Audi Q5 vs Volvo EX40
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q5 starts from $80,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $76,990. That makes the Volvo EX40 the more affordable entry point by $3,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $88,990 and $84,689 respectively.
The Volvo EX40 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Volvo EX40.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 277mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 16L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Audi Q5)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q5 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX40 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q5 and Volvo EX40?
The Volvo EX40 is the cheapest at $76,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q5 by $3,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX40 makes the most power at 185kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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