Volvo XC90 Vs. Audi Q7 Comparison, Specs, Size

Compare the Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 to see how this Volvo SUV offers you advantages across the board – we're confident your search for your next three-row luxury SUV will end after you do. The Volvo XC90 is a steadfast flagship of the brand, and it has that top-model status for good reasons. With leading safety systems, a spacious interior, eco-friendly engines, intelligent and innovative technology, premium luxury appointments, and sumptuous comfort, the Volvo XC90 is an attractive choice for nearly any driver. Keep reading to see how the Volvo XC90 stacks up against the Audi Q7 in this guide by the team at DARCARS Volvo Cars.

Volvo XC90 Compared to Audi Q7: Features & Safety

Pitting Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 amenities against each other demonstrates the value of a Volvo XC90. Many desirable standard amenities in the Volvo XC90 are optional upgrades in the Audi Q7.

For example, the new Volvo XC90 provides you with a standard wireless device charger, a panoramic roof with an auto-closing sunshade, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. In the Audi Q7, a wireless device charger isn't available until the second-tier model. Additionally, the standard sunroof in the Audi Q7 lacks the Volvo XC90 SUV's innovative auto-closing sunshade, and the climate control only covers three zones.

Compare Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 safety, and the benefits of a Volvo XC90 continue to grow. Both the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025, but the Volvo XC90 received no score below "Acceptable," while the Audi Q7 was ranked as "Poor" for Front-Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle. The advantages of the Volvo XC90 become even more apparent when you look over the standard driver-assistance technology provided in this Volvo model:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Volvo Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving)
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) and Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Collision Mitigation Support
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Rear Park Assist Camera
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Rain Sensor
• Road Sign Information
• Slippery Road Alert
• Whiplash Injury Protection System
• Intelligent Driver Information System

The Audi Q7, on the other hand, has some of the same systems, but it ultimately can't keep up with the advanced technologies of the Volvo XC90. For example, the Audi Q7 doesn't come equipped with an Intelligent Driver Information System. You won't find anything like the signature Volvo Whiplash Injury Protection System in the Audi Q7 lineup, either.

Have we mentioned that you'll get these sophisticated Volvo driver-support modules at a lower starting MSRP than the Audi Q7, too? The Volvo XC90 starts off at $61,050, whereas the less-equipped Audi Q7 has a starting MSRP of $62,000 – both of these prices exclude destination fees. Admittedly, the Audi SUV only has a slightly higher entry cost. However, as you start to climb these SUVs' trim ladders, the gap widens significantly. For instance, the range-topping Volvo XC90 Ultra has a starting MSRP of $69,650, but the top-of-the-line Audi Q7 jumps way up to $81,700. Given both models' appointments, we don't see any justification for paying so much when you get just as much, if not more, with the Volvo SUV.

When you compare the Volvo XC60 and BMW X3, you'll find that Volvo SUVs frequently boast safe, confident advantages over the competition.

Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7: Performance & Efficiency

Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90: Which is more powerful? The Volvo XC90 delivers more available power and higher-rated fuel efficiency.

Both SUVs start out with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The standard mild-hybrid Volvo XC90 B5 powertrain outputs 247 horsepower while earning an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). The standard-engine Audi Q7 has a bit more power, but it falls short on daily drives with an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).

A Volvo XC90 lease or finance incentive can also include the available upgraded B6 AWD powertrain and its 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine. This setup surpasses the 261-horsepower standard Audi Q7 engine with 295 horsepower while still managing to be slightly more efficient with up to an EPA-estimated 20/26/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). The Audi Q7 also has an available powertrain that will give you 335 horsepower, but you'll significantly sacrifice fuel economy for it. Plus, as you'll see below, the Volvo XC90 still has an ace up its sleeve in the form of a plug-in-hybrid variant that's both more powerful and fuel efficient than anything in the Audi Q7 lineup has to offer.

2026 Audi Q7 vs. 2026 Volvo XC90: Hybrid Specs

The top-end specs in our Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 comparison favor the Volvo XC90. Specifically, the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid outputs 455 horsepower and achieves up to an EPA-estimated 27 MPG (Combined) or 58 MPGe (Combined). The Audi Q7 does not have a plug-in-hybrid configuration. Its highest-end mild-hybrid powertrain lays down 335 horsepower and earns an EPA-estimated 20 MPG (Combined).

Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90: Dimensions & Capacities

The Audi Q7 measures 199.6 inches long, 77.5 inches wide (without mirrors), and 68.4 inches tall. The Volvo XC90 is 195 inches long, 79.1 inches wide (without mirrors), and 69.9 inches tall.

Both SUVs can seat up to seven, but only the Volvo XC90 has an available six-seat configuration with captain's chairs, providing more comfort for your passengers. Additionally, the Volvo XC90 has a significant cargo advantage, offering 16.1 more cubic feet of storage space with the second- and third-row seats folded. Compare Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 interior space, and it's a marvel that Volvo engineers are able to utilize similar exterior measurements to the Audi Q7 to create such a comparatively open and airy cabin.

Discover the Volvo XC90 at DARCARS Volvo Cars

With more efficiency, more cargo room, and more generous standard features, the Volvo XC90 stands tall in the Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90 review across the categories that matter most for your daily drive. Come by DARCARS Volvo Cars and discover everything else that it has on tap with a test spin, then drive one home with our competitive lease deals today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: the Volvo XC90 or the Audi Q7?

These two SUVs have comparable exterior dimensions, but the Volvo XC90 gives you more interior space for cargo. Specifically, the Audi Q7 is 4.6 inches longer than the Volvo XC90, while the Volvo XC90 is 1.5 inches taller and 1.6 inches wider than the Audi Q7. The Volvo XC90 affords you an extra 16.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.

How do the Audi Q7 safety features compare to the Volvo XC90 safety features?

The generous Volvo XC90 safety features are very favorable vs. the Audi Q7. In a new Volvo XC90, you'll get a Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Aid, Collision Mitigation Support, Adaptive Cruise Control, Volvo Pilot Assist, Front and Rear Parking Assist, Road Sign Information, and more as standard equipment. The Audi Q7 delivers impressive systems, but simply can't keep pace. Experience advanced confidence today at DARCARS Volvo Cars.

Which has more cargo space: the Audi Q7 or the Volvo XC90?

The Volvo XC90 has significantly more cargo space than the Audi Q7. While both models are three-row SUVs with similar exterior sizes, the Audi Q7 only accommodates up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Volvo XC90 provides up to 85.7 cubic feet of load room. The Volvo XC90 also provides up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability.