@ Renault Group Media
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Renault R5 vs Volvo EX30 – Which car suits you better?

Two cars, one duel: Renault R5 meets Volvo EX30.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

R5 @ Renault Group Media

City charmer vs Nordic minimalist

The Renault R5 arrives with a wink and a nod, a retro-inspired city sprite that trades pretension for personality, while the Volvo EX30 wears Scandinavian restraint like a tailored jacket — minimalist, confident and quietly premium. One feels made for bustling streets and playful commutes, the other aims to reassure on longer runs with an air of thoughtful engineering. Both stake out distinct territories in the compact electric world, so your mood and priorities will decide which vibe wins you over.

EX30 @ Volvo Cars

What it’s like behind the wheel

Drive the R5 and you notice an eager, nimble character that invites short, cheeky blasts around town; it’s all about immediacy and grin-inducing responses. The EX30 is more composed, delivering a steady, planted feel that rewards relaxed, confident driving and feels more composed when the pace quickens. Each car tells a different story through steering weight, pedal feel and how they respond to intent, so test drives will quickly reveal which temperament suits your daily routine.

R5 @ Renault Group Media

Cabin mood and creature comforts

Step inside the Renault and the cabin greets you with color, approachable switches and a deliberately friendly layout that prioritizes ease of use and occupant cheerfulness. Volvo’s interior leans into premium simplicity with thoughtful materials and an airy, calm ambiance that underlines comfort and long-distance composure. Both cabins have their strengths: one delights with charm and usability, the other soothes with restraint and supportive ergonomics.

EX30 @ Volvo Cars

Living with it day to day

For city dwellers who prize easy parking, predictable packaging and fuss-free ownership, the Renault’s compact footprint and playful nature feel ideally matched to daily urban life. The EX30 suits those who split time between town and longer trips, offering a more assured presence on highways and a slightly more grown-up approach to practicality. Either way, usability is front and center: consider where most of your miles happen and which compromises you’re comfortable making.

R5 @ Renault Group Media

Style, image and who notices

Choosing between these two also means choosing an image — the R5 broadcasts personality and retro-cool that turns heads in coffee-shop quarters, while the EX30 signals modern, understated confidence that appeals to tech-focused, design-aware buyers. Personal taste will rule: one is a conversation starter, the other a statement of refined intent. Both cars have been honed to attract different tribes, so pick the one that feels like you when you walk away from it.

EX30 @ Volvo Cars

Matchmaking for buyers

If your life is city-centric, social and you love cars with character, the Renault will likely make more smiles per mile, whereas the Volvo will appeal if you want minimalist luxury, confident long-distance manners and a more reserved badge. Families, commuters and style-conscious drivers will each find clear reasons to favor one over the other, depending on priorities like comfort, agility and perceived value. Take both for a proper spin and stay with us — the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed afterwards.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Renault R5 has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 23900 £, while the Volvo EX30 costs 33000 £. That’s a price difference of around 9077 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Renault R5: with 14.80 kWh per 100 km, it’s to a small extent more efficient than the Volvo EX30 with 17 kWh. That’s a difference of about 2.20 kWh.

As for range, the Volvo EX30 performs a bit better – achieving up to 476 km, about 71 km more than the Renault R5.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Renault R5 has a distinct edge – offering 540 HP compared to 428 HP. That’s roughly 112 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault R5 is barely noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the Volvo EX30 takes 3.60 s. That’s about 0.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Renault R5 performs noticeable better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Volvo EX30 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Renault R5 pulls decisively stronger with 4800 Nm compared to 543 Nm. That’s about 4257 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Renault R5 is clearly perceptible lighter – 1447 kg compared to 1840 kg. The difference is around 393 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault R5 offers slight more room – 326 L compared to 318 L. That’s a difference of about 8 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault R5 performs slight better – up to 1106 L, which is about 106 L more than the Volvo EX30.

When it comes to payload, Renault R5 slight takes the win – 418 kg compared to 390 kg. That’s a difference of about 28 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Renault R5 shows itself to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £23,900
R5 @ Renault Group Media

Renault R5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 540 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.8 - 15.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 307 - 405 km

Renault R5

5 (1)
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The Renault R5 is a classic hatchback that captured the imagination of drivers with its distinctive design and compact versatility. Its agile handling and efficient performance made it a popular choice in urban settings and winding country roads alike. With a blend of style and practicality, the Renault R5 remains a beloved icon in automotive history.

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Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 represents a bold step forward for the brand, combining advanced technology with sustainable design principles. Its sleek and compact exterior belies a spacious interior that offers a premium driving experience. With a focus on safety and innovation, this model reflects Volvo's commitment to shaping the future of urban mobility.

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Renault R5
Volvo EX30
R5 @ Renault Group Media
EX30 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Consumption

Price
23900 - 137100 £
Price
33000 - 49100 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
17 - 18.7 kWh
Electric Range
307 - 405 km
Electric Range
339 - 476 km
Battery Capacity
40 - 52 kWh
Battery Capacity
49 - 65 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
3 - 5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1447 - 1524 kg
Curb weight
1840 - 1960 kg
Trunk capacity
326 L
Trunk capacity
318 L
Length
3922 - 4080 mm
Length
4233 mm
Width
1744 - 2030 mm
Width
1838 mm
Height
1380 - 1498 mm
Height
1550 - 1567 mm
Max trunk capacity
1106 L
Max trunk capacity
1000 L
Payload
396 - 418 kg
Payload
370 - 390 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 540 HP
Power HP
272 - 428 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 5.7 s
Max Speed
150 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
225 - 4800 Nm
Torque
343 - 543 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 397 kW
Power kW
200 - 315 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2025 - 2027
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Renault
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the Renault R5?

The Renault R5 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.