recharge cost?

• Core: $59,950
• Plus: $69,995
• Ultimate: $73,900,

The 2022 XC40 Recharge comes in three trim levels, starting with the Core at $59,950; the Plus at $69,995; and the Ultimate at $73,900, before freight and taxes. Only the Black Stone exterior colour is included in the price, and the other seven available colour choices are $900 each. 

For 2022, the XC40 Recharge now qualifies for Quebec provincial EV incentive, with pricing as low as $51,950.

Available options

Other available options, depending on the trim, include a rear roof spoiler for $540, a portable charging cable and carrying bag for $750, or a $1,000 Climate Package that adds such items as heated steering wheel, heat pump, heated rear seats, and headlight washers.

The competitors

This Volvo model doesn’t have many direct rivals in the premium electric compact-utility segment. Among fairly similar models, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 runs from $44,999 to $51,999, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E between $51,495 and $85,995. Pricier EVs include the Tesla Model Y, from $86,990 to $91,990; and the Audi e-Tron at $87,342 to $95,742.

Volvo XC40 Recharge interior

XC40 Recharge | Photo: Volvo

The cabin is richly finished in quality materials, and while the seats may look like they’re leather and suede, the upholstery contains no animal hides and are partially made from recycled fabrics. 

They are very supportive on longer drives, and include seat cushion extensions. All trims have heated front seats and a power driver’s seat with memory, while the mid-level Plus adds a power passenger seat, and the Ultimate further adds heated rear seats. Both the Plus and Ultimate include a panoramic sunroof.

The cabin design is simple and uncluttered, as most functions are operated through the centre touchscreen rather than by rows of buttons. It’s an elegant way to handle the operating system, but some functions require too many steps, such as adjusting the temperature or the seat heating. 

The system uses Google Automotive Services, including Google Assistant, and it’s included with the vehicle as a four-year subscription that will require renewal once it’s up. Instead of a start button, the vehicle starts when you sit in the driver’s seat and shuts off when you leave. Volvo’s not the only one to use this but it feels gimmicky, especially since you have to adjust the climate system to stay on if you get out, but your passengers are staying inside.

XC40 Recharge | Photo: Volvo

There are some small storage compartments in the centre console, along with large door pockets for storing smaller items. The cargo area offers 578 litres of space, and the rear seats can be folded down or opened with a pass-through for items such as skis. Since there’s no engine, the hood opens to reveal a front trunk or “frunk,” but it’s fairly small.

Performance, drive impressions, and XC40 Recharge range

The XC40 Recharge has an electric motor on each axle that gives it all-wheel drive, with a combined 402 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque and fed by a 78-kWh battery that’s under the floor. 

Those twin motors provide very strong acceleration in spite of the vehicle’s 2,118-kilogram curb weight, and Volvo reports 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. As with all electric motors, power is instantaneous, and it’s as quick to accelerate when passing at highway speeds as from a stop. 

XC40 Recharge | Photo: Volvo

You can adjust the strength of the regenerative braking to the point of one-pedal driving, where you take your foot off the throttle and the vehicle slows and stops so you don’t need to use the brakes. It takes some practice but once you have the hang of it, it works well and it’s very smooth.

The steering weight can be adjusted and the firmest setting is just right; and steering response is quick and accurate. With the battery under the floor, the vehicle has a low centre of gravity that helps keep it firmly planted around curves, with a minimum of body roll. 

Range expectations & charging duties

The XC40 Recharge’s weakest point is its range of 359 km, which is toward the low end of the scale. In many cases, its rivals start around that number and then go from there, with some rated for more than 500 km. 

XC40 Recharge | Photo: Volvo

Charging time is approximately eight hours on a 220 charger, while its 150 kW fast-charge on DC reaches 80 percent of battery capacity in about 40 minutes.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge worth it?

For 2022, the XC40 is available with a gasoline engine, and in its base Core trim, the Recharge is $10,200 more. There are considerable savings with an EV, including gas prices and much less maintenance, but with that much of a difference, it’s about wanting an electric vehicle more than anything. 

It has some very good competitors, and sitting about the middle of them price-wise, has a lot to offer in the premium EV compact segment. If you’re considering a used Volvo, take a look at our current inventory of used Volvos here. 

We'll drop off your Volvo to you at a time that fits your schedule, and you have 7 days to test it out, with a full refund if you’re not completely satisfied. All our used vehicles are certified and come with a CARFAX report, so you know exactly what you’re getting.