Core, Plus, Ultra, or Black Edition? The 2026 EX40 Trim Guide for Ontario Buyers

The 2026 Volvo EX40 is a fully electric compact SUV that covers a lot of ground — both literally and in terms of what each trim level brings to the table. Four distinct configurations are available: Core, Plus, Ultra, and Black Edition Ultra. Each one builds on the last in a deliberate way, adding features that change how the car feels to live with day to day. Knowing what each trim includes helps you make a confident decision rather than guessing what you might be missing.

This guide takes you through every trim level from the ground up. You'll find out exactly what comes standard, what gets added at each step, and which configuration is likely to match your priorities — whether that's a clean entry into electric driving or a fully loaded, blackout-themed SUV.

The 2026 EX40 Core: A Strong Start

The EX40 Core is the entry point to the lineup, and it arrives with more than the basics. Standard safety equipment includes whiplash injury protection, inflatable curtains, side impact protection, ISOFIX rear mounting points, a knee airbag, and automatic door locking. The 9-inch centre display and 12.3-inch driver display come fitted as standard, along with adaptive cruise control, Road Sign Information, Lane Keeping Aid, BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and Rear Collision Warning.

On the tech side, wireless phone charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and the Volvo Cars app are all included. The High Performance audio system handles sound duties. Climate equipment includes a two-zone system, electric cabin heater and cooler, heat pump (optional), humidity sensor, and afterrun parking climate.

• Wireless phone charging standard
• 12.3-inch driver display + 9-inch centre display
• BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert included
• Adaptive cruise control standard

Powertrain for all EX40 trims: the Twin Motor powertrain delivers 402 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque through AWD. The EX40 reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. Electric range (EPA) is 418 km for the Twin Motor.

The 2026 EX40 Plus: Where the Experience Opens Up

The Plus trim adds a meaningful set of upgrades that noticeably change the look and feel of the EX40. Most visibly, a panoramic roof becomes standard. Fog lamps, park assist for front, rear, and sides (replacing the rear/front-only system on Core), 360° camera, high-gloss black roof option, and glossy black roof rails also come at this level.

Inside, the interior illumination steps up to high level, a power passenger seat replaces the manually adjustable Core seat, and the Tailored sport steering wheel in Charcoal becomes standard. The Crystal gear shift is not yet included at Plus — that arrives at Ultra. Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play Store are confirmed standard across all four trims. Harman Kardon Premium Sound is available as an option at Plus.

• Panoramic roof standard
• 360° camera included
• Interior illumination at high level
• Power passenger seat standard

The air purifier and remote cabin pre-cleaning become standard at Plus, stepping up from the air quality system included at Core. Heated rear seats move from optional to standard at Ultra — at Plus they remain optional.

The 2026 EX40 Ultra: The Full Equipment List

The Ultra trim represents the fully equipped EX40 without the Black Edition aesthetic. Pilot Assist becomes standard — it is optional on Plus and unavailable on Core. The Pixel Technology Headlights are now standard (optional on Plus). Headlight cleaning is included. The air-ventilated subwoofer steps up from optional to standard. Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windscreen washer nozzles all become standard equipment.

The interior gains the Crystal gear shift by Orrefors, replacing the sculpted unit found in Core and Plus. Connect Suede textile/Microtech upholstery is standard on Ultra. Power child safety lock is included. The 20-inch 5-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels become standard, up from the 19-inch wheels on Core and Plus.

The 2026 EX40 Black Edition Ultra: The Dark Aesthetic

The Black Edition Ultra takes the Ultra's full feature set and applies a dedicated visual treatment. The exterior shows 20-inch 5-spoke Black Edition wheels front and rear, colour-coordinated door mirror covers (replacing the high-gloss black covers on other trims), and a coordinated roof top. The body-coloured grille found on Core, Plus, and Ultra is removed — the Black Edition has its own distinct front-end appearance.

Inside, the Connect Suede textile/Microtech upholstery in Charcoal is standard, and the Crystal gear shift by Orrefors carries over from Ultra. All the safety, technology, and climate features of the Ultra trim remain intact. The Black Edition Ultra is available exclusively with the Twin Motor powertrain.

• 20-inch Black Edition wheels front and rear
• Colour-coordinated mirror covers
• Connect Suede textile/Microtech in Charcoal standard
• All Ultra safety and tech features included

Which EX40 Trim Is Right for You?

The Core suits drivers who want a fully capable electric SUV with solid safety and tech from the start. The Plus makes sense for anyone who wants a panoramic roof, 360° camera, and higher interior ambiance without moving all the way to the top of the range. The Ultra is the choice for buyers who want the complete standard-equipment package — Pilot Assist, Pixel Technology Headlights, Harman Kardon, and Crystal gear shift all included. The Black Edition Ultra is for those who want the same full spec in a purpose-built dark aesthetic.

All four trims share the same 402 hp Twin Motor powertrain, 418 km of electric range, and the same core safety architecture. The differences are in comfort, convenience, and appearance — not in the fundamental driving experience.

Find Your EX40 at Volvo Cars Villa in Thornhill

The full 2026 EX40 lineup is available at Volvo Cars Villa. Visit the team in Thornhill to walk through each trim in person, compare features side by side, and get behind the wheel of whichever configuration interests you most. The team can walk you through exactly what each trim includes and help you figure out where the right stopping point is for your needs.