2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Volvo has given the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge a subtle makeover for 2023 that includes a revised front bumper and grille borrowed from the fastback C40 Recharge model. The C40’s more angular LED headlamps also migrate to the XC40 this year. On the inside, the XC40 Recharge gains vegan-friendly vinyl upholstery.

Getting more miles out of every charge will be a top priority of the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge, the Swedish automaker’s all-electric small SUV. If this model seems familiar, give yourself an EV gold star.

That’s because the C40 Recharge is based on the boxier XC40 Recharge SUV, but adopts a tapered tail-end to give it a sportier “SUV coupe” design. The tradeoff is less cargo space and much poorer rearward visibility, unfortunately.

Competing with EVs like the Tesla Model Y and Audi e-Tron, the C40 Recharge enters its second model year with a round of over-the-air updates courtesy of Volvo’s Range Assistant app. These same updates will be applied to the XC40 Recharge, too.

This won’t dramatically boost the estimated 225-miles of the driving range or affect the 87-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that works in conjunction with two electric motors, one located at each axle.

The combined output of this all-wheel-drive electric powertrain remains an impressive 402 horsepower. That’s enough to get the C40 Recharge from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds.

These software updates aim to make the C40 Recharge smarter, at least in how it calculates energy-saving routes and the range-extending advice it provides to the driver.

EV MOTOR AND IMPLEMENTATION

All XC40 Recharge models will come with two electric motors, with one driving the front wheels and the second powering the rears, giving it full-time all-wheel drive. The powertrain puts out a stout 402 horsepower and rocketed the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds at our test track.

During our test drive, we noted a compliant ride and a refined cruising demeanor; aggressive drivers may find the Polestar 2 a better fit. Regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which is a desirable and convenient EV feature that we appreciate.

 

A 75.0-kWh battery pack is standard equipment, and the EPA has given the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge a range estimate of 223 miles per charge.

That range promise puts the XC40 Recharge in a position to compete with the Audi e-Tron and the Jaguar I-Pace, but at a disadvantage over the Model Y, which is capable of more than 300 miles per charge.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge will be capable of charging at DC fast-charging terminals as well as at home chargers via a 240-volt outlet.

ENERGY AND, REAL-WORLD MPG

The EPA has given the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Recharge fuel economy ratings of 92 MPGe city and 79 MPGe highway. We are looking forward to evaluating the XC40’s real-world MPGe and driving range on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, and we will update this story with results when we complete the test.

For more information about the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH

The cabin of the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge offers everything we love about the standard XC40, including thoughtful cubby storage, a comfortable driving position, and spacious first- and second-row seating.

In the transition to an EV powertrain, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge has lost none of its cargo space, so we expect the Recharge model to hold the same number of carry-on suitcases as the gasoline-powered version.

In our testing, the XC40 held 23 carry-on suitcases with its rear seats folded. In addition, the lack of a four-cylinder engine under the hood frees up space for a front trunk (frunk), which is the ideal space to store the XC40 Recharge’s charging cables.

IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS

Rather than using Volvo’s current Sensus Connect infotainment system, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge offers a new generation of software developed in conjunction with Google’s Android Automotive.

The XC40 Recharge’s corporate cousin, the Polestar 2, also offers such an infotainment system, which we found to be intuitive and snappy in its functionality, but the Volvo version suffers from small onscreen buttons that are difficult to actuate while driving.

A standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides several options for customization. Despite the collaboration with Google, the new infotainment system will eventually provide connectivity options for both Android and Apple iPhone devices; a wireless smartphone charging pad is also offered.

PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS

Volvo will offer a host of high-tech driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

For more information about the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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