The original category scores were impressive, though, at 97 per cent for adult occupant protection and 87 per cent for child occupant protection. All cars feature automatic emergency braking that can spot cars, pedestrians and large animals, while a lane departure system will intervene and steer the car back into the lane if it senses a potential collision with oncoming traffic.
Pilot Assist is Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving tech, and this comes as standard on Plus, Plus Pro and Ultra models, while it’s an option on Core trim. This adds adaptive cruise control that can steer, accelerate and brake in slow-moving traffic, even bringing the car to a complete stop if necessary.
The Volvo XC40 (the car upon which the electric EX40 is based) finished 20th out of 50 cars in the 2026 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. Quality and safety features were this car’s highest scoring categories, but owners told us that they weren’t so happy with the running costs. If you can charge your EX40 at home using a cheaper overnight electricity tariff, you’ll probably be much happier with the running costs.
Volvo ranked above average in the best manufacturer list, finishing in 14th out of 30 brands. It comfortably beat Audi (23rd), but fell well short of BMW (5th), Tesla (3rd), and Mercedes (1st).
Best buy: Volvo XC40 Single Motor Extended Range Core
EX40 prices reflect its premium brand billing. Pricing starts at around £44,000, with Plus trim starting at around £47,000. The well-equipped Plus Pro trim comes in at £49,000, while the range-topping Ultra starts at £53,000. Black Edition variants of the Plus, Plus Pro, and Ultra trims are available, and start from around £50,000.
While the long list of options and variants can be tempting, we think it’s best to keep things simple by opting for the Single Motor Extended Range in Core trim. This variant offers the most miles without having to fork out too many extra pounds, but there’s still enough kit fitted to make this feel like a premium SUV.
Whichever version takes your eye, you can spec it through the Auto Express Buy a Car service and get offers from local dealers. We also have a selection of EX40 leasing deals to choose from, if you prefer a shorter commitment.
Volvo EX40 alternatives
The compact premium electric SUV market is awash with contenders. There’s the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX1 – although the latter benefits from the Government’s £3,750 electric car grant (ECG) discount. Look further afield, and you’ll also find options like the Lexus RZ, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4 and Genesis GV60. There’s another option that shares plenty of tech with the Volvo, too, and that is the Polestar 2.
Volvo EX40 pictures
Key updates of the Volvo EX40 review
Frequently Asked Questions
Volvo’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty is par for the course in the premium sector. It can be extended by 12 months at extra cost, but can’t match the 10 years/100,000 miles of cover available to Lexus buyers. In addition to the standard warranty, the EX40’s drive battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, although deteriorating battery capacity isn’t part of this policy.
