smart #1 vs Volvo EX30
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The smart #1 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX30 opens at $59,990. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $5,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,390 and $65,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the smart #1 and Volvo EX30 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the smart #1 and 88% for the Volvo EX30.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Volvo EX30.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #1 and 6 in the Volvo EX30. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Volvo EX30 misses.
Feature Showdown
The smart #1 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the smart #1 gets leatherette upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric. Climate control is 2-zone in the smart #1 and 1-zone in the Volvo EX30.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX30 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #1) vs 69kWh (Volvo EX30), giving WLTP ranges of 420km and 462km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #1) vs 153kW (Volvo EX30).
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 37mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 203L in the smart #1 and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Volvo EX30 a 115L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo EX30 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX30). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX30 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX30 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX30 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #1 and Volvo EX30?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX30 by $5,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo EX30 has the most range at 462km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo EX30 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 153kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #1 and Volvo EX30 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX30 has the largest boot at 318L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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