Compare 2017 Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7 Review | Overland Park, KS

2017 Volvo XC90 vs 2017 Audi Q7

Serving Overland Park, Kansas City, and Olathe, KS

More than ever, luxury-branded midsize crossover SUVs are ramping it up in terms of overall premium quality. As a result, the segment is more competitive than ever. Among such entries are the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7. With both vehicles debuting in the first half of the 2000s, each one is currently in its second generation of production for 2017. Although both are fine vehicles, it’s the XC90 that has the upper hand based on the following.

Fuel Economy

One of the attributes commonly touted about the 2017 Volvo XC90 is its exceptionally high fuel efficiency. This is due to pairing Volvo’s 2.0-liter Drive-E turbocharged inline 5-cylinder (I5) engine with the 8-speed Geartronic transmission, and going with a front-wheel drivetrain. This powertrain configuration produces a peak fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Although the 2017 Audi Q4 also has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (albeit I4 instead of I5) and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, it is stuck with Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system; there’s no two-wheel drive option. Peak fuel economy on the Q7 is 19/25 mpg; that’s 3 less mpg in the city and 1 less mpg on the highway than its Volvo counterpart.

User-friendly Infotainment System

Another attribute commonly mentioned about the 2017 Volvo XC90 is the ease of use concerning its infotainment system. It’s something that is rarely if ever mentioned about the 2017 Audi Q7. And with infotainment system being more sophisticated than ever, it’s essential that customers find it easy to operate them. At the base level, a 9-inch vertically-mounted touchscreen is standard. A versatile component of the infotainment system, the touchscreen can be mistaken for a tablet or a smartphone screen, which belies its relatively massive size. You can swipe at or pinch to zoom to certain functions, and it quickly responds to touch and voice commands. Also, navigation for aiding you in getting to your destination is standard, and you can add Apple CarPlay to execute functions with your iPhone.

Engine Power

On the 2017 XC90, Volvo enables the possibility of a powertrain configuration that produces an output of 400 horsepower. This is achieved by combining the supercharged 3.0-liter I6, which offers 313 horsepower, with an electric motor, which provides 87 horsepower. The Audi’s Q7 has an upper engine that is also a 3.0-liter I6, albeit with 333 horsepower—67 less horsepower than the XC90’s most powerful configuration.

Ready to try out the 2017 Volvo XC90, rather than the 2017 Audi Q7? At our Volvo dealership in Overland Park, KS, we pride ourselves on providing a wide range of possibilities alongside a well-trained and experienced sales staff. Give us a call today to set up an appointment with one of our numerous Volvo experts.

* Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.