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2024 Audi Q7 vs Volvo XC90: What To Buy?
The Audi Q7, Audi’s family SUV, inherits the desirable features of the A6 sedan, delivering a sporty driving experience with options like adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering. The Q7 offers a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a 335-hp turbocharged V6, with standard AWD. The 2024 model receives cosmetic updates, customizable lighting, a new grille, and enhanced infotainment and safety features. In comparison, the second-generation Volvo XC90, now in its ninth year, maintains its stylish appearance and modern interior design. Despite a slightly snug third row, the XC90 boasts comfortable seats and spacious interiors. It offers three powertrains, ranging from 247 to 455 hp, including a plug-in hybrid with a 36-mile electric range. While facing competition from other luxury SUVs, the XC90’s strengths make it a worthy contender in the mid-size luxury SUV category.
| Audi Q7 | Volvo XC90 | |
| Dimensions | 199.6 in x 77.5 in x 68.8 in | 195.0 in x 75.7 in x 69.9 in |
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged V6 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 + AC motor |
| Horsepower | 340 hp | 455 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 523 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.6 sec | 4.5 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 13.5 sec | 11.3 sec |
| Top-Speed | 155 mph | 115 mph |
Audi Q7
Engine & Performance
The base engine for the Q7 is a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Equipped with a 12-volt hybrid system, ensuring satisfaction for most drivers. For those seeking more power, there’s an option for a turbocharged 3.0L V6 featuring a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering a robust 340 hp. Surprisingly, despite its considerable size. The Q7, especially when adorned with optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels. Adopts a low and nimble feel reminiscent of a pumped-up sports wagon. This transformation is facilitated by the optional air suspension’s adjustability and the enhanced agility provided by four-wheel steering. Making the Q7 unexpectedly enjoyable to navigate through twisty back roads.
Price & Mileage
The Audi Q7 is currently available for order in the market. With pricing starting at $84,475 for the entry-level Q7 45 TDI S Line and reaching $141,234 for the fully loaded SQ7 Vorsprung. In terms of fuel efficiency. The V6 model achieves 17 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. Conversely, the turbo four-cylinder model takes the lead in efficiency, boasting ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
During a test of the turbo V6-powered Q7. It demonstrated impressive performance by accelerating to 60 mph in a swift 5.0 seconds. Just slightly quicker than its mechanically similar two-row counterpart, the Q8 SUV. Internally, the dashboard layout remains consistent, but the touchscreen now integrates the latest iteration of Audi’s infotainment system. This updated system provides compatibility with third-party applications such as Spotify and Amazon Music. Additionally, the standard Audi virtual cockpit has been enhanced to display information about other road users and includes ADAS-related features like lane change warning, distance warning, intersection assist, and traffic light information.
Volvo XC90
Engine & Performance
Both the B5 and B6 versions get a little extra help from a 48-volt electric motor. The B5 models have a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gives you a solid 247 hp. If you go for the B6 powertrain, which is on Plus and comes standard on Ultimate trim levels, you get even more power, 295 hp to be exact. Now, if you’re into the top-notch stuff, the 455-hp plug-in-hybrid XC90 Recharge is the most powerful of the bunch. No matter which XC90 you pick, whether it’s the trim level or powertrain, you’re getting AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s the full deal, whatever you’re looking for.
Price & Mileage
Creating your ideal XC90 with Volvo offers a good amount of options, but if you’re after that sweet spot of luxury, cost, and performance, we recommend kicking off with the Plus trim. The XC90 lineup starts at $57,195 for the Core and climbs up to $80,795 for the Recharge Ultimate. Putting aside the plug-in power, the XC90 holds its own in fuel efficiency compared to its six-cylinder counterparts. In the previous year, the 247-hp B5 powertrain scored an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. Meanwhile, XC90s equipped with the 295-hp B6 powertrain returned ratings of 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Acceleration & Features
The Recharge revved up to 60 mph in a swift 4.5 seconds during a test track run. All XC90s come with a sleek 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s as stylish as a tablet. Every model supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the option for a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. To boost functionality, adding extra hard buttons and making on-screen controls more intuitive would be a significant improvement.