Get Storage, stowing and towing Guide for Volvo EX30 4 Door First Generation (2025-2026)

12. Storage, stowing and towing

Your car is designed to transport people as well as luggage and other cargo. Learn about the car’s stowing

and towing capabilities.

The storage space under the bonnet can be used to store items, such as a puncture repair kit.

Your car's passenger compartment and boot have several areas for stowing items of different shapes and sizes safely. The boot

can be expanded to create more space for larger cargo.

You can also use the roof for transporting heavy cargo and, with a towbar, you can attach a trailer.

Warning

It is important to properly store objects, even small items. Objects that are not stowed securely can be dangerous in the

event of sudden braking or a collision.

Adding cargo to the car changes the car's weight and driving control properties. Always refer to the car's permitted

weight regulations and guidelines.

Before towing a trailer, ensure that all connectors and safety attachments are secured. Also, be sure to follow local regula-

tions regarding towing.

Important

Carrying loads on the roof may interfere with car sensors.

12.1. Passenger compartment storage

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Find where the storage locations are in the passenger compartment.

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Door panel storage compartments.

Pockets on the front seat backs.

Tunnel console between the two front seats.

Space under the display.

Glove box.

The tunnel console has several small utility and storage spaces. This includes a retractable cup holder tray.

Note

Using the cup holder

To access the cup holder, push the lower front section of the centre armrest and let go. The cup holder will slide out fully.

The cup holder tray needs to be handled carefully to avoid damaging it. You need to slide it back one cup hole at a time.

Do not try to force the tray back in one motion.

12.1.1. Glove box

Store items that you don't immediately need in the glove box.

In the event of sudden braking or a collision, loose items can be hazardous. The glove box is useful for storing small items

safely and securely.

The glove box is located in the middle of the dashboard.

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Opening the glove box

You can open the glove box via the display. Just press the car symbol in the bottom bar

and go to Settings → Controls →

More.

Tip

You can also open the glove box via the Quick controls view.

Locking the glove box

You can lock the glove box with a PIN via the display.

Note

If you forget the PIN to unlock the glove box, it can be reset.

12.1.1.1. Locking the glove box

You may want to temporarily lock the glove box for when you are away from your car.

You can lock and unlock the glove box with a PIN code via the display. The PIN will be deactivated after you unlock the glove

box. Make sure you create a new PIN whenever you want to lock the glove box again.

Press the car symbol

in the bottom bar and go to Settings.

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Go to Controls → Locking → Glove box lock.

Press Lock.

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Type in your four-digit PIN.

Type the same four-digit PIN again to confirm it.

To unlock the glove box, press the car symbol in the bottom bar

, go to Settings → Controls → More and type in your PIN.

Tip

You can also unlock the glove box via the Quick controls view.

Forgotten PIN

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If you forget the PIN to unlock the glove box, you can reset it via the mobile app for your car or via the display with your NFC

cards.

Note

Resetting via the mobile app

You can reset your PIN via the mobile app for the car to unlock the glove box. Follow the instructions shown in the app.

Resetting using your NFC cards

You can reset your PIN using your two NFC cards. In the display, press Forgot PIN? on the PIN number pad and follow

the instructions.

You must have both of your NFC cards with you for the authentication process when resetting the PIN.

12.2. Boot space and storage

The boot can be configured to accommodate cargo of different shapes and sizes.

You can adapt the boot in different ways and expand it to create a larger cargo space. This can be useful for storing larger items.

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Parcel shelf.

Foldable rear seats.

Cargo hold.

Folding down the rear seats is ideal for loading large objects. Install a safety net when doing so to prevent objects moving into

the front passenger compartment.

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Tip

Adjust boot opening height

You can adjust how much the boot hatch opens. This can be useful when you're parked in places with a low ceiling, such

as a garage, and you want to reduce the boot opening height. You can also raise the boot opening height to create more

room for accessing the boot.

Stowing cargo securely

You can also find options for stowing cargo securely, such as load-retaining eyelets and bag hooks. These features are useful for

ensuring cargo doesn't move around the boot while you are driving.

12.2.1. Parcel shelf

Use the parcel shelf to hide items in the boot from view.

The parcel shelf is attached by two hinges at the back, near the rear seats, and two cords in the front. The cords hook onto at-

tachment points on the boot hatch.

Remove the parcel shelf to create more space or more easily access the rear interior of the car.

Important

Do not place anything on the parcel shelf. In the case of sudden braking or a collision, loose objects can move

abruptly and cause injury.

Keep in mind that large objects stored in the car can reduce your driving visibility.

Do not leave the parcel shelf in the car when it is not properly secured.

When folding the rear seats down, first remove the parcel shelf.

When placing tall objects in the boot, it's best to remove the parcel shelf. This is because the shelf is attached to the

boot hatch and lies flat when the hatch is closed. If a tall object gets in the way of the parcel shelf, it can damage the

shelf.

Warning

Child restraints

Take care to keep the parcel shelf and objects in the boot clear from the top tether straps of a child restraint. Contact with

the straps can cause damage. Never use the child restraint if the top tethers are damaged in any way. When using a child

restraint on the rear seats, remove the parcel shelf or detach it and keep it secure in the cargo area. Furthermore, secure all

objects in the boot.

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12.2.1.1. Removing the parcel shelf

The parcel shelf can be removed to give you more space in the boot.

There are two attachment points on the parcel shelf itself and two on the boot hatch. When the parcel shelf is attached, cords

run between attachment points on the parcel shelf and the boot hatch.

The cords have loops at each end that you hook onto the boot hatch attachment points.

Detach each cord from the boot hatch attachment points.

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The shelf is loose but lies flat in the same position.

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Lift the shelf from the hinges at the back, near the rear seats.

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Carefully move the parcel shelf towards you until it is completely removed from the boot.

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Store the removed parcel shelf somewhere it won't get damaged or be in the way for other people.

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Note

Keep in mind that large objects stored in the boot can reduce your driving visibility.

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12.2.2. Removing the cargo hatch

You can make the boot space bigger and access the cargo hold more easily by removing the cargo hatch.

Removing the cargo hatch allows you to enlarge the boot space.

Clear all items from the boot and extend the boot hatch to its full height. This ensures that nothing will get in the way when you

remove the cargo hatch.

Grasp the hatch handle. It is located in the middle of the cargo hatch, near the outer edge.

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Pull the hatch up.

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The hatch is open and resting on its hinges.

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Reach into the cargo hold and push the cargo hatch upwards near the hinges.

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Illustrative guide for removing the cargo hatch.

The cargo hatch lifts out from the hinges.

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When the cargo hatch is free from the hinges and fully loose, pull it out from the boot.

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Place the cargo hatch where it can't get damaged or fall.

12.2.3. Stowing cargo in the boot

The boot has a number of options for stowing items. This can be useful for ensuring cargo doesn't move

around the boot while you are driving.

The boot has several features to help stow items. These include:

Load-retaining eyelets in the lower four corners of the boot for securely fastening objects with straps.

Bag hooks for preventing shopping bags from falling over. They are located on the side panels.

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Cargo hold under the boot floor for stowing fragile items.

Load-retaining eyelets are located in the four corners of the boot. You can use the load-retaining eyelets to attach straps and se-

cure cargo in the boot.

Tip

In your boot, you can find a 12 V socket on the right-hand side. It can be useful for powering various electrical devices,

such as a cooler box.

12.2.3.1. Accessing the cargo hold

You can access a storage area under the floor of the boot.

The cargo hatch can be lifted to store and protect fragile items in the cargo hold.

Make sure you can open the cargo hatch by removing any obstructions.

Grasp the hatch handle. It is located in the middle of the cargo hatch, near the outer edge.

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Pull the hatch up.

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12.3. Storage under the bonnet

In addition to the boot, there is a storage space under thebonnet.

Examples of items that can be stored in the front cargo area include the car's warning triangle, tool kit,towing eye and puncture

repair kit.

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12.4. Towing a trailer

If you have a towbar installed, you can tow a trailer with your car. Be sure to familiarise yourself with towing

features and any relevant safety issues.

Important

If you have a retractable towbar installed, it must always be retracted when not in use.

Note

Make sure that the towbar is properly installed.

When the towbar is installed but not locked, the associated symbol appears in the display.

Before towing a trailer, consider how this will affect your journey. Make a thorough assessment based on your car's capabilities.

Only use trailers in good working condition that comply with local regulations.

Make sure you have read the separate section of the manual covering loading recommendations.

Warning

The towbar might become damaged or malfunction if it is not used correctly, or if incompatible or faulty accessories are

used.

Note

Altered performance

Keep in mind that the car performs differently with added weight at the rear. This affects both handling and power usage.

Expect a notable reduction in range when towing a trailer.

Maximum permitted trailer weights

The stated maximum permitted trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle regulations can further limit

permitted trailer weights and speeds. Your towbar may be certified for a higher towing weight than the car can actually

tow.

Towing preparations

Increase the tyre pressure to the recommended pressure for a full load. This applies regardless of the trailer weight.

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Attach the trailer to the towbar.

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When the trailer is fully connected, your car automatically adjusts some of its features to fit your current needs.

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Run a test of the trailer lights through the display after connecting the trailer to your car.

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Driving with a trailer

Read the recommendations for driving with a trailer thoroughly before you start driving.

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Important

While driving

Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep ascents.

Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 12%.

The additional load increases the risk of overheating, which will be indicated in the driver information area of the

display. Follow any instructions shown.

Avoid parking on an incline if possible. The extra weight of the trailer can affect the parking brake's ability to

securely hold the car. If you cannot avoid parking on an incline, be sure to block the wheels^[1]as a precaution.

Snaking

Snaking is a phenomenon that can occur when towing a trailer. It causes the car and trailer to resonate in a side-to-

side motion, which can escalate quickly and cause loss of control. Snaking primarily occurs at high speeds, espe-

cially if the trailer load is too heavy or improperly distributed. The car continually monitors its movement and can in-

tervene to help the driver regain control if it detects snaking.

Factors that introduce sideways motion can trigger snaking. For example:

Sudden gusts and powerful side winds.

Uneven road surfaces.

Sweeping steering wheel movements from side to side.

Trailer stability assistance

The stability control system^[2]intervenes if it detects snaking when towing a trailer. The system precisely times indi-

vidual braking actions for the front wheels to mitigate the snaking phenomenon. This is often enough to help the

driver stabilise the car and trailer. When the system intervenes to suppress snaking, the electronic stability control

symbol flashes in the driver information area.

Electronic stability control symbol

Interventions and warnings when reversing

The car can automatically brake to prevent a collision when reversing if it detects an obstacle or crossing traffic be-

hind the car. Interventions and warnings when reversing are disabled when towing a trailer.

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Note

If you've had the towbar installed after purchasing your car, a system update may be needed for the towing features

to work. Contact an authorised Volvo workshop to update the software.

[1]

[2]

If you do not have wheel chocks, you can use large stones or wooden blocks instead.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

12.4.1. Checking trailer lights

When connecting a trailer, it's always wise to make sure that the trailer lights are fully functional. You can run

a check of them through the display.

Connect a trailer to the towbar.

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Press the car symbol

in the bottom bar and go to Settings.

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Go to Controls → Lights and displays → Exterior lights → Trailer light check.

Press Start.

If there is a fault, the trailer lights fault symbol will be shown in the display.

The trailer light check only works if you connect your trailer to a correctly installed towbar.

12.5. Recommendations for loading

Proper loading is important for safety and your car's performance on the road.

Loading in general

Load weight and placement affect the car's centre of gravity, handling and performance.

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Warning

Unsecured loads

A loose object weighing 20 kg (44 lbs) can, in a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h (30 mph), carry the impact of an

object weighing 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs). Always follow the loading recommendations to reduce the risk of material damage

or personal injury.

Place heavy cargo as low as possible.

Always secure cargo to the load-retaining eyelets with straps or web lashings. Otherwise, it may shift during heavy braking

or sharp turns. This is particularly important if the rear seats are folded down.

Do not stow cargo where it may obstruct airbag deployment. If stacked cargo reaches above the upper edge of the

windows, be sure to have at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clear space between the window and the cargo. Otherwise, the

intended protection of the inflatable curtain, which is concealed behind the panels above the windows, may be

compromised.

Always comply with the car's specifications regarding weight and maximum permitted load.

When loading the boot, position the cargo firmly against the rear seats' backrests.

Avoid placing cargo against the back of the front seats. It may compromise the effectiveness of the front seat whiplash

protection.

Cover any sharp edges, corners and protrusions.

Make sure that all cargo is secure for the duration of travel. You need to regularly check and re-tighten the straps as cargo

can move during transit.

Remove cargo you no longer need to have in the car. Reducing the car's overall weight improves both performance and

range.

Tip

Expand the stowing capabilities

For bulky cargo, expand the cargo area by removing the parcel shelf and folding the seats. You can also make space for

long and narrow objects by folding the rear seats down.

Roof loading

Important

Use a load holder recommended by Volvo when carrying loads on the car's roof. This reduces the risk of damage to the

car and helps ensure safety while travelling. Carefully follow the mounting instructions supplied with the load holders.

Exterior loads affect the car's aerodynamics, handling and sensitivity to crosswinds. Increased drag affects energy consump-

tion and range.

Place heavy cargo as low as possible.

Distribute the load evenly across the load holders.

For long loads that extend over the bonnet, fit the towing eye at the front of the car and use it to secure the load.

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Drive gently. Avoid heavy acceleration or braking, and sharp cornering.

Remove the load holders when you are not using them. It improves both performance and range.

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instances. For more information, refer to the first page for the complete disclaimer note.

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Storage, stowing and towing for Your Volvo EX30 4 Door First Generation (2025-2026)

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