2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, moving away from the boxy sedans and wagons of the past to a more refined and elegant aesthetic. The XC90 showcased a sophisticated exterior with features like the blacked-out honeycomb grille on the R-Design trim, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and a sleek arching shoulder crease that emphasized its width and stability. The interior was equally impressive, with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and luxurious leather upholstery. The seats were designed for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure. The attention to detail, such as the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob, highlighted Volvo's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a modern, mechanical aesthetic with its massive corporate grille and chunky styling that suggested utility and dynamic handling. The interior echoed this theme, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a focal point. While the Q3's cabin felt modern and refined, it faced competition from Volkswagen's similar designs. The Q3 offered trims like Premium and Premium Plus, with features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Premium Plus trim added conveniences like remote start and wireless device charging, maintaining a balance between luxury and practicality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing the necessary power for a vehicle of its stature. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90 was not a performance powerhouse, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, with an option for a more powerful 228 hp and 258 lb-ft version in the S-Line trim. The Q3's powertrain was lively, offering solid acceleration and engaging driving dynamics, especially in Sport mode. The base engine exhibited some turbo lag, but the Q3's handling was nimble and comfortable, providing a balanced driving experience. Audi's Drive Select system allowed drivers to choose from various modes, enhancing the vehicle's versatility.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured an improved Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with minimal physical buttons on the dash. The cabin layout was praised for its organization and ease of use, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was limited, the Q3 excelled in passenger comfort, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Q3 could comfortably accommodate four passengers for a road trip, though packing light was advised.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the MMI interface, offering standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test results prevented it from achieving the highest designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system, providing comprehensive safety coverage.