Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Volvo EX30

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025) and the Volvo EX30 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 88% for the Volvo EX30, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi SQ5 Sportback, against 5 on the Volvo EX30.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 6 in the Volvo EX30.

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.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 1-zone in the Volvo EX30.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 200kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 484mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 197L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. 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 Volvo EX30's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 11.0 m against 11.8 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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and electricity for the Volvo EX30 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX30).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 200kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 318L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,600kg).

The Volvo EX30: the lower starting price ($49,990 against $109,900).

The Verdict

Volvo EX30 scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Volvo EX30 scores 76 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Volvo EX30 ahead by 25 points), performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 21 points). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 318L in the Volvo EX30.

Common questions