2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin

When the original gas-only Volvo XC40 debuted for the 2019 model year, it was an instant favorite and a nominee for our Best of 2019 award thanks to its space efficiency, spunkiness and thoughtful features like an available integrated trash can in the center storage console. The substitution of an overly powerful, twin-motor electric powertrain has only strengthened our attachment to the little Volvo SUV. 

The XC40 Recharge Twin is an unassumingly quick subcompact SUV that accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to Volvo, thanks to 402 hp from a 78-kWh battery and two motors, one in the front and one in the rear for all-wheel drive. EPA-rated range isn’t the strongest at 223 miles, and it isn’t very efficient, either (85 mpg-equivalent versus a Model Y’s 125 mpg-e, meaning it’ll consume more battery juice to travel the same distance and take longer to restore miles when charging), but the XC40 does one thing many other EVs don’t: It rides well. The Mach-E and Model Y both have quirks about their ride quality, tuned toward the firm side, while the XC40’s ride quality is inoffensive and comfortable.

The XC40 is the only nominee that wasn’t designed to solely be an EV, having a gas-only version, and the transformation from gas to EV has preserved much of the XC40 we adored from the start. Overall cargo volume is unchanged, and there’s even a touch more with a front trunk where the engine used to live