AUTO

2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country Is Finally Coming to the U.S. But Here’s Why It Took So Long

July 29, 2025

EX30 Cross Country launches late 2025 or early 2026 in the U.S., with production shifted to Belgium to minimize tariffs.
It delivers around 422 hp via dual motors, 227 EPA‑rated miles, 7.5 inches ground clearance and 2,000 lb tow capacity.
Positioned under $50k, it will be showcased at Electrify Expo San Francisco on Aug 23-24 alongside competitors.

What happens when a compact electric SUV feels more at home on a dirt trail than in a Whole Foods parking lot? Or when your daily driver is just as comfortable loaded with groceries as it is geared up for camping through gravel backroads?

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country comes in looking like it means business. It rides 7.5 inches off the ground, giving it just a little extra lift, three-quarters of an inch more than the standard EX30, to be exact. Skid plates protect the underside. Wheel arches flare out for a tougher look. And buyers can opt for chunky all-terrain tires if they’re planning on taking the scenic detour instead of sticking to pavement.

2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country in motion on a wet, snowy road, featuring roof rack and blacked-out wheels, captured against a wintry landscape with overcast skies. — _{2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country in motion on a wet, snowy road, featuring roof rack and blacked-out wheels.}

The Cross Country helps you get out into nature without trying to overpower it. This isn’t the vehicle for climbing over boulders or fording streams. But if your weekend plan involves a long dirt road through a meadow or a winding trail that ends by a quiet lake, this compact SUV is right in its element. And if you need to load up a couple of bikes or strap a kayak to the roof, the EX30 Cross Country it’s built to handle that with no drama.

The U.S. rollout has been a twisty ride. Although Europe got the EX30 in late 2023, U.S. buyers waited until the very end of 2024 due to tariffs on China‑built EVs. Then, production shifted to Ghent, Belgium to dodge steeper duties, cutting that tariff to about 25%.

Still, U.S. sales are underwhelming. Fewer than 2,600 units so far this year, compared to almost ten times that many XC60 internal‑combustion SUVs in the same span.

Now comes the Cross Country variant, arriving as a 2026 model in the U.S. late this year. It’s built only in Ultra trim with a dual‑motor AWD setup delivering about 422 hp and 400 lb‑ft torque from its 64 kWh usable battery.

Volvo says 10-80% charging can happen in about 26 minutes. Preliminary WLTP range sits around 264 miles but expect the U.S. EPA figures closer to 227 miles, well below competitors such as the Chevy Equinox EV or Nissan Ariya unless you opt for the base Ultra or Plus trim with 253 miles range and a $46,195 starting price.

Range might be on the lower side, but the way the EX30 Cross Country handles makes up for it. The rear uses a five-link suspension tuned with softer springs and anti-roll bars, built for more comfort when the road gets uneven. Steering feels clean and responsive, giving you confidence without overthinking it.

Rear view of the 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country driving on a snow-covered road with taillights illuminated, creating a snow trail behind, surrounded by snowy mountains and overcast skies.

Side view of the front end of the 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country, highlighting the illuminated LED headlights, black fender trim, matte black alloy wheel, and winter tire on a snowy surface at sunset.

Volvo’s own materials make a strong case for the EX30 Cross Country’s capability. Inside, the cabin stays impressively quiet, even at speed. The interior mirrors what you’ll find in the standard EX30 Ultra trim. Upholstery options include Pine green and Indigo blue, both made using a blend of denim, flax, and polyester.

The control layout is intentionally minimal. You’ll only find buttons on the steering wheel and a pair of window switches in the center armrest. Climate, entertainment, navigation, and vehicle settings run through the Google-powered infotainment screen.

Volvo has been and always will be about people, which is why they worked hard to make the Volvo EX30 available sooner than anticipated for their customers. Mike Cottone, President of Volvo Car USA and Canada, stated “The EX30 has already proved exceptionally popular in other markets, and we’re excited to bring it to the U.S. this year.”

Image showcasing attendees looking at the features of a Volvo EX30 for the first time at Electrify Expo in New York

A Tesla Model 3 and Volvo EX30 lead a line of electric vehicles, including models from Cadillac, Lucid, Polestar, and Ford, during a test drive event at Electrify Expo.

And ICYMI, Volvo is showcasing this vehicle at Electrify Expo San Francisco in Alameda, CA on August 23-24. Drop by and check it out. Get your tickets.

Toyota’s bZ4X offers both smaller and larger batteries with longer range. Genesis GV60, Audi Q4 e‑tron, Mercedes EQB, even Lexus RZ are all priced slightly higher but offer more cargo space or range.

So, the EX30 Cross Country lands between mainstream and near‑luxury offerings. Under $50k unless tariffs creep up or options pile on.

You may experience range anxiety, but with the EX30 Cross Country towing tops out at 2,000 pounds. Cargo room hovers around 32 cubic feet, which puts a dent in full-blown family camping plans. And here’s the upside, it stays compact, under 167 inches long, which makes weaving through city traffic or squeezing into a tight parking garage a breeze. Just don’t forget that on long trips, kids may need more pit stops than the car does.

The Cross Country is an accessible outdoors machine with Volvo’s safety cred intact, including driver‑monitoring, braking and steering support, and integration with Google apps to help keep everyone safe and on track even in remote spots.