Audi Q2 vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Audi Q2 a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q2 features a 8.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q2 stands out with Apple CarPlay, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q2 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo XC90 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q2 measures 4,208mm long on a 2,601mm wheelbase, 745mm shorter than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 405L in the Audi Q2 and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Audi Q2 a 104L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q2's turning circle is 1.5 m tighter, 10.5 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $1,568 a year (5.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $741 a year less for the Audi Q2.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q2) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q2), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q2: the lower starting price ($49,400 against $97,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (405L against 301L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,568 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: more power (183kW against 110kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q2 scores higher, 71 vs 67

The Audi Q2 scores 71 to the Volvo XC90's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q2 ahead by 23 points), value (Audi Q2 ahead by 23 points), practicality (Volvo XC90 ahead by 15 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $741 less (5.5 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 405L in the Audi Q2, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions