If you’re a parent like me, you’re likely juggling a million things simultaneously. Every day feels like a delicate balancing act, from the chaos of morning school drop-offs to managing grocery runs and scheduling playdates. Throw in the occasional weekend road trip to grandma’s house or a spontaneous family adventure, and it becomes crystal clear: the vehicle you choose needs to keep up with your busy, and wonderfully unpredictable life. The last thing we want to worry about is whether your car can handle it all.

That’s where the 2025 Volvo EX40 comes in—a sleek, all-electric SUV designed to not only meet the demands of everyday life but to exceed them in ways that feel surprisingly luxurious. It’s not just another SUV; it’s a family-focused, eco-conscious powerhouse that effortlessly blends style, practicality and the forward-thinking technology parents deserve. In short, it’s the kind of car that makes you feel like you’re driving something truly special, even when you’re only running errands.

A Trusted Partner for the Everyday Parent

Let’s be real—being a parent means you need a vehicle that adapts to every situation. On some days, it’s a packed car full of soccer gear, snacks, and (if you’re lucky) well-behaved children. Other days, it’s just you, taking a rare quiet moment between tasks, and enjoying that smooth drive. The 2025 Volvo EX40 understands big and small moments and seamlessly transitions between them.

What struck me most about the EX40 is how it caters to the specific needs of families without feeling like you’re sacrificing style or performance. It’s an EV with heart—powerful enough to give you that satisfying sense of control behind the wheel, yet roomy enough to keep the kids happy, the stroller in place, and still have space for all those “extras” that come with being a parent (yes, I’m looking at you, sports bags, diaper bag, school bags, and snack packs).

A Long-Term Investment in Family Life

Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. Sure, the starting price of $59,950 for the Core model may raise some eyebrows, especially when it creeps up to $74,950 for the top-tier TWIN Ultra. But before you dismiss it as just another expensive EV, take a step back. Ask yourself: how much is your peace of mind worth? As parents, we often invest in things that will pay off in the long run. The EX40 fits neatly into that category.

The value here is more than skin-deep. It’s in the peace of knowing you’re driving an eco-friendly vehicle that reduces your carbon footprint. It’s in the savings that come with electric energy over gas. And, crucially, it’s in the confidence that you’re putting your family in one of the safest vehicles on the road. Volvo’s safety reputation is legendary, and the EX40 takes that to heart—making sure that when you’re on the road with your loved ones, you can breathe a little easier.

The Power Behind the Wheel

If you’re wondering whether this SUV can handle more than just daily life, the answer is a resounding yes. Don’t let the eco-friendly label fool you—the Volvo EX40 packs some serious punch. The base Core model, with its 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, offers plenty of power for those quick merges on the highway or zipping through city traffic. It’s fast, responsive, and incredibly fun to drive, which is something I didn’t fully expect from an SUV in this class. There’s a certain joy in the way it moves—a pep that makes even the most mundane trips feel like an adventure.

And range anxiety? Forget about it. With up to 472 km on a full charge, the EX40 makes long trips more than manageable. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or simply shuttling the kids to and from their extracurriculars, you can do it all without worrying about where the next charging station is.

A Sanctuary for Families On the Go

When I think about what makes a car perfect for family life, the first thing that comes to mind is space—and the EX40 delivers in spades. With 578 litres of cargo space that can expand to 1328 litres when the back seats are folded down, this SUV is built to accommodate the many phases of parenting. Whether you’re hauling groceries, lugging sports equipment, or packing up for a weekend road trip, this car has you covered.

And then there’s the rear seat legroom—an underrated blessing when you’ve got growing kids. At 917 mm (36.1 inches), the legroom is generous, ensuring your kids won’t spend the whole drive kicking the back of your seat. Plus, the folding rear seats make it easy to adjust for extra cargo or passengers, a simple yet practical feature that busy parents will appreciate.

Tech Without the Overwhelm – my favourite Volvo feature

Let’s be honest—some of the tech features in modern cars can feel like too much. A million menus, different touch screens, and panels, buttons to push, pull, and flick to find all sorts of features… that you may ultimately, never use. But Volvo manages to strike a perfect balance with the Volvo EX40, offering just the right amount of innovation to enhance your drive without overwhelming you with unnecessary gadgets. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is easy to navigate, and with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice-activated navigation at your fingertips, you’ve got everything you need to keep the whole family entertained and on the right track.

What I love most about the EX40’s infotainment system is its simplicity. It’s not cluttered with excessive features you’ll never use—it gives you exactly what you need, and nothing more. It’s streamlined, intuitive, and, most importantly, distraction-free. The last thing you need while driving is another tech learning curve. Our kid and their many many friends are enough of a distraction as it is. 

Our Kids Are Precious Cargo

As parents, we don’t take safety lightly, and neither does Volvo. The EX40 is packed with features that are designed to keep you and your family safe. With seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a host of driver assistance tools, it’s like having a second set of eyes on the road. Knowing that the Volvo EX40 received top marks in crash test ratings only adds to the feeling of security, which is priceless when you’re responsible for precious cargo in the backseat.

Volvo has thought of every detail to ensure that even in the worst-case scenario, your family is as protected as possible. It’s the kind of confidence that allows you to focus on what matters most: your journey, and the little moments along the way.

Surprisingly Agile for a Family SUV

One of the most pleasant surprises about the EX40 is how agile it feels for an SUV. Despite its size, it drives like a much more compact vehicle car, making it easy to navigate through tight city streets or busy parking lots. The electric powertrain provides instant torque, so acceleration feels smooth and responsive, whether you’re on the highway or just pulling out of the driveway.

As a parent, you need a car that can handle whatever life throws at you—whether it’s weaving through traffic to get to an after-school activity or gliding down the highway for a weekend road trip. The EX40 delivers on both fronts, making every drive feel like a breeze.

The Ultimate Family EV, one of my personal top favourites

So, is the 2025 Volvo EX40 the ultimate family EV? I’d say yes, without hesitation. This is hands down my favourite Volvo subcompact SUV and one of my favourites to drive. It offers everything parents need—space, safety, tech—wrapped in a stylish and eco-friendly package. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and practicality, making it an excellent choice for families who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort or performance. And if I’m to be even more honest… I never thought I’d love a beige-coloured car, but the Sand colour grew on me quickly and became one of the most memorable ones. For parents looking for an SUV that feels as good to drive as it does to sit in, the Volvo EX40 hits all the right notes.