The market for small, stylish electric SUVs is booming, and two of the newest and most interesting contenders are the Smart #1 and the Volvo EX30. Both cars aim to blend premium appeal with compact, city-friendly dimensions, but they go about it in very different ways.
The Smart #1 marks a complete reinvention for the brand, moving from tiny city cars to a funky, practical, and tech-filled family crossover. The Volvo EX30, meanwhile, distils the Swedish brand's signature minimalist design, safety focus, and cool sophistication into its smallest-ever SUV. Both offer rapid all-electric performance, but which one is the smarter choice for your money?
Smart #1 vs Volvo EX30
Practicality
Smart #1 practicality score: 4/5
Volvo EX30 practicality score: 3/5
For a car with such a small footprint, the Smart #1 is impressively spacious. Thanks to its dedicated electric platform, the interior feels open and airy. A key feature is the sliding rear bench seat, which allows you to prioritise either legroom for rear passengers or boot space. With the seats slid forward, you get a useful 411 litres of boot capacity. It’s a clever and genuinely practical small family car.
The Volvo EX30 is a bit more compromised. While front-seat occupants have plenty of room, space in the back is noticeably tighter than in the Smart, making it better suited to children than adults on longer trips. The boot is also smaller, at 318 litres. Volvo’s minimalist approach means there’s no traditional glovebox; instead, items are stored in a central cubby. For outright family-friendliness and flexibility, the Smart has a clear advantage.
Driving Impressions
Smart #1 driving score: 4/5
Volvo EX30 driving score: 4/5
Both cars offer the instant, silent acceleration that makes electric cars so enjoyable to drive. The Smart #1 prioritises comfort, with soft suspension that does a good job of soaking up bumps, making it a relaxing car to drive around town. It’s still quick, with the standard model hitting 62mph in 6.7 seconds, while the hot Brabus version manages it in a supercar-like 3.9 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 is also startlingly fast. Even the entry-level single-motor car is quicker than the standard Smart, and the twin-motor version is one of the fastest-accelerating cars Volvo has ever made. It feels a little more tied-down and composed through corners than the Smart, but its ride is also firmer as a result. Neither is a true driver’s car, but both are easy and satisfying to drive. The choice comes down to whether you prefer the Smart’s comfort or the Volvo’s sharper responses.
Technology and Equipment
Smart #1 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Volvo EX30 technology and equipment score: 3/5
The Smart #1 comes loaded with technology. Every model gets a large 12.8-inch central touchscreen, a separate 9.2-inch digital display for the driver, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic sunroof. The infotainment system is bright and colourful, though its animated fox avatar might not be to everyone’s taste, and some menus can be a bit confusing at first.
Volvo has taken the opposite approach with the EX30, opting for extreme minimalism. There is no driver display at all; everything, including your speed, is shown on the single 12.3-inch portrait-style central screen. This controls almost all of the car’s functions, from adjusting the mirrors to opening the… well, there isn't a glovebox. While it looks clean and uncluttered, having to use a touchscreen for basic functions can be distracting. The Smart’s more conventional, and more generous, setup is easier to live with.
Running Costs
Smart #1 running costs score: 4/5
Volvo EX30 running costs score: 5/5
As electric cars, both the Smart #1 and Volvo EX30 promise low day-to-day running costs, especially if you can charge at home. The Smart #1 comes with a 66kWh battery, giving it an official range of up to 273 miles.
The Volvo EX30, however, offers more choice and a lower point of entry. You can have a smaller, cheaper 51kWh battery with a 214-mile range, or a larger 69kWh battery that boosts range to as much as 296 miles. This flexibility, combined with a lower starting price for the entry-level model, makes the Volvo a more accessible option for buyers on a tighter budget and gives it the edge in this category.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Smart #1 |
Volvo EX30 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
3.0 out of 5 |
0.0 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
52.6% |
24.0% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.2 out of 5 |
3.8 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Smart #1 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2/5
Volvo EX30 Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8/5
The Volvo EX30 is a hugely desirable electric car, thanks to its sharp looks, strong performance, and attractive starting price. It brings premium Scandinavian style to the small SUV class in a compelling way. However, its minimalist interior and compromised practicality mean it isn’t the most versatile choice.
For that reason, and based on our comprehensive CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Smart #1 takes a narrow victory here. Its higher Overall CarGurus rating reflects its strengths as a better all-round package. It’s more practical for a small family, comes with a higher level of standard equipment, and offers a more comfortable driving experience. Our data also shows that buyers are more likely to find a good or great deal on a Smart #1.
If style and brand image are your top priorities, the Volvo EX30 is a fine choice. But for buyers looking for the most complete, practical, and well-equipped small electric SUV, the reinvented Smart #1 is the winner.
Smart #1 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Surprisingly spacious and practical interior |
Infotainment system can be quirky |
| Fun to drive with a comfortable ride |
Some interior materials feel a bit cheap |
| High level of standard equipment |
Brand lacks the premium cachet of Volvo |
Volvo EX30 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish minimalist design inside and out |
Cramped rear seats and small boot |
| Strong performance across the range |
Over-reliance on the central touchscreen |
| Attractive entry-level price |
Ride can be firm on rough roads |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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