Audi Q7 Vs. Volvo XC90: Which Luxury SUV Reigns Supreme?
Compared luxury appointments, responsive performance, and revolutionary safety through our Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 guide. These two three-row SUVs boast elevated comfort features and state-of-the-art infotainment technology that turn every mile of your upcoming vacation into a memorable dream. But, if you need to pick one, there's a reason many families choose the Volvo XC90, available here at Volvo Cars Midlothian. From its incredible MPG ratings – up to 26 MPG (Combined) in the standard trim1 – to the Scandinavian-inspired interior with genuine wood accents, the Volvo XC90 provides both incredible value and one-of-a-kind style.
2025 Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 at a Glance
- The Audi Q7 has a slight edge in power, but the Volvo XC90 promises a consistent towing capacity of 5,000 pounds2 and much better MPG ratings.
- If you need cargo capacity, the Volvo XC90 provides over 85 cubic feet of space, whereas the Audi Q7 has a maximum of 68.1 cubic feet available.
- Third-row passengers love the Volvo XC90, which has 31.9 inches of legroom, compared to the 29.2 inches in the rear row of the Audi Q7.
- Both models offer luxury appointments, but the Volvo XC90 has exclusive features such as a genuine crystal gear knob.
- Safety is well-lauded for both SUVs, but the Volvo XC90 has a slight edge in standard front crash prevention, according to the IIHS.3,4
Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90 Specs and Performance
Where the Audi Q7 just prioritizes speed, the new Volvo XC90 powertrain is about efficiency, muscle, and value. The Audi SUV is available with 261- and 335-horsepower engines, both slightly more powerful than the Volvo selection. However, the Volvo B5 and B6 powertrains elevate your ride with 26 and 23 MPG (Combined), respectively,1 and still have strong horsepower ratings. The best the Audi Q7 can output is 22 MPG (Combined), which is achieved with its lowest-power engine option.5
And if strength and value are a priority for you, then check out the 2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid. The T8 engine found on this electrified family option boasts 455 horsepower, a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just five seconds, and impressive MPG ratings.
Volvo XC90 Ultra B5
| Engine: | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 247 |
| Acceleration: | 7.3 sec |
| Seating Capacity: | 7 |
| Towing Capacity: | 5,000 lbs2 |
| Max. Cargo Capacity: | 85.7 cu ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb): | 23 / 30 / 261 |
| Drivetrain: | AWD |
| Overall Length: | 195 in |
| Width (with mirrors): | 84.3 in |
| Height: | 69.9 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear): | 38.9 / 38.5 / 36.3 in6 |
| Legroom (Front / Rear): | 40.9 / 37 / 31.9 in6 |
Audi Q7 Prestige 45
| Engine: | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 261 |
| Acceleration: | 6.7 sec |
| Seating Capacity: | 7 |
| Towing Capacity: | 4,400 lbs2 |
| Max. Cargo Capacity: | 68.1 cu ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb): | 20 / 26 / 225 |
| Drivetrain: | AWD |
| Overall Length: | 199.6 in |
| Width (with mirrors): | 87.1 in |
| Height: | 68.4 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear): | 39.9 / 38.8 / 35.9 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear): | 41.7 / 38.8 / 29.2 in |
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Dimensions
As the above chart indicates, the Volvo XC90 consistently excels in interior comfort in spite of its smaller length. Like the Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 comparison shows, the Volvo SUV boasts stellar cargo space for its size – at 85.7 cubic feet of storage space with the rows folded, the Volvo XC90 has 17.6 more cubic feet of maximum cargo space than its Audi competitor.
The Audi SUV is the larger model, measuring 199.6 inches in length, yet it struggles to provide comfortable third-row legroom for teenagers and adults. The Volvo XC90 has 36.3 inches of headroom and 31.9 inches of legroom,6 much better for your growing family.
Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90 Interior and Technology
What else is in that spacious cabin? The Audi Q7 has the Audi virtual cockpit plus, an available LED interior lighting package, and a massage function on the top-tier Prestige trim. Premium materials, like leather upholstery, make their mark on this cabin, creating a luxurious (and predictable) interior.
The Volvo XC90, however, boasts a memorable and value-driven cabin. Sit behind the wheel and put your hand on the newly standard crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®. Your dashboard is furnished with genuine wood decor, with integrated guiding lights leading you right to your orthopedically-designed seats. Front-seat massage functions are only an example of the features that appear on the top-tier Volvo XC90 Ultra trim at a much more affordable price point than the Audi Q7 Prestige.
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a close competition between these two three-row SUVs. However, just as we observed with comfort and interior design, the Volvo XC90 stays one step ahead in terms of value and effectiveness. The Intelligent Driver Information System, for example, analyzes your driving and only interrupts you during dangerous circumstances. The standard Blind Spot Information System helps you navigate congested highways or city streets. The Audi model is less advanced in its blind-spot prevention technology, offering only detection with its trademark pre sense® rear systems.
The similarities of these safety systems earned a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS for both vehicles.3,4 However, it should be noted that even with those awards, the Volvo SUV scored higher marks for front crash prevention than the Audi Q7.3,4
Shop the Winner of the Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Comparison at Volvo Cars Midlothian
The Audi Q7 is a notable vehicle in the three-row SUV segment for its quality materials and high-horsepower engines. However, the Volvo XC90 is the clear choice for the family who wants an unforgettable interior with vacation-ready dimensions and incredible MPG ratings.
Our Volvo XC90 lease specials let you take the next steps toward the Core, Plus, and Ultra trims – at an affordable price range for your budget. Let our financing department guide you through our deals. We'll get you back to your garage with the elevated features you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the better SUV: Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90?
While anyone can prefer one over the other, we believe the qualities, unique decor, and careful build of the Volvo XC90 make it the generally better SUV. Where the Audi Q7 prioritizes speed, the Volvo XC90 offers better standard towing capacity and more competitive MPG ratings. The higher overall safety ratings from the IIHS3,4 demonstrate how the Volvo XC90 takes the extra step for standard security.
Which is more reliable: Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90?
The Audi Q7 has much lower reliability ratings than the Volvo XC90, according to J.D. Power. The Audi SUV has an overall score of 68/100 in "Quality & Reliability,"7 compared to 73/100 for the Volvo option.8 This score generally means you'll have to take it to your dealer for maintenance less often when compared to the Audi equivalent.
Which is more expensive to maintain: Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90?
According to RepairPal, drivers report that the Volvo XC90 costs significantly less to maintain annually than the Audi Q7. Reports state that the average yearly repair costs of the three-row Volvo SUV are $851,9 while the Audi Q7 suffers from a higher-than-average cost of $1,18510 – over $300 more. You can expect your Volvo SUV to perform consistently well, especially compared to the Audi SUV.
Which has better gas mileage: Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90?
The Volvo XC90 has better MPG ratings than the Audi Q7. The best EPA-estimated MPG ratings of the Audi SUV reach 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).5 That score is similar to that of the upgraded Volvo engine, the B6 powertrain, which has 34 more horsepower and an EPA-estimated 20/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 – lower than the standard B5 powertrain.
Compare Our Other Volvo Models Side-by-Side
1EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD) and 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (B6 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
2When properly equipped.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2025
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Audi/q7-4-door-suv/2025
520 city/26 highway/22 combined city/hwy MPG (2025 Audi Q7 Prestige 45 TFSI). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/volvo/xc90/specs
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/audi/q7
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/volvo/xc90
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://repairpal.com/audi/q7
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/audi/q7
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