Tough new version of standout electric car confirmed: 2025 Volvo EX30 Cross Country to debut in UK this year as off-road rival to the Zeekr X and Kia EV3

A rough and tumble version of Volvo’s pocket-sized EX30 electric SUV has been confirmed.

Dubbed the EX30 Cross Country, the small off-roader is expected to go on sale in fellow right-hand drive market, the UK, in the middle of the year, according to UK publication Auto Express.

This follows UK’s Volvo boss telling The Sun tabloid late in 2024 the EX30 Cross Country would arrive in 2025 and have “a different look and feel to it. Cool car."

The EX30 Cross Country is expected to be based on the dual-motor EX30, which provides all-wheel drive and delivers 315kW and 543Nm. A 69kWh battery delivers a claimed driving range of up to 445km.

It isn’t just a sticker pack, either, with a range of upgrades to its design to boost off-road ability.

This includes tougher black cladding around the wheel arches and bumper along with skid plates to protect underneath.

Buyers can also expect Cross Country badging to feature prominently.

Lifted suspension is also expected to help it handle the rough stuff. The EX30 Cross Country is unlikely to be a full blown off-roader but can handle a bit of sketchy track to camp sites and isolated beaches.

Expect the standard EX30 twin-motor’s 3.6 second 0-100km/h sprint time and sharp on-road handling to be dulled a little by the changes.

Butched-up electric cars are the new flavour. 

Hyundai has confirmed its Inster Cross is headed our way this year.

Based on the pint-sized coming Inster electric SUV, the Cross version has unique bumpers, skid plates, 17-inch alloy wheels, enhanced side rocker panels and roof racks.

Hardcore 4WD is beyond the ability of electric technology at the moment, with many car brands predicting plug-in hybrid technology will fill the void before EV versions of some of our favourite 4WDs become available.