2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Volvo XC90 emerged as a testament to Volvo's design evolution. Unlike the boxy designs characteristic of earlier decades, the 2020 XC90 showcased a sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing design. The model tested, the R-Design trim, featured a distinctive blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatment, black window surrounds, and mirrors that complemented its aggressive stance. The addition of 22-inch bright rims added a luxurious touch to its already elegant silhouette. Standard "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and curvaceous LED taillights distinctly marked it as a Volvo, enhancing its nighttime visibility and appeal. The vehicle's exterior was painted in Thunder Grey Metallic, a unique shade with a subtle blue hue that elevated its presence. Inside, the XC90 boasted a refined beige-leather and aluminum interior, offering a premium environment. Volvo's attention to detail was evident in the craftsmanship, from the Swedish flag tags on the seats to the leather-wrapped center console, reinforcing a theme of simplistic luxury throughout. In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 displayed a fresh look with updates to its front and rear styling, aligning it with the design language introduced by the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 featured 20-inch turbine-style wheels and new lighting elements, enhancing its road presence. The vehicle was painted in Navarra Blue metallic, a choice that accentuated its refined lines. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech, minimalist dashboard from the Q8, emphasizing digital interactions with its triple-screen setup. This included Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and two touch-sensitive screens on the center console, which modernized the cabin but attracted fingerprints and dust. The interior was outfitted in Okapi Brown leather with Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, creating an upscale and inviting atmosphere. Multi-color ambient lighting further enhanced the cabin's ambiance at night.

The Volvo XC90 was available with three powertrains, all based around a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T6 model, equipped with both a supercharger and turbocharger, was rated at 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, adequate for lively highway maneuvers. A notable enhancement was the Polestar tune, which increased output to 330 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Despite these figures, the XC90 did not deliver a sporty performance, emphasizing comfort over agility. The fuel economy was less impressive, with the T6 AWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant offered a more eco-friendly alternative with 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, yet its performance did not justify the cost for many due to the limited electric range and added weight. The Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency. This setup enabled robust performance, with the SUV accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The mild-hybrid technology also supported features like extended engine stop/start functionality, which helped conserve fuel without sacrificing comfort. The Q7's all-wheel-drive system and adjustable driving modes, including a Dynamic setting, provided a responsive and engaging driving experience, especially on winding roads. Its fuel economy was comparable to the XC90, with the SUV averaging 21 mpg during extensive road tests.

The Volvo XC90's interior was thoughtfully designed with functionality in mind. Its Sensus infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, although it centralized many controls within the touchscreen, limiting physical button interactions. The XC90 offered three rows of seating, with the standard configuration accommodating up to seven passengers. The integrated booster cushion for children was a unique and practical feature. Cargo space was generous, offering up to 85.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample room for luggage and gear. The Audi Q7, while also featuring three rows, was more practical as a five-passenger vehicle due to the cramped third-row seating. When not in use, the third-row could be folded down to expand cargo capacity significantly from 14.2 to 69.6 cubic feet. The front and second-row seats provided exceptional comfort and support, essential for long journeys. However, the Q7 lacked practical interior storage solutions, which could be a drawback for families needing ample space for personal items.

Volvo equipped the XC90 with advanced technology features, including the Pilot Assist system, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system, with its 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offered an unmatched auditory experience. The XC90's four-zone climate control and high-resolution touchscreen added to its luxurious feel, though the infotainment system's ability to integrate deeply with vehicle settings and apps could be improved. Audi's Q7 featured the updated MMI Touch Response system, providing a more intuitive interface with upper and lower touchscreens. This system supported natural voice and handwriting recognition, enhancing user interaction. The integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Audi Connect services, offered comprehensive connectivity options. The vehicle's high-tech equipment, including the optional Bose sound system, provided both functionality and entertainment on the go.

The Volvo XC90 boasted excellent safety ratings, with top scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a whiplash protection system, reflecting Volvo's commitment to passenger safety through robust engineering and ethical considerations. The Audi Q7 also offered impressive safety credentials, with advanced driving-assistance systems enhancing the driving experience. However, its HD Matrix LED headlights received a "poor" rating from the IIHS due to glare issues, despite their effectiveness in low-light conditions. The SUV's array of safety technologies, including Emergency Assist and Adaptive Cruise Assist, provided substantial support for drivers, although some features like traffic-sign recognition were not always reliable.