For the 2023 model year, every new Volvo has a powertrain with hybrid technology or one that runs on electricity alone. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is entirely electric, with a dual-motor setup and plenty of standard safety equipment. The latest XC40 Recharge also features vinyl seats made from vegan-friendly materials and some exclusive tech features on the Ultimate trim.

If you’re not looking for the most expensive model, the base Volvo XC40 Recharge still has many great features. However, is Apple CarPlay included?

A closer look at 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge

According to Volvo, every XC40 Recharge trim has 402 hp and standard AWD. This setup also includes a single-speed transmission and smooth regenerative braking. The automaker says that this model can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. 

Each trim also has a 78-kWh battery that offers 223 miles of range. It’s slightly below average compared to some rivals, but this SUV makes up for that with fast charging times. 

Hooked up to a DC fast-charger, you can restore 70% of the battery in under 40 minutes. With a Level 2 charger, the battery can be fully charged in 7 hours.

Like its gas-operated counterpart, the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge can seat up to five riders. Cabin seats come with standard heating and memory settings, plus manual adjustability for the second row. You also have over 57 cubic feet of cargo space, with nearly 22 cubes behind the rear seats.

 If you upgrade to the Plus trim, passengers will get power-adjustable seats. This model also includes a panoramic moonroof, fog lights, and a surround-view parking camera. 

The top-tier Ultimate trim adds a heat pump, which allows the XC40 Recharge to operate more efficiently in colder temperatures. Volvo also says that this heat pump cools the powertrain after periods of extended use.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate has Nappa leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and built-in headlamp cleaners. This trim has a starting price of $60,595. The Plus trim retails for $57,345, and the base Core starts at $54,645.

Does the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge have Apple CarPlay?

Unlike the previous model year, this XC40 Recharge supports Apple CarPlay. This SUV also has built-in Google so that Android Auto users won’t be left out either.

These functions let you project your smartphone to your car’s infotainment screen and access many convenient third-party apps. To use Apple CarPlay, plug your phone in with a USB port and establish a connection.

Until recently, Volvo didn’t offer Apple CarPlay on many of its models. If you have an older car, you might still be able to get smartphone integration via an OTA update. Volvo says Apple CarPlay can be installed on any existing Volvo with built-in Google.

This update is just in time for Apple CarPlay’s latest update, tentatively scheduled for next year. Drivers will soon be able to control climate settings, check the weather, and change seat setting directly from CarPlay.

Even more technology features on the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge

The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Core comes with Bluetooth, an HD audio system, and satellite radio. Volvo Cars app functionality is also included, which allows you to unlock your car or use the climate system remotely. Every XC40 Recharge also includes a 9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digitized gauge cluster.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus has the same tech features, but the Ultimate carries a premium Harmon Kardon stereo system. Its standard air-ventilated subwoofer is a thin and powerful bass booster that doesn’t take up any additional room in the cargo area.

Standard driver’s aids include traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is a good value at its price point, and standard Apple CarPlay significantly sweetens the deal.