VS

VW ID.3 vs Volvo EX30 comparison

Compare performance (231 HP vs 428 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 30,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW ID.3 or Volvo EX30?

VW ID.3 vs Volvo EX30: Key differences

VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • noticeably more electric range
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

Volvo EX30

3.5 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
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

ID.3

City swagger vs everyday sense

The Volvo EX30 arrives like a compact fashion statement, all crisp lines and confident presence that feels tailored for urban life, while the VW ID.3 leans into sensible proportions and a quietly assured demeanor that works across neighbourhoods. The EX30’s personality reads as sporty and slightly provocative, the kind of car that turns heads at a junction. The ID.3 trades flamboyance for familiarity, aiming to be the sensible option that slips easily into daily routines.

EX30

What it feels like behind the wheel

Driving the EX30 is an exercise in immediacy — steering feels sharp and the car’s character is lively, rewarding drivers who want engagement rather than isolation. By contrast, the ID.3 is all about composure, with a measured delivery that soothes on longer trips and keeps occupants relaxed in traffic. Both approaches have merit: one is for the enthusiast who enjoys a direct connection, the other for the pragmatist who values predictability and ease.

ID.3

Cabin life and creature comforts

The interior of the EX30 leans into Scandinavian restraint, using premium-feeling materials and a clean layout that prioritises the driver’s space without fuss. The ID.3 takes a more conventional hatchback approach, offering an intuitive layout and practical touches that make day-to-day life simpler for families. Each cabin has its own charm: one feels boutique and modern, the other familiar and thoughtfully organised.

EX30

Practicalities that matter at the curb

When it comes to loading the weekly shop or stowing weekend luggage, the ID.3 shows its utility-focused roots with a flexible, easy-to-use arrangement that stretches to meet family needs. The EX30 makes smart use of space but always reminds you it’s a compact, style-first proposition rather than a van substitute. If cargo flexibility is top of mind, the ID.3’s mentality will likely slot into more lives effortlessly.

ID.3

Daily ownership and real-world living

Both cars live well in modern ownership stories: the EX30 promises a user-friendly tech suite wrapped in Volvo’s safety-first culture, while the ID.3 plays the long game with mainstream accessibility and straightforward day-to-day economy. Practical concerns such as charging behaviour, servicing networks and running habits will shape which one fits you, and both make sensible compromises for different priorities. Ultimately, it’s about matching the car’s strengths to how you spend your driving hours.

EX30

Style, status and curb appeal

If image is part of the purchase decision, the EX30 is the one that elevates your street presence with a boutique air and Scandinavian minimalism that reads as premium. The ID.3 keeps things low-key and approachable, appealing to buyers who prefer being understated yet modern. Style-conscious buyers will appreciate the EX30’s flair, while those after broad appeal will lean towards the ID.3’s unobtrusive charm.

ID.3

Which key fits your life?

For urban commuters who prize agility and boutique style the EX30 will feel like a rewarding daily companion, whereas the ID.3 suits buyers seeking roomy usability, effortless living and broad practicality for family duties and longer stints behind the wheel. Both have clear personalities and both serve different kinds of modern drivers very well, so consider which character aligns with your week. Keep reading — the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed afterwards.

Frequently compared as well

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.
VW ID.3
VW ID.Polo
VS
Choosing between the Volkswagen ID.3 and the VW ID. Polo comes down to whether you want a compact electric hatch with more range and interior space (ID.3) or a smaller, city-focused EV that prioritizes maneuverability and lower running costs (ID. Polo). Below I'll compare their range, practicality, …

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

ID.3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW ID.3 is barely cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Volvo EX30 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 853 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the VW ID.3 is clearly more efficient: consuming 13.9 kWh/100km compared to 17 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX30. That’s a difference of about 3.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 629 km, about 154 km more than the Volvo EX30.

EX30

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo EX30 offers significantly more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 231 HP. That’s roughly 197 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX30 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the VW ID.3 takes 7.1 s. That’s about 3.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX30 delivers noticeably more torque with 543 Nm compared to 350 Nm. That’s about 193 Nm more.

ID.3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo EX30 is very slightly lighter – 1,840 kg compared to 1,885 kg. The difference is around 45 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW ID.3 offers somewhat more boot space – 383 L compared to 318 L. That’s a difference of about 65 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW ID.3 carries moderately more – 464 kg compared to 390 kg. That’s a difference of about 74 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX30 is decisively ahead 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
VW ID.3
Volvo EX30

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

VW ID.3

The VW ID.3 is Volkswagen’s compact electric hatch that prioritizes practical daily usability with a comfortable, modern interior. It delivers a smooth, quiet driving experience and intuitive tech that makes switching to electric straightforward.

details
DB2020AU01067_medium
DB2019AU01515_medium
DB2019AU01516_medium
DB2020AU01118_medium
DB2020AU01119_medium
DB2020AU01097_medium
DB2020AU01100_medium

Reviews VW ID.3

4.8 (6 Reviews)
rate
Pennings
6 May 2026, 08:03:27

ID.3 catches less wind. It's more pleasant, especially on the highway. Also: more economical, lighter and with the same step‑in height.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Mr C Blagdon
14 Jan 2026, 12:07:54

Great all rounder, surprisingly spacious cabin. Rapid and refined. Not quiet enough space in the boot for a bike, could use more ground clearance.

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

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.

details
313302_Volvo_EX30
313320_Volvo_EX30
313329_Volvo_EX30_interior
313334_Volvo_EX30_interior
313297_Volvo_EX30

Reviews Volvo EX30

3.5 (8 Reviews)
rate
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
Marco
30 Dec 2025, 12:53:45

The onboard tech (tablet) takes too long to learn. It distracts from driving. Not suitable for the nearsighted — the tablet’s distance from your eyes basically forces you to wear trifocals. Letting off the gas slows the car, but it’s overly sensitive and you need time to get used to it. The buzzer for exceeding the speed limit is very annoying, and the system notices changes in road signs late. In short: driving it is stressful.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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 …
VW ID.3
Skoda Elroq
VS
Choosing between the VW ID.3 and the Skoda Elroq comes down to whether you want a nimble, hatchback-style EV focused on urban driving or a slightly more spacious, crossover-style model prioritizing practicality. This comparison looks at range, interior space, driving feel and overall value to help …
Volvo EX30
Volvo EX60
VS
The Volvo EX30 and EX60 represent two different takes on Volvo’s electric SUV lineup: the EX30 is a compact, city-focused, entry-level EV while the EX60 is a larger, mid-size option that emphasizes space, range and family comfort. This comparison cuts through specs and real-world strengths so you …
VW ID.3
VW ID.4
VS
Choosing between the VW ID.3 and the VW ID.4 means deciding between a compact hatchback-style electric built for city driving and a roomier compact SUV that prioritizes cargo space and versatility. I’ll compare range, practicality, driving feel and running costs so you can see which one suits your …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.3
VS
Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Volkswagen ID.3 gives a clear picture of two distinct approaches to compact electric hatchbacks: the Dolphin emphasizes value, efficiency and clever packaging, while the ID.3 leans on refinement, driving dynamics and European build quality. If you prioritise range, …
VW ID.3
VW Polo
VS
Comparing the ID.3 and the Polo pits Volkswagen's all-electric compact against its conventional small hatchback, highlighting a choice between emissions-free efficiency and traditional practicality. The ID.3 emphasizes electric range, advanced tech and a spacious cabin, while the Polo offers lower …
Volvo EX30
VW ID.Polo
VS
The Volvo EX30 and Volkswagen ID. Polo show two different philosophies for compact electrics: the EX30 emphasizes sporty performance, advanced safety and premium Scandinavian design, while the ID. Polo focuses on everyday practicality, value and efficient city driving. We'll compare range, …
Volvo EX30
Skoda Elroq
VS
Comparing the compact, tech-forward Volvo EX30 with the practical, value-driven Skoda Elroq highlights two different takes on the modern small SUV: the EX30 leans into agile electric performance and premium safety and tech, while the Elroq prioritizes roomy practicality and everyday versatility. …
VW ID.3
Volvo EX30

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 40,800 £
Price
30,000 - 47,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
410 - 629 km
Electric Range
339 - 475 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,885 - 1,966 kg
Curb weight
1,840 - 1,960 kg
Trunk capacity
383 L
Trunk capacity
318 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,809 mm
Width
1,838 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
422 - 464 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
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
170 - 231 HP
Power HP
150 - 428 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
350 Nm
Torque
343 - 543 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
125 - 170 kW
Power kW
110 - 315 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
VW
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the VW ID.3 have?

The VW ID.3 is offered with Rear-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.