Volvo XC90 Vs. Audi Q7 Comparison: Price, Performance & Specs
Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90 Comparison at a Glance
Audi Q7
- Max Horsepower: 335
- Best EPA-Estimated MPG: 20/26/22 (City/Highway/Combined)1
- Third-Row Legroom: 29.2 inches
- Max Cargo Capacity: 69.6 cubic feet
Volvo XC90
- Max Horsepower: 295
- Best EPA-Estimated MPG: 23/30/26 (City/Highway/Combined)2
- Third-Row Legroom: 31.9 inches
- Max Cargo Capacity: 85.7 cubic feet
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Performance & Specs
Midsize luxury models come in various packages, which is why, from a quick overview, the Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 seems like a very close comparison. By default, the Audi Q7 performs more valiantly, with the standard 261-horsepower engine outpacing the standard 247-horsepower option in the Volvo XC90. However, the new 2025 Volvo XC90 for sale has a hidden surprise – the plug-in hybrid variant (no equivalent available for the Audi Q7) creates 455 horsepower. To keep up, the Audi Q7 has to go to its performance variant, the SQ7.
That performance option drops your EPA-estimated MPG ratings significantly. That's already a battle the Audi Q7 loses; see how efficient your Volvo XC90 is below.
| Model | 2025 Volvo XC90 | 2025 Audi Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options: |
|
|
| Max Horsepower: | 295 hp (B6 AWD) | 335 (3.0L 6-cyl) |
| Max Torque: | 310 lb-ft (B6 AWD) | 369 lb-ft (3.0L 6-cyl) |
| Transmission: | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Drivetrain: | AWD | AWD |
| Max Acceleration: | 6.4 sec (B6 AWD) | 5.5 sec (3.0L 6-cyl) |
| Best EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb): | 23 / 30 / 262 | 20 / 26 / 221 |
| Standard Towing Capacity: | 5,000 lbs3 | 4,400 lbs3 |
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Towing Capacity
While the Audi Q7 offers more maximum towing capacity at 7,700 pounds,3 the Volvo XC90 is better at towing on the base-level models. The standard TFSI 45 quattro engine of the Audi Q7 can only handle 4,400 pounds,3 while the B5 powertrain under the hood of most Volvo XC90 SUVs can haul 5,000 pounds3 – the same as the B6 and T8 options.
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Size & Dimensions
In a similar way, the dimensions of the Audi Q7 promise more on a surface glance than they manage in reality. As you'll learn in the chart below, the Audi Q7 is the longer vehicle at 199.6 inches, granting slight improvements to front- and second-row legroom. However, despite being the smaller SUV, the Volvo XC90 creates more room for your third-row passengers and can fit 16.1 additional cubic feet of cargo space compared to the maximum of the Audi Q7. The Volvo SUV also offers a six-seat configuration, giving your second-row passengers even more flexibility and easier access to the third row.
| Model | 2025 Volvo XC90 | 2025 Audi Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity: | 6-7 | 7 |
| Length: | 195 in | 199.6 in |
| Width: | 79.1 in | 77.5 in |
| Height: | 69.9 in | 68.4 in |
| Wheelbase: | 117.5 in | 117.9 in |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd): | 38.9 / 38.5 / 36.3 in | 39.9 / 38.8 / 35.9 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd): | 40.9 / 37 / 31.9 in | 41.7 / 38.8 / 29.2 in |
| Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd): | 57.7 / 56.5 / 46.9 in | 59.5 / 58.5 / 49.4 in |
| Cargo Capacity (Min / Max): | 10.6 / 85.7 cu ft | 13.6 / 69.6 cu ft |
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Interior
The comparison continues as you climb behind the wheel of these two vehicles. The Audi Q7 embraces technology with the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus and central console. Your seating begins as heated leather and can be upgraded to ventilation by the final trim, the Audi Q7 Prestige. Available features, like ambient lighting and wireless phone charging, continue to improve your drive as you upgrade.
However, despite the lower starting price, the 2025 Volvo XC90 often exceeds what the Audi Q7 has to offer. For example, the Volvo XC90 pairs its 12.3-inch driver information system with an intuitive 11.2-inch console. It has high-level ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a four-zone climate system immediately, improving the value you get if you don't want to move past the base Core trim. Additional luxuries, like the crystal knob gear selector by Orrefors®, emphasize the unique Scandinavian design that make every Volvo XC90 personalized to your expectations.
Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 Safety & Tech
We end this Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7 comparison piece on a high note; both the Volvo and Audi SUVs are incredibly safe vehicles with Top Safety Pick+ Awards from the IIHS.4, 5 This showcases how the Volvo safety suite – including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, and Intelligent Driver Information System – and the Audi pre sense suite are similarly effective at protecting your family. It also shows that each SUV can take hits to well-designed crumple zones. If you want to know more about how your Volvo XC90 protects you in the worst-case scenario, please contact our dealership.
Elevate Your Drive With a Volvo XC90 From Weaver Brothers Volvo Cars
While safety may be similar between the 2025 Volvo XC90 vs. 2025 Audi Q7, we believe that your decision to lease a new Volvo XC90 is better if you like luxury, fuel-efficient engines with still-impressive performance numbers, consistent towing capacity, and much more. Test-drive the Volvo XC90 today, and you'll understand why our community adores it.
Looking for an all-electric range? Our Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid lease specials at Weaver Brothers Volvo Cars are sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Volvo XC90 have more cargo space than the Audi Q7?
Yes, the Volvo XC90 has significantly more cargo space than the Audi Q7. With all seats folded down, the Volvo XC90 can hold up to 85.7 cubic feet. The Audi Q7 can only store up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo behind its first row. This is despite the Volvo XC90 being the smaller vehicle, at 195 inches vs. the Audi Q7 measuring 199.6 inches long.
How many people can the 2025 Volvo XC90 seat?
The 2025 Volvo XC90 has two configurations for seating capacity. The standard option is a seven-seat SUV, with a bench seat providing easy comfort for three passengers. The alternative is a six-seat configuration where a pair of captain's chairs replaces the bench seat. These chairs come with individual armrests, the ability to fold separately, and easy third-row access, giving you and your family additional flexibility.
Which is more fuel-efficient: the 2025 Volvo XC90 or the 2025 Audi Q7?
Across the varied trim levels, the Volvo XC90 stays head-and-shoulders above the 2025 Audi Q7 in terms of fuel efficiency. To begin, the standard MPG ratings for the Volvo XC90 are an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 (City/Highway/Combined).2 The best ratings for the Audi Q7 are an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 putting the Audi model squarely in second place.
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120 city/26 highway/22 combined city/hwy MPG (2025 Audi Q7 TFSI 45 quattro). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
3When properly equipped.
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2025
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/audi/q7-4-door-suv/2025