Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Volvo EX90
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 SQ5 Sportback starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX90 opens at $124,990. That makes the Audi SQ5 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $15,090.
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 $120,890 and $137,489 respectively.
The Volvo EX90 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi SQ5 Sportback, 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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX90 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Volvo EX90. The Volvo EX90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting. 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 EX90 offers nordico/microtech. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 4-zone in the Volvo EX90.
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 EX90 responds with a Electric making 300kW and 770Nm, paired to a single-speed driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Volvo EX90 has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 270kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 1.4s 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, 320mm shorter than the Volvo EX90 at 5,037mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 365L in the Volvo EX90, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 105L advantage. The Volvo EX90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo EX90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m diameter
Large
Based on 12.4m 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 (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ5 Sportback if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi SQ5 Sportback takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Audi SQ5 Sportback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi SQ5 Sportback and Volvo EX90?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX90 by $15,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volvo EX90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the largest boot at 470L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX90 makes the most power at 300kW. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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