If you like the idea of a compact electric SUV with Scandinavian style and a calm, upscale cabin, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge should be on your list. It takes Volvo’s popular XC40 and swaps the gas engine for a powerful dual‑motor electric setup, adding strong acceleration and zero tailpipe emissions without losing everyday usability.
Quick take
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge overview
Volvo introduced the XC40 Recharge in 2021 as its first fully electric model. For 2022, the big story is improved efficiency and range via software tweaks. The EPA combined rating rises to about 223 miles, up from roughly 208 miles the prior year, while power and battery capacity stay the same. The core recipe remains: a small luxury SUV with standard all‑wheel drive, a generous safety suite, and an interior that feels more “calm Scandinavian apartment” than tech spaceship.
Who the 2022 XC40 Recharge fits best
- Drivers who want a premium feel in a compact footprint
- Households with reliable Level 2 home charging
- Daily commutes under ~60–70 miles with occasional longer trips
- Shoppers who value safety and comfort over track‑ready handling
Who might want to look elsewhere
- Road‑trip warriors who need 250–300+ miles of range
- Buyers on tight budgets who don’t need the luxury badge
- Drivers who regularly tow heavy loads
- Shoppers who prefer minimalist interfaces over Google‑based infotainment
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge headline numbers
Key specs: battery, range, and charging
For the 2022 model year in the U.S., the XC40 Recharge is sold primarily as the Twin Motor all‑wheel‑drive variant. It pairs a sizable battery with strong motors and practical charging capability that fits most daily use and regional trips.
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge core EV specs
Key powertrain and charging figures for the 2022 XC40 Recharge Twin Motor.
| Spec | 2022 XC40 Recharge Twin Motor |
|---|---|
| Drive layout | Dual‑motor all‑wheel drive (AWD) |
| Battery capacity | ≈78 kWh gross, ≈75 kWh usable |
| EPA combined range | ≈223 miles |
| Peak power | ≈300 kW (about 402 hp) |
| 0–60 mph | About 4.7 seconds |
| Onboard AC charger | 11 kW (Level 2) |
| Max DC fast‑charge rate | Up to 150 kW (CCS) |
| Charge port type | CCS Combo (SAE) |
Numbers are manufacturer or EPA estimates; real‑world results will vary with temperature, speed, and driving style.
Range reality check
- Level 2 (240‑volt) charging at home can fill the battery from empty in roughly 8–10 hours, ideal for overnight charging.
- At a 150 kW DC fast charger, going from about 10% to 80% typically takes 30–40 minutes when the battery is warm.
- On a more common 50 kW DC fast charger, expect around 60–70 minutes from 10% to 80%.
Charging connector note
On the road: performance and comfort
Thanks to standard dual motors and instant electric torque, the 2022 XC40 Recharge is much quicker than its upright, practical styling suggests. The roughly 4.7‑second 0–60 mph time puts it in genuine performance territory for a compact SUV, and around town it feels even quicker thanks to the instant response off the line.
Driving character: what it feels like
Performance is strong, but Volvo keeps the focus on comfort and control rather than corner‑carving.
Strong straight‑line speed
Comfort‑first ride tuning
Easy, confident handling
Brake blending, the handoff between regenerative and friction braking, is generally smooth, and Volvo offers configurable one‑pedal driving so you can lift off the accelerator and let regen bring the car down to a stop in many situations. That takes a day or two to master if you’re new to EVs, but it soon becomes second nature in traffic.
Volvo’s personality still shines through
Interior space, technology, and safety
Inside, the 2022 XC40 Recharge feels familiar if you’ve sat in a recent Volvo: clean lines, high‑quality materials, and a dashboard dominated by a portrait‑oriented touchscreen. It avoids the hyper‑minimalism of some EVs, keeping a few physical controls for key functions while still feeling modern.
Space and practicality
- Seating for five, though rear width is best for two adults and a child.
- Cargo space is competitive for a compact SUV, with a two‑level load floor and handy hooks and dividers.
- A small front trunk (frunk) is ideal for storing charge cables out of the way.
- Split‑folding rear seats expand space for larger items like bikes or flat‑pack furniture.
Tech and infotainment
- Google‑based infotainment with built‑in Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store.
- Over‑the‑air software updates improve efficiency and add features over time.
- Digital instrument cluster with EV‑specific info like range, power usage, and driver‑assist status.
- Available high‑end audio and ambient lighting for a more premium feel.
Standard safety highlights
Real‑world efficiency and charging experience
On paper, the 2022 XC40 Recharge is reasonably efficient for a dual‑motor, boxy SUV. In practice, it’s best to think of it as "good enough" rather than class‑leading. Owners and testers often report consumption in the neighborhood of 32–38 kWh per 100 miles depending on speed, temperature, and terrain.
How to get the best range from an XC40 Recharge
You can’t change physics, but you can stack the deck in your favor.
Mind the weather
Watch your speed
Plan smart charging stops
Highway and towing caveats
2022 XC40 Recharge trims and features
Trim naming can vary by market, but in the U.S. the 2022 XC40 Recharge is typically offered in well‑equipped configurations often labeled Core, Plus, and Ultimate (or similar packages). All share the same dual‑motor powertrain and battery; the differences are mainly in comfort, convenience, and appearance features.
Typical 2022 XC40 Recharge trim walk
Feature highlights by trim; exact content may vary by region and options packages.
| Feature area | Core / base | Plus | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels & exterior | Smaller alloys, LED lighting, basic exterior trim | Larger wheels, more exterior accents, power tailgate | Signature wheels, panoramic roof, more color/trim options |
| Seats & upholstery | Cloth or leatherette, power driver seat | Upgraded materials, power passenger seat, memory settings | Premium leather or eco‑materials, ventilated seats (market‑dependent) |
| Audio & infotainment | Standard audio, Google‑based infotainment, smartphone integration | Upgraded audio system, more speakers | Premium audio, more adjustment and sound modes |
| Driver assistance | Full active safety suite, basic cruise control | Adds more parking aids, possibly adaptive cruise | Top‑tier driver‑assist features and 360° camera in many markets |
All trims share the same powertrain and battery; you’re mainly choosing your level of luxury and tech.
Best value sweet spot
Reliability, battery health, and ownership costs
Because the XC40 Recharge is still a relatively new EV, long‑term reliability data is limited. That said, early reports suggest the 2022 model has typical Volvo strengths, solid crash protection and robust driver‑assist tech, along with a few software quirks that are increasingly ironed out via over‑the‑air updates.
What to know about owning a 2022 XC40 Recharge
EVs change some costs dramatically while leaving others familiar.
Battery warranty
Maintenance needs
Energy vs. fuel costs
Why battery health matters on a used XC40 Recharge
Every EV’s battery slowly loses capacity with age and miles, but the rate depends heavily on how it’s charged, stored, and driven. Frequent DC fast charging, regularly charging to 100% and letting the car sit, or living in very hot climates can all accelerate wear. That’s where a service like the Recharged Score comes in: it uses diagnostics to verify remaining battery health, so you aren’t guessing about the most expensive component in the car.
Buying a used 2022 XC40 Recharge: what to look for
As early lease returns and off‑warranty examples hit the market, the 2022 XC40 Recharge is becoming an interesting used‑EV candidate. But like any EV, it rewards careful shopping. Here’s a structured way to evaluate one.
Used 2022 XC40 Recharge buyer checklist
1. Verify battery health
Ask for documentation of battery state‑of‑health. A <strong>Recharged Score Report</strong> includes verified battery diagnostics so you can compare one XC40 Recharge to another based on actual remaining capacity, not just mileage.
2. Confirm charging behavior
Test both Level 2 and, if possible, DC fast charging. Make sure the car connects reliably, reports reasonable charge speeds, and doesn’t throw charging‑system warning messages.
3. Check software and update history
Confirm the car is running current software. Ask the seller or dealer about completed over‑the‑air or dealer‑performed updates, especially those tied to range, charging, or safety systems.
4. Inspect tires and brakes
The XC40 Recharge’s weight and instant torque can wear tires more quickly than a gas compact SUV. Uneven wear can also hint at alignment issues. Brakes usually last a long time, but check for rust or pulsation from infrequent use.
5. Review charging habits of prior owner
If possible, learn how the previous owner charged the car. A history dominated by home Level 2 charging is generally easier on the battery than constant DC fast charging.
6. Look for interior and cargo wear
Family duty and urban life can be hard on interiors. Check seat bolsters, cargo floor panels, and door sills carefully, cosmetic flaws won’t strand you, but they should factor into price negotiations.
Consider a fully digital purchase
How the 2022 XC40 Recharge compares to rivals
The compact premium EV SUV space is crowded with strong options. To understand where the 2022 XC40 Recharge shines, it helps to stack it against a few key competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach‑E, and Audi Q4 e‑tron.
2022 XC40 Recharge vs key rivals (high‑level snapshot)
Approximate specs for popular compact electric SUVs from the 2022 model year.
| Model (2022) | Approx. EPA range | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Drivetrain | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | ≈223 miles | ≈4.7 sec | AWD only (U.S.) | Comfort‑focused, safety‑centric, compact footprint |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | ≈318 miles | ≈4.8 sec | AWD | Most range and charging network access, minimalist cabin |
| Ford Mustang Mach‑E (extended range AWD) | ≈270–290 miles | ≈4.8 sec | RWD or AWD | Sportier feel, more interior room |
| Audi Q4 e‑tron (dual motor) | ≈240 miles | ≈5.8 sec | AWD | Quiet, upscale, slightly roomier than XC40 |
Exact figures vary by trim and battery; use this as a directional comparison, not a substitute for detailed spec sheets.
XC40 Recharge advantages
- Compact size that’s easy to park and live with in cities.
- Strong crash protection and safety tech.
- Quiet, comfortable ride and solid highway stability.
- High‑quality interior with a warm, Scandinavian feel.
- Standard dual‑motor AWD performance in many markets.
XC40 Recharge trade‑offs
- Range that trails some key rivals, especially Tesla.
- Boxy shape and weight mean only average efficiency.
- Smaller rear seat and cargo area than some competitors.
- Reliance on non‑Tesla charging networks in North America.
Who should pick it over a Model Y?
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2022 XC40 Recharge
Bottom line: is the 2022 XC40 Recharge a good used buy?
If your EV wish list prioritizes comfort, safety, and premium feel over headline‑grabbing range numbers, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge deserves a close look. Its roughly 220‑mile EPA rating won’t win any distance contests, but its dual‑motor all‑wheel drive, quick acceleration, and city‑friendly size make it a superb everyday companion. The cabin feels thoughtfully designed, the safety tech is comprehensive, and Volvo’s steady software improvements have quietly made the 2022 model more efficient than its predecessor.
As a used purchase, the XC40 Recharge rewards careful evaluation of battery health and charging behavior. Work with a seller who can provide transparent diagnostics, like the Recharged Score Report, and you can land a sophisticated, compact electric SUV that feels special every time you drive it. If that sounds like your kind of EV, a well‑vetted 2022 XC40 Recharge could be the sweet spot between luxury, practicality, and value.
