Many buyers compare the 2025 Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7. Both are large luxury SUVs with three rows of seats. They have modern designs and tech. They are sold in the US and UK. But there are key differences. We look at price, interior, tech, safety, performance, fuel economy, space, warranty, and more. This guide helps you see the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Pricing of Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7
United States
In the US, the Volvo XC90 starts around $59,745 for the base model. Volvo also sells higher trims (Plus, Ultra) up to about $68,245. The Audi Q7 starts slightly higher in price. Its base Premium trim has an MSRP around $61,795 (the Q7 Premium Plus and Prestige trims cost more). In general, the Audi Q7 costs a bit more than the Volvo at entry level in the US.
United Kingdom
In the UK, the starting price for the base Volvo XC90 Core trim is around £63,790. Volvo’s RRP range goes up to around £84,260 for top trims. The Audi Q7 in the UK starts at about £71,525 OTR for the S line trim. Audi also offers higher levels (e.g. Vorsprung over £94,000).
Interior Features of Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7
The Volvo XC90 interior is clean and modern. It has a large portrait-style touch screen (11.2 inches) in the center. The cabin features clean, simple lines and is built with high-quality materials. Volvo even uses eco-friendly seat fabrics (Nordico textile) in some models. The XC90 seats up to 7 people. The second row has three seats that slide and recline, giving good knee and headroom.
The third row is smaller, best for children or short trips. Volvo’s Core trim includes Google-based services and driver aids built in (like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning). Higher trims add nicer sounds and lighting. One drawback: some reviews note that the XC90’s infotainment can feel dated and it lacks Android Auto support.
The Audi Q7 interior is upscale. It also seats seven (though some models drop the third row). Audi’s cabin has premium leather, nice trims, and a classic layout. A standout feature is the Virtual Cockpit—a fully digital 12-inch display that’s sharp, clear, and easy to customize.
There are multiple screens (including a tablet-style MMI touch screen) and an available head-up display. The Q7’s seats are well-cushioned and roomy. In tests, tall adults fit comfortably in the second row, and the Q7 offers three separate second-row seats that can slide fore and aft. Overall, the Audi interior feels very high-tech and solidly built.
Technology of Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7
Both SUVs have modern tech, but they take different approaches. The XC90 uses Volvo’s new Android-based system. The XC90 has over-the-air updates for its software, so features can improve over time. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay, but no Android Auto. The touchscreen is large and high-resolution, and many controls are touch-based.
The Audi Q7 uses Audi’s MMI interface. It includes an online navigation system and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audi’s infotainment system is quick to respond and supports voice commands for easy control.
Both vehicles have lots of driver aids: lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, parking sensors, etc. In summary, Volvo’s tech is centered on Google integration, while Audi focuses on its own polished MMI system with a sharp digital cockpit.
Safety of Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7
Safety is a strong point for both models. Volvo markets the XC90 as “one of the safest cars on the road”. It comes standard with many safety systems: automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
Volvo often earns top marks in crash testing (though exact 2025 crash ratings are not yet available, the brand has a strong safety reputation).
The Audi Q7 also scores very high on safety. In the United States, the 2025 Q7 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. The Audi Q7 also comes with many standard features: blind-spot detection, lane-keep assist, rear automatic emergency braking (per IIHS notes).
Performance of Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7
Under the hood, the Volvo XC90 offers two main gas engines (mild hybrids). The base “B5” turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces around 247 horsepower, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. For a hybrid boost, Volvo also offers a T8 plug-in version (not covered here), which boasts significantly higher power. The XC90’s power feels smooth and adequate. It is not meant to be a sports car, but it can still merge and pass with reasonable ease.
The Audi Q7 comes with either a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder (badged 45 TFSI) making about 261 hp, or a turbo V6 (55 TFSI) making 335 hp. In fact, Audi claims the V6 model can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.
Even the base 2.0T is no slouch, taking roughly 6.9 seconds to 60 mph in testing. The Q7 delivers power in a smooth and polished way. In general, the Audi feels more powerful and quicker than the XC90, especially in higher trims.
Fuel Efficiency of Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7
The Volvo XC90 in gas form has EPA ratings of about 26 mpg combined for the B5 model, and 23 mpg combined for the B6 model. In city/highway terms, the B5 is roughly 23/30 mpg, and B6 is 20/26 mpg. In practice, expect mid-20s in normal driving. The XC90 plug-in hybrid (T8) can drive about 45 miles on electric alone before the gas engine kicks in, which saves fuel on short trips.
For the Audi Q7, EPA combined fuel economy is around 21-22 mpg for the gasoline models (according to recent reviews). Both the 2.0T and 3.0T engines get an average of around 21 mpg combined.
In general, the XC90 hybrid tends to be slightly more fuel-efficient due to its advanced mild-hybrid tech, especially in city driving, while the Audi’s larger engine means a bit lower mpg. However, both vehicles will not match the fuel economy of much smaller SUVs.
Also Read : Jeep Compass vs Subaru Crosstrek: Which Compact SUV Should You Really Buy in 2025?
Conclusion
The Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7 debate comes down to priorities. Both are three-row luxury SUVs with strong safety and features. The XC90 stands out for its safety-first design, clean Scandinavian interior, and available hybrid powertrain. It also tends to be a bit less costly. It is roomier when all seats are up and has won top safety honors too.
For a buyer who values safety and a simple, modern cabin, the Volvo may be best. For someone who wants sportier performance and a more luxury feel, the Audi is a great choice. In either case, both the 2025 XC90 and Q7 offer a premium experience, so it often comes down to which brand and driving style you prefer.
