Volvo EX30 Cross Country Brings More Ground Clearance, Same EV Power

Volvo’s taking its smallest EV SUV and giving it some extra edge with the Cross Country badge. Although it doesn't aim to be an extreme off-road vehicle, it certainly exudes a rugged appearance.

The EX30 Cross Country gets beefed-up black plastic fender flares, a black rear panel, and a cool front panel with a relief map of Sweden’s Kebnekaise mountains. Instead of the usual EX30 badging on the C-pillar, it proudly wears a Cross Country emblem.

Volvo hasn’t specified exactly how much, but the Volvo EX30 Cross Country has more ground clearance than the standard model, plus protective skid plates underneath. If you opt for the Cross Country Experience package, you can swap out the 19-inch wheels for 18s wrapped in off-road tires.

That package also throws in front and rear mud flaps, black roof rails, and a roof basket—excellent for looks, but not so great for efficiency. The standard EX30 already saw a slight dip in range from 280 miles (450 km) to 265 miles (427 km), and the added drag won’t help.

Performance takes a minor hit as well. The Cross Country sticks with the EX30’s most powerful dual-motor setup, pushing 422 hp, but it’s a tad slower to 62 mph, now at 3.7 seconds instead of 3.6. Not a huge difference, but worth mentioning.

Volvo hasn’t ruled out offering a single-motor version in the future, but dropping all-wheel drive might make the rugged branding feel less convincing. If you want one, you’ll need to go for the high-end Ultra trim, which comes with a panoramic roof, a 360-degree camera, and Volvo’s Park Pilot assistant. The standard EX30 Ultra costs $47,895 in the US, and expect the Volvo EX30 Cross Country version to be pricier.