The 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Can't Keep Up With Other Competitors
Volvo introduced a second all-electric SUV to its lineup for 2022. But does the Volvo C40 actually bring anything new to the table?
Is
Volvo
really a luxury brand? The Swedish nameplate’s reputation doesn’t scream opulence in the same way as competitors like Audi, BMW, and Porsche. But its starting prices keep it in that kind of company. Take the Volvo C40, for example. The newest addition to Volvo’s lineup and its second
electric SUV
, the C40 starts at $58,750. Its an odd position on the spectrum of EV manufacturer-suggested starting prices (MSRPs). Volvo C40 Recharge: average specs, above-average price
The Volvo C40 isn’t the
worst electric vehicle
on the market. Its range is reliable for intown driving, and its fast-charging capability can bring it from 20% to 100% over a lunch break. The horsepower numbers shared in the intro might seem impressive, but compared to competing EVs, 402 hp is pretty common.
The inside of the C40 is even more boring.
U.S. News
says Volvo brought the vehicle’s eco-friendly ethic to the SUV’s interior, swapping real leather for faux and high-end materials for recycled plastic. The result is admittedly comfortable but otherwise unsatisfying.Factor in its limited
cargo space
, nine-inch display, and lack of Android or Apple CarPlay compatibility, and you’ll understand why the C40 left critics scratching their heads.Comparing the C40 to the competition
The Volvo C40 stands up well against a few luxury EVs. Its price range is way more practical than the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo’s, for example, which starts at almost twice the price of the C40.
But once you start looking at electric vehicles with closer price points, the comparisons are less flattering. Volvo’s former subbrand
Polestar
, for example, offers a similarly sized model with 44 more miles of range. It starts $10,000 under the C40’s base price.Outside the Volvo sphere, you’ll find plenty of better EV deals. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Kia Niro EV, and VW ID.4 all offer similar quality and better range for less money. For just $3,000 more, the
Tesla Model Y
offers a range of 330 miles.For even more savings, look to the two Chevy Bolts and Hyundai Kona Electric. All three models beat the C40’s range and have base prices under $40,000.
Car insurance for a Volvo C40
There aren’t many reasons to choose a Volvo C40 over another all-electric model. Even Volvo’s other EV, the XC40, offers more for less money.
But one thing the C40 has on most electric vehicles is a relatively affordable average
car insurance
rate. Thanks to Volvo’s reputation for top-tier safety scores, coverage for a C40 is cheaper on average than it is for other battery-powered cars.Don’t let insurance rates dictate which model you choose, though. Saving money on car insurance for any vehicle is easy when you shop with Jerry.
A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and can even help you cancel your old policy. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes For Free
Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.
Start saving money!
You might also be interested
