Is the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge a Good Electric SUV? 3 Pros and 5 Cons
Volvo has joined other European brands in offering a coupelike version of its XC40 SUV, which is to say the boxy design has arguably been made more stylish if less practical, with a lower roofline and less interior space. The result is the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, an all-wheel-drive, electrically powered, four-door “coupeover.”
Related: 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Review: Trading Practicality for Style
Unlike the more conventional XC40 SUV with which it shares a platform, interior components and more, the C40 Recharge comes only as an electric vehicle; no gasoline version is offered. That’s good for fans of alternative power, but not for those who buy SUVs for their added cargo and passenger room.
Our problems with the C40 Recharge go beyond its lowered roof and more curvaceous shape, however. Competing vehicles offer more range, faster charging times and better tech features that are easier to use.
The C40 Recharge is not a bad vehicle, and it will likely appeal to buyers who put style over practicality but still want SUV attributes like a higher ride height and AWD. It’s just that better choices are available.
For a thorough look at the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, hit the link above to read Aaron Bragman’s expert review. For a quicker look at three things we like and five things we’d like to see improved, read on.
Things We Like
1. Powertrain
With an electric motor for each axle, standard AWD and a system total of 402 horsepower, the C40 Recharge is no slouch. Its power delivery is smooth, and Volvo claims a lively 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The problem is that it doesn’t feel especially quick. No “sport” mode is offered, and it requires a heavy foot to feel all that power.
2. Easy Handler
The C40 Recharge is tuned to provide an easy-going driving experience rather than enthusiastic motoring. That’s neither good nor bad, but one benefit is a cushy ride. Bumps and road imperfections are largely muted, and the ride is smooth overall. The electronically adjustable steering allows for quicker response and increased feedback, but cranking up to sport from normal can make the C40 feel twitchy on the highway.
3. Interior Execution
Volvo did a nice job with the C40’s interior, which earns points for its clean design, quality materials and upscale look. The dash is much like that in the XC40, which isn’t a bad thing. Added features include textured trim pieces that turn translucent at night and firm seats that are comfortable for the long haul. There’s plenty of legroom front and rear, but rear-seat passengers may find headroom lacking.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Aggressive One-Pedal Mode
Like many EVs, the C40 Recharge is equipped with a one-pedal driving mode, offering increased regenerative braking to help charge the battery and increase range. The problem is, the Volvo system is so aggressive that smooth modulation is a challenge and can turn unfortunate passengers into bobbleheads.
2. Cabin Noise
Wind and road noise levels are surprisingly high, which may be due at least in part to the lack of a conventional powertrain and its related soundtrack. Still, the noise level surprised us and keeps the C40 from having the hushed interior of some EVs.
3. Poor Visibility
In addition to robbing headroom, another drawback of the lowered roofline is compromised visibility. The rearview mirror offers no view of the horizon behind the car, even with the driver’s seat at its lowest. A high beltline rises toward the rear, making for significant blind spots, and the lack of a rear wiper means it’s even harder to keep a clear view aft. The XC40 Recharge has none of these problems.
4. Limited Range
With an EPA-rated range of 226 miles, the C40 Recharge is not the best EV to choose for road trips. Several competitors can travel farther between charges, which can be a big deal for drivers with long commutes and families. Better news is that DC fast-charging capability can take the C40 Recharge from a 10% to 80% charge in about 28 minutes, according to Volvo.
5. Electronic Missteps
Volvo has gone with Google for its multimedia operating system, and the results are mixed at best. Several functions simply didn’t work in our test vehicle, including voice commands for the radio. We’re also not fans of the digital gauge cluster, which is uninteresting to look at and limited in its function.
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