Specs at a Glance
2018 Volvo XC90
MPG (city/hwy)
  22/29 *
Navigation
  standard
2018 Audi Q7
MPG (city/hwy)
  19/25
Navigation
  Optional
2018 Volvo XC90 vs 2018 Audi Q7
Serving Overland Park, KS, Kansas City, MO, and Olathe, KS
The best luxury mid-size SUVs in the market are those that offer nimble proportions backed by improved fuel economy compared to the full-size SUVs. They also provide more room, better performance and better premium features as compared to smaller compact SUVs. Therefore, in this class ample room and comfort is of utmost importance. The Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7 stands out in the three-row luxury crossover category in today's market. For slightly the same pricing range, the two cars perform their duties in very different ways. While the Q7 feels impassive, the XC90 feels light. With the competition in this class being stiff, these manufacturers fine-tune the features of the car to gain an edge over each other.
Interior Space
Being preferred as a family car, ample space in mid-size SUVs is very important. Both the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7 are seven passenger seaters with three rows. The Q7 has got enough space, but it is the XC90 which offers more with a third-row space. It offers second-row seats that are more welcoming for adults with ample leg space, comfortable padding and added a proper sliding second row which offers easy access to the third row. In contrast, for the Q7 you have to fold and tumble the second-row seats which are a backdated multistep process. Also, the Volvo XC90 offers power-folding third row which is not available in the Audi Q7.
Fuel Economy
In the market today, the competition between crossover SUV's is very high, with over 20 models flooding the market. Therefore, the manufacturers try their best to provide a slight edge of each other in any way possible to attract the choosy customers. One of these competing factors is fuel economy of the car. The Audi Q7 comes in two options, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 252 horsepower or a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 which churns 333hp. Both have a similar EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. All the Volvo XC90 models have superior EPA ratings. The 400 horsepower plug-in hybrid T8 has an EPA of 62 mpg-e and a combined city and highway on gasoline rating of 27 mpg. It also boasts 19 miles electric-only range. The less-pricy front-wheel-drive T5 has an EPA rating of 22mpg city and 29 mpg highway. An all-wheel-drive upgrade has a similar city rating and a 29mpg on the highway. The more powerful T6 has an EPA rating of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Safety
When it comes to safety, both cars make a strong case, with automatic emergency braking coming as standard in both. However, the Volvo XC90 edges over the Q7 by including two new safety features never used before. Automatic braking in intersections in case another car drives from a different angle into the X90's path of travel, and the Run-Off-Road Design feature which aims at keeping occupants safe in case the car swerves off the edge of the road.
Despite these two cars being exceptional, the Volvo XC90 offers a few features which provide an appeal to the buyer. We encourage interested readers to feel free to contact our Volvo dealership for more information on the 2018 Volvo XC90. We also welcome you to the dealership to test drive the Volvo XC90 and compare your experience with that of the Audi Q7.
* Estimated city and highway mpg. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy combinations. Estimated city/highway mpg based on base engine and transmission combinations. Your actual mileage will vary.