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Volvo EX30 vs Renault R5 comparison

Compare performance (428 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 24,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo EX30 or Renault R5?

Volvo EX30 vs Renault R5: Key differences

Volvo EX30

3.7 (10 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • somewhat more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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Renault R5

4.5 (3 Reviews)
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  • visibly cheaper
  • somewhat more efficient
  • visibly lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

EX30

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.

R5

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.

EX30

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.

R5

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.

EX30

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.

R5

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.

Frequently compared as well

Renault R5
VW ID.3
VS
Choosing between the retro-inspired Renault 5 and the practical VW ID.3 comes down to whether you value character and compact city agility or proven electric range and grown-up practicality. This comparison cuts through the marketing to show where each car shines and which one fits different kinds …
Volvo EX30
Kia EV2
VS
The Volvo EX30 and Kia EV2 are compact electric crossovers that balance urban-friendly size with modern tech, safety systems, and strong value propositions. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior quality, and ownership costs to help you decide which suits your priorities.

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

EX30

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 is visibly cheaper – starting at 24,000 £ , while the Volvo EX30 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,991 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Renault R5 is somewhat more efficient: consuming 14.8 kWh/100km compared to 17 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX30. That’s a difference of about 2.2 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX30 offers somewhat more range – reaching up to 475 km, about 70 km more than the Renault R5.

R5

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo EX30 offers clearly more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 278 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX30 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the Renault R5 takes 8 s. That’s about 4.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX30 delivers clearly more torque with 543 Nm compared to 245 Nm. That’s about 298 Nm more.

EX30

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 terms of curb weight, Renault R5 is visibly lighter – 1,447 kg compared to 1,840 kg. The difference is around 393 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault R5 offers marginally more boot space – 326 L compared to 318 L. That’s a difference of about 8 L.

When it comes to payload, the Renault R5 carries marginally more – 418 kg compared to 390 kg. That’s a difference of about 28 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX30 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £30,000
EX30

Volvo EX30

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 339 - 475 km
details
Volvo EX30
Renault R5

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is a compact all-electric crossover that mixes Volvo's strong safety focus with clean Scandinavian design for a really city-friendly package. It feels lively and easy to live with, pairing a premium-feeling interior and modern connectivity with a practical footprint for urban driving.

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Reviews Volvo EX30

3.7 (10 Reviews)
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Burkhard Noltmann
28 Jun 2026, 22:00:46

Much cheaper and, as the twin, completely sufficient compared with the Ultra. The cockpit is a bit of an acquired taste.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
V
8 Jun 2026, 10:03:34

Very disappointing overall for a car that comes to €57,500 with options.
After 27,000 km in it over 2 years — so many disappointments...
Despite Volvo’s updates, many “small” problems that ruin daily life:

Mirrors that desynchronize and reset when you open the car.
With the keyless option the car sometimes unlocks when you’re at a distance but won’t open when you try the door.
Intrusive driver aids that become dangerous: they slam the brakes when detecting phantom vehicles while reversing (with a wall behind) or detect vehicles in the lane to our left as a “vehicle coming from the left” (same in roundabouts).
Same issue when overtaking: it lets you pass without problem but then abruptly pushes you back into oncoming traffic when you cross the line to move over.
Screen that stays black or frozen for several tens of seconds at startup.
Performance drops sharply once battery falls below 60%.

Handling is rather mixed: very good when it was new, after two years it develops body roll, tends to overreact in corners (it bounces), and loses grip at the front in roundabouts (for a rear-wheel-drive…).

The engine is overall pleasant and powerful, but the chassis does not at all match the 272 hp.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Maes Ivo
13 May 2026, 21:43:53

Volvo EX30 twin performance is een super handige compacte auto die vast op de weg ligt . Is pijlsnel en je zit iets hoger. Interieur went snel . Ik heb er zelf eentje en ben er verliefd op . Heb BMW G30 gehad . Fantastische auto , maar groot en onhandig . Geef mij maar de Volvo en we zijn maar met 2 .

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Michael
10 Feb 2026, 21:18:58

...the best electric car we've driven so far. Trouble-free, safe, tidy and easy to use.

The German predecessors (the Wolfsburg group) can be completely forgotten!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Julien B.
10 Feb 2026, 15:47:03

A car that could have been brilliant, ruined by technological dogmatism. Ninety‑five percent of this car’s problems are between the windshield and the steering wheel. The positives are undone by a botched implantation of technology at all costs. Basic functions are hard to access, buried in menus, and the constant, useless warnings and alerts make the experience frustrating and wreck the overall ergonomics. Add recurring issues with the door‑locking system that the dealer can’t fix after several visits, a range far below what’s promised, and a collision‑avoidance system that randomly takes dangerous initiatives, and I can say this is the worst car I’ve ever bought. After several months, I deeply regret this purchase.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Renault R5

The Renault 5 blends classic styling cues with contemporary design, giving it a playful and characterful presence on the road. It’s a city-focused hatchback that feels nimble and cleverly packaged, ideal for drivers who want personality and practicality.

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Reviews Renault R5

4.5 (3 Reviews)
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Petra
7 Aug 2026, 14:01:03

B
Impressed. Very good seats, super easy to use (self-explanatory), very brisk with great suspension. Sticks to the road even in the tightest corners.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Walter
4 Nov 2025, 21:42:46

Practical, nimble, and fun to drive. For rather small drivers up to 1.75 m there's plenty of space even on the back seat. Useful driver-assist systems, and Android Auto works well. Very economical in summer. In winter a lot of energy is used in the first five minutes to bring the battery up to 20°C, which makes consumption on short winter trips very high.

Frequently compared as well

Renault R5
Kia EV2
VS
The Renault 5 and the Kia EV2 represent two different takes on the compact electric — the Renault 5 leans on retro styling and urban agility, while the Kia EV2 focuses on modern practicality and value. This comparison will help you decide between personality and usable space by looking at range, …
Renault R5
CUPRA Raval
VS
The Renault R5 and the CUPRA Raval represent two very different takes on the compact electric car — the Renault R5 leans on retro charm and urban practicality, while the CUPRA Raval emphasizes sporty dynamics and bold design. This comparison cuts through the marketing to show how they stack up on …
Volvo EX30
VW ID.3
VS
The Volvo EX30 arrives as a compact, sharply tuned EV with Scandinavian flair — sprightly, surprisingly premium and built to put a grin on urban commutes. The VW ID.3, by contrast, plays the sensible family card with more interior space, comfort and range options, so pick the EX30 for driving fun …
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Volvo EX40
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Comparing the Volvo EX30 and Volvo EX40 helps buyers choose between a compact, city-focused electric crossover and a slightly larger, more practical electric SUV. The EX30 prioritises agility, lower cost and urban ease, while the EX40 offers more interior space, range and family-friendly …
Renault R5
VW ID.Polo
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This short comparison pits the Renault 5 against the Volkswagen ID. Polo to help you choose which compact electric suits your needs. We'll focus on design, range, practicality, driving feel and ownership costs so you can pick the right city car.
CUPRA Born
Renault R5
VS
The CUPRA Born feels grown-up and focused — a proper hot‑hatch–inspired EV with genuine pace, sensible range and more practical space than its looks suggest, while the Renault 5 is a cheeky, retro‑flavoured city car built to charm tight streets rather than scorch the autobahn. Choose the Born if …
Renault R5
Renault Twingo
VS
Deciding between the Renault 5 and the Renault Twingo comes down to whether you prefer the retro-inspired style and modern reinterpretation of the 5 or the Twingo’s proven compact practicality. This comparison focuses on driving character, interior space, running costs and everyday usability to …
Ford Puma
Renault R5
VS
The Ford Puma is a practical, punchy compact crossover — roomy, fun to drive and full of clever storage — while the Renault 5 returns as a cheeky, retro-styled city car (now electric), favouring charm and efficiency over outright versatility. If you need everyday space and a grin on country lanes, …
Volvo EX30
Renault R5

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 47,800 £
Price
24,000 - 27,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
339 - 475 km
Electric Range
307 - 405 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,840 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,447 - 1,524 kg
Trunk capacity
318 L
Trunk capacity
326 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,838 mm
Width
1,744 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
370 - 390 kg
Payload
396 - 418 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 428 HP
Power HP
122 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
343 - 543 Nm
Torque
225 - 245 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
110 - 315 kW
Power kW
90 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Renault
What drivetrain options does the Volvo EX30 have?

The Volvo EX30 is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.