Volvo XC40 Recharge electric review: boot space, seating & practicality

The electric XC40 isn’t the biggest family SUV, but clever solutions like the cable storage in the nose boost practicality

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Boot space, seating & practicality rating

4.0 out of 5

LengthWidthHeightBoot volume (seats up/down)
4,425mm2,034mm1,651mm452/1,328 litres

The XC40 Recharge is first and foremost a compact family SUV, so while the hybrid XC60 and forthcoming all-electric EX90 flagship are bigger, there’s still plenty of room inside and a decent-sized boot. The XC40 may not be as practical as the Skoda Enyaq iV or Hyundai Ioniq 5, but many will be able to live with that in order to enjoy the SUV’s handsome looks.

Volvo XC40 Recharge electric interior space, storage & comfort

Inside, the XC40 Recharge is much the same as the petrol and hybrid models, with lots of rear headroom and legroom plus a good amount of storage. There’s a central cubby and a pair of cupholders, a spot for your phone under the main screen and deep door bins.

However, it can feel a little dark inside, as the rear windows are tinted and the rising window line at the back means not a huge amount of light gets in – only made worse on Core and Plus cars with their dark headlining. A panoramic sunroof is fitted on top-spec Ultimate models which lets more light into the cabin – something unfortunately not available on lower-spec cars, even as an option.

Boot space

With 452 litres of boot space, the electric XC40 hasn’t sacrificed much luggage capacity in the switch from petrol to electric power like some cars have. In fact, it has roughly the same boot space as the Kia Niro EV, and a far bigger boot than the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Skoda Enyaq iV has over 100 litres more space in its boot, but it's a significantly bigger car. 

The XC40 also features some extra cargo space under the boot floor, as well as another area beneath the bonnet: the latter is only 31 litres, but ideal for storing the charging cables, nonetheless.

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword
Tesla badge
News

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword

Tesla’s updated EV will have an improved interior, greater range and a more affordable price – as well as one unfortunate drawback
1 Jun 2023
Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video
Vauxhall Astra Electric
News

Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video

The new Astra Electric shares its parts with the Peugeot e-308, with first deliveries due soon
31 May 2023
Volkswagen ID.3 review
Volkswagen ID.3 facelift - front 1
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen ID.3 review

The recently updated Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback is vastly improved inside, but the fiddly infotainment system remains
2 Jun 2023