2021 Audi Q5 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 its classic silver vertical bars on the grille, complemented by a blacked-out honeycomb treatment on the R-Design trim. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive features that highlighted Volvo's attention to detail. The interior was equally impressive, with a Thunder Grey Metallic exterior contrasting beautifully with a beige-leather and aluminum interior. The seats were designed for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp and modern appearance, carrying the Audi design language with a unique character. The Q5 featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear boasted bold taillights, contributing to its classy and contemporary look. Inside, the Q5 maintained a clean and uncluttered appearance, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access, and the second row offered ample space and comfort, making the Q5 a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on 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 a more suitable performance for the XC90's weight. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not exceptional. Fuel economy was also 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 the added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV improved upon the standard gasoline model by adding an electric motor and a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieve an impressive 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV's battery could be recharged overnight or in 2.4 hours with a Level 2 charger. The vehicle featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for efficiency and performance. The Q5's handling was commendable, with minimal body roll and a sporty suspension setup that balanced comfort and road feel.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential functions. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with the battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. The Q5 provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with heating and ventilation options on higher trims. The interior design was functional and well-organized, with ample storage options for small items.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining 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 exceptional sound quality. The portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated navigation, although onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and integrated navigation with hybrid mode optimization. The Q5 included an Integrated Toll Module and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also available, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, although the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. 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 advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance options such as adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.