The Volvo EX30 is a remarkable vehicle. Not just because it's versatile and city-friendly, with advanced technology and sophisticated styling, but also because it's rare to see a vehicle that is so clearly the leader in its segment. While the good looks of the EX30 are an obvious advantage, we'll have to take a closer look to see what makes it such a clear winner among the competition.
Volvo EX30 VS MINI Countryman Electric
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volvo EX30 Plus | VS | MINI Countryman Electric SE ALL4 |
| $46,195 | MSRP | $45,200 |
| 422 HP / 400 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 308 HP / 364 LB-FT TQ |
| 3.4 seconds ✓ | 0-60 Time | 5.4 seconds |
| 253 miles ✓ | Maximum Range | 212 miles |
| 26 minutes ✓ | DC Fast Charing Time To 80% | 30 minutes |
| 35.1 feet ✓ | Turning Radius | 38.7 feet |
| 19-inch ✓ | Wheels | 18-inch |
| 9 speakers, 1,040 watts ✓ | Stereo | 6 speakers, 100 watts |
| 12.3 inches ✓ | Touchscreen | 9.4 inches |
| 4 years / 40,000 miles ✓ | Included Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
First up is the MINI Countryman Electric, which makes for an especially good comparison because it's so close in price. Despite this price similarity, the EX30 comes with an obvious performance advantage. Even with a big difference in power output, it's still almost shocking how much slower the Countryman is to 60 mph. In most cases with two such similarly-priced EVs, the one with the superior performance will have a shorter range, but here the EX30 clearly dominates in both areas. It makes you wonder what exactly you're paying for with the Countryman. As a bonus, the EX40 charges faster as well. It's not a huge difference, but the fact that the drivetrain in the Countryman has no advantages is significant. The EX30 has a handling advantage too, with a tighter turning circle. This is important, since an ability to maneuver out of tight spaces is one of the big reasons why people are drawn to subcompacts in the first place.
With such a similar price, and such a clear drivetrain advantage for the EX30, you might think that the Countryman will at least make it up when it comes to equipment, but this isn't quite the case. The EX30 comes with 19-inch wheels, which fit the styling a lot better than the 18-inch on the Countryman fit its styling. The Harman Kardon stereo in the EX30 is in an entirely different league than the generic and underpowered system that comes standard in the Countryman, you don't even need to be an audiophile to appreciate the difference. The Countryman has a round 9.4-inch central touchscreen that's styled to resemble the central speedometer in the original MINI. The retro styling that is MINI's raison d'etre certainly has an appeal, but in some ways, it can hold the vehicles back, with this small and inconveniently shaped screen being a prime example of this. Lastly, even though electric vehicles don't need as much routine maintenance, it's still nice to have it included in the price of the vehicle, and Volvo includes more of it than MINI does.
Volvo EX30 VS Kia Niro EV
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|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volvo EX30 | VS | 2025 Kia Niro EV Wave |
| $46,195 | MSRP | $44,600 |
| 422 HP / 400 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 201 HP / 188 LB-FT TQ |
| 26 minutes ✓ | DC Fast Charing Time To 80% | 43 minutes |
| All-wheel drive ✓ | Drivetrain Configuration | Front-wheel drive |
| Standard ✓ | Cabin Preconditioning | Subscription-based, 1 year included |
| Panoramic ✓ | Sunroof | Conventional |
| 19-inch ✓ | Wheels | 17-inch |
| 12.3 inches ✓ | Touchscreen Size | 10.25 inches |
| Standard ✓ | Heat Pump | Optional |
| 4 years / 40,000 miles ✓ | Included Maintenance | None |
While Kia might not be generally regarded as a luxury brand, the size and price similarities between the EX30 and the Niro EV are undeniable, so it makes for another good comparison. And in yet another comparison, the EX30 comes out ahead in the performance department. Really, that's an unstatement, and it's awfully rare to see a vehicle with more than double the power output of another similarly priced vehicle in the same segment. But that's not the only area where the EX30 was quicker, Volvo's advanced battery technology means it can charge much quicker on DC fast charging. That makes the EX30 a far more practical vehicle for longer trips, even though the two vehicles have an identical maximum range of 253 miles. That range is all the more impressive in the EX30 since it comes with standard all-wheel drive, which isn't even an option on the Niro EV.
The Wave trim isn't the base for the Niro EV, but we're using it for this comparison because the equipment level is better, bringing things like the stereo more in line with what comes with the EX30. Unfortunately, since the price is now so similar, it makes it all the more glaring that the Kia still falls well short in a number of areas. Cabin preconditioning, for example, is a standard feature on the EX30, but it's a subscription-based service on the Niro EV, and only the first year is included. The sunroof is that extra bit better on the EX30 too, and even the upgraded wheels that come with the Wave trim of the Niro EV still don't measure up to the standard set on the EX30. The infotainment touchscreen is bigger and easier to see and use in the EX30 as well. The heat pump in the EX30 is standard equipment, and it heats the cabin quicker and more efficiently than a conventional heater. This efficiency means that, despite the identical range, once you turn the heat on in both vehicles, the Ex30 will be able to go further. A heat pump is available on the Niro EV, but it's an extra-cost option. Lastly, the EX30 once again wins in the included maintenance department, although that's not much of a challenge here, since Kia doesn't offer any.
Winner - Volvo EX30
The advantages that come with the EX30 are both enormous and undeniable. It is a huge standout in its segment, and even at the same price, the competition doesn't come close to matching it. It's advanced drivetrain leaves competitors far behind in performance, range, and even charging. The well-appointed interior is effortlessly comfortable, and the Scandinavian design looks fantastic inside and out. Let us help you find your EX30 at Motorcars Volvo Cars.