Audi Q5 vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

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 Q5 features a 10.1-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 Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with 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 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 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 150kW. 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 Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 236mm 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 520L in the Audi Q5 and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Audi Q5 a 219L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 400kg 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 Q5's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 11.8 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 Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 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 $684 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $97,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 301L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: more power (183kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 67

The Audi Q5 scores 76 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: safety (Audi Q5 ahead by 23 points), fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 22 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 11 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $684 less (5.7 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions