Kelley Blue Book: The all-electric 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge offers lively performance with a 223-mile range

There are a few changes to the XC40 Recharge for the 2022 model year. The nomenclature of the model range changed. The base trim is called Plus, and the more loaded model is called Ultimate. Also, the range has been improved by 15 miles, and it’s more efficient.

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The 2022 XC40 Recharge is excellent, but it’s a questionable value. It’s more affordable than some electric luxury SUVs like the Audi e-tron, but the Ford F, +1.77% Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen VWAGY, +2.19% ID.4 are bigger, more affordable, and capable of longer range.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge pricing

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge has a starting price of $55,300 for the Plus trim and $58,150 for the Ultimate model. That’s pretty pricey, but federal, state, or local tax incentives could make this EV more affordable depending on where you live.

A $1,095 destination charge applies to all XC40 Recharge models.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge has few direct competitors. Its closest rivals are the similarly priced Tesla Model Y, the more expensive Audi e-tron, and the more affordable Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. All of the other electric SUVs we just mentioned are bigger and capable of longer range than the XC40 Recharge.

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Driving the 2022 Volvo Xc40 Recharge

Driving the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is pretty exciting, thanks to the lively electric powertrain. It adds more weight compared with the gas-powered XC40, but it manages its weight well with a low center of gravity. With 408 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, this little SUV packs a big punch.

This Volvo also has a well-tuned chassis to handle all of that power and torque from the electric powertrain. One could argue that the more sport-oriented variants of its German rivals are more agile, but the XC40 Recharge hustles around corners quickly with little body roll.

This EV has the option of one-pedal driving. That means it accelerates when you depress the accelerator and automatically uses regenerative braking when you take your foot off the pedal. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s an efficient way to drive and eventually becomes second nature.

Overall, the Volvo XC40 strikes an excellent balance of sporty driving dynamics and luxurious comfort.

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Interior comfort

The interior of the Volvo XC40 Recharge is upscale with roomy seating for a subcompact luxury SUV. It can comfortably seat up to four adults — five in a pinch — but the cargo space is pretty cramped. If you want an electric SUV with more cargo space, consider the Tesla TSLA, -0.58% Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. However, if you won’t be hauling a lot of cargo regularly, this won’t bother you.

The interior design has a luxurious look and feel, and the materials are top-notch. It’s well-equipped with standard interior features, including Nubuck seats, a 12.3-inch driver’s information module, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

Exterior styling

The Volvo XC40 Recharge has a handsome, modern exterior design. It has a painted panel in place of a traditional grille, hinting that it’s an EV. It also uses stylish wheel designs, a standard panoramic moonroof, LED lighting, and more.

The XC40 Recharge is small, even by subcompact luxury SUV standards. It’s about the same size as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (which doesn’t have an EV option), and it’s smaller than most other electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4.

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Favorite features

402-horsepower electric powertrain
This lively electric powertrain produces 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, and it can go up to 228 miles on a full charge.

Pilot Assist
Upgrade to the Ultimate trim, and you’re treated to the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control.

Standard features

The base Plus trim of the Volvo XC40 Recharge is quite well-equipped, which helps to justify its high price tag. Standard features include all-wheel drive, LED headlights and fog lights, a panoramic moonroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, Nubuck textile seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s information module, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, four USB-C ports, and more.

Standard safety features in the XC40 Recharge include a lane-keeping aid, run-off road mitigation and protection, and a blind-spot monitoring system with steering assist and cross-traffic alert with Autobrake.

Factory options

There’s a Climate Package ($1,100) available for the Plus trim that includes high-pressure headlight washers, heated back seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Upgrading to the Ultimate trim adds luxury features like the contents of the Climate Package, the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control, Harman Kardon premium audio, and unique 20-inch wheels.

The wheels that come with the Ultimate trim are an $800 option for the Plus model. There’s a heated steering wheel option available exclusively for the Ultimate model for $150.

Also see: Will Volvo come up with a self-driving car this year? Maybe.

Engine and transmission

The Volvo XC40 Recharge comes with an all-electric powertrain with two electric motors and a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It produces impressive performance numbers of 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, which translates to exciting performance in this small SUV. According to the EPA, this EV can travel up to 223 miles on a full charge, which is OK, but rival electric SUVs have better range.

All-wheel drive comes standard on every XC40 Recharge.

Two permanent-magnet synchronous motors
78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
402 horsepower
486 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 92/79 MPGe
EPA Range: 223 miles

This story originally ran on KBB.com.