2025 Audi Q5 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a rugged SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights. Despite new styling elements, the design felt more like a facelift than a complete redesign. The Q5 was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. The model offered both standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing cargo space and rear-seat headroom for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant featured increased power, sport suspension, matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips. The interior design was detailed, with a mix of silver and black trim contrasting with lighter upholstery colors. Leather seating was standard, and the SQ5 offered a red interior with Alcantara trim. However, the design was somewhat discordant, and the piano-black plastic around the cupholders and shifter was prone to dirt. The SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates during testing, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The SUV excelled in electric performance for short trips but showed degradation after 25 miles of battery-only driving. The XC90 was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with firm ride quality and noticeable cabin noise.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. The base model’s 2.0-liter turbo-four produced 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ5’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5 had slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque, and it matched the base BMW X3 30 xDrive in torque while offering 13 more hp. The SQ5 was less powerful than a BMW X3 M50 xDrive but nearly matched a Mercedes-AMG GLC43. Audi estimated a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds for the SQ5 and 5.8 seconds for the standard Q5. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, with midrange acceleration being punchier. The Q5 and SQ5 had capable handling with air suspension, but the steering was precise yet lifeless. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped even in Core trim, featuring power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control added natural light. Higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. The XC90 provided a commanding driving position with good sightlines, though the climate control struggled in hot conditions. The SUV seated seven or six with optional captain’s chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and tight third-row access. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 65.5 cubic feet, and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. A sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench was standard, with cargo-area buttons for adjustment. The 2025 Q5 gained 1.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 2.8 cubic feet behind the first row, totaling 27.6 cubic feet and 56.9 cubic feet, respectively. This gave the Q5 more cargo space than a Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC but less than an Acura RDX or BMW X3. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof on Premium Plus trims. Prestige models added heated rear seats and ventilated front seats. The Q5 offered up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity, surpassing some rivals.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant was generally effective, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen on Prestige trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The infotainment system was based on Android Automotive OS, with a curved display for easy driver access. A built-in voice assistant handled some vehicle functions, and a head-up display showed speed, navigation, and warnings. The Q5 also featured Dynamic Interaction Light, digital key connectivity, and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90 lagged in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), offering standard features but lacking innovation. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was used extensively but struggled with curves and lane markings. A significant error during testing shook confidence in the system.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation’s five-star rating.