Volvo EX30 vs smart #1
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Track the Volvo EX30 & smart #1
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Price Breakdown
The Volvo EX30 starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $49,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $54,989 and $54,890 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volvo EX30 and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Volvo EX30 and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the smart #1, against 5 on the Volvo EX30.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Volvo EX30 and 7 in the smart #1.
Recalls on our record
Volvo EX30
- REC-006633 · published 26 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, some of the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006551 · published 26 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006524 · published 9 Jan 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 1 more on the model page.
smart #1
- REC-006233 · published 17 Jan 2025The rear double seat belt buckles may have been incorrectly anchored.Year range on the notice: 2024
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
49kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 153kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo EX30 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo EX30 stands out with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with Beats audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo EX30 gets nordico/microtech fabric upholstery while the smart #1 offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Volvo EX30 and 2-zone in the smart #1.
Drivetrain
The Volvo EX30 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo EX30 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 69kWh (Volvo EX30) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 462km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 153kW (Volvo EX30) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo EX30 measures 4,233mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 37mm shorter than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 318L in the Volvo EX30 and 323L in the smart #1, giving the smart #1 a 5L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 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.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX30) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo EX30 if: You or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volvo EX30: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 70, but the smart #1 is $90 cheaper
The Volvo EX30 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 70), taking 5 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (smart #1 ahead by 8), energy efficiency (Volvo EX30 ahead by 5), performance (Volvo EX30 ahead by 5). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volvo EX30 and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $49,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX30 by $90.
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 on crash rating: Volvo EX30 and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #1 has the largest boot at 323L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX30 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
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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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