2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 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. The cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a standout feature. However, the Q3's interior, once a standout, felt less special as Volkswagen's newer interiors caught up in design, albeit not as upscale.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 had a great stance and a sleek profile, with a body that seemed poised to launch forward. Its design included pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon. The interior was described in terms like "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it.

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, with a comfortable ride that balanced dynamic engagement and refined ride quality. However, the base engine exhibited some turbo lag, particularly under hard acceleration or when passing on the highway.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 models were all-wheel drive only. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. The electric motor provided early torque, eliminating turbo lag and smoothing out power delivery.

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 rear seat headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 could carry up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could also tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage space and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even during a heat wave, making the XC90 a comfortable sanctuary from the weather.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, with standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system included 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 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe. However, it was sometimes glitchy and slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization, and the $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade available. It also included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

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 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane with minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.