2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. Inside, the cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout design, but newer Volkswagen interiors have caught up, making the Q3's cabin feel modern and refined, though not as special. The Q3 came in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with the latter adding features like remote start, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its current-generation design, adding character while retaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end. The details, such as softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights, made the difference. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism with thoughtfully arranged, nice-looking materials. The Inscription trim featured high-end touches like an Orrefors crystal shifter, though storage space was limited. The XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom about average for the segment.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's handling was nimble, and the ride was comfortable, with Audi's Drive Select offering Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes. The base engine had some turbo lag, but the more powerful S-Line engine provided a lively and engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC90 excelled at old-school luxury, with excellent ride quality and a quiet cabin. However, the T8 struggled to accelerate away from stops on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist.

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 space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the overall cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 made up for it with comfortable front seats and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear seats, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, offered headroom and legroom that were about average for the segment. The third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The XC90's cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate was a useful feature.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, with standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features included wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the XC90 only had second-row USB-C ports.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 offered more standard safety features than most competitors, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, though it struggled with gentle highway curves.