Volvo XC40 Recharge 2022 Review

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is an all-electric version of the gasoline-powered XC40, Volvo's smallest SUV. It's the first full EV marketed as a Volvo and is soon to be followed by the sleek and mechanically identical C40 Recharge. As with most long-range electric vehicles, the XC40 Recharge features DC fast charging — which can fill the battery from zero to 80% in 40 minutes — or fully recharge in eight hours using a 220-volt home or public charging station.

According to the EPA, the 2022 XC40 Recharge offers a respectable 223 miles of range when fully topped off. That EPA estimate is an increase of 15 miles over last year's XC40 Recharge thanks to a software update. We've yet to put the 2022 model through our real-world range test but a 2021 model made it 240 miles in our test with a fully charged battery. This is certainly enough for most daily driving, but know that some rival EVs can go considerably farther.

The Volvo has a lot of tough competition, with even more on the way. Rivals include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Tesla Model Y, the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace. The XC40 is smaller than most of its rivals, but it packs a ton of features and performance into its compact package. If you're looking for an EV but don't want the flash of something like a Model Y or Mustang Mach-E, we think the XC40 Recharge is well worth a look. Check out our Expert Rating for additional evaluation of the vehicle's comfort, utility and more.

Which XC40 Recharge does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is available in two trim levels: Pure and Ultimate. Both are powered by a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the floor of the cabin that sends power to an electric motor at each axle, meaning all XC40 Recharges feature standard all-wheel drive. Output is an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates range at 223 miles, though MatoCar' real-world testing showed an impressive 240 miles of range.

Pure The base XC40 Recharge comes fairly well equipped. Standard features include:

• LED headlights, taillights and foglights
• 19-inch wheels
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Hands-free liftgate
• Four USB-C ports
• Wireless charging pad
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Standard safety features and driver aids include:

• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Collision mitigation braking (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the XC40 Recharge and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Ultimate The top-level Ultimate trim includes all of the Plus' features, adding:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volvo and the car in front)
• Heated rear seats
• Harman Kardon audio system
• 20-inch wheels