2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Audi Q5

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding some flair, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents for a classy yet sporty appearance. It was available in two body styles: the regular Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline and a spoiler-like element above the taillights. Inside, the Q5 had a refined layout with leather seating and heated front seats as standard. The infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen atop the dash, and materials quality was good for the class. Rear-seat passengers had durable plastic elements for longevity. The Q5's build quality was sturdy, with no squeaks or creaks over rough surfaces, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid had a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft and was the only engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The 45 TFSI engine had a noticeable delay in power delivery, making initial acceleration feel sluggish, though it reached 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road and wind noise.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo space at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but aged well. The infotainment touchscreen was placed atop the dash, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls and secondary vehicle controls. Outward visibility was good, with a narrow front roof pillar and better-than-average rear visibility. Front passengers had ample space, and rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably. The Sportback model had only a slight reduction in headroom. Storage spaces were available but oddly shaped, with a wireless phone charger on a sliding tray covering the cupholders. Cargo space was 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, dropping to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback. The Q5's cargo space was less than the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70 but more than the Porsche Macan.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Android-specific features like Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though without the added functionality of syncing Google profiles. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The on-screen buttons in Audi's native system were large and easy to read, but Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, allowing for feature control like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Audi Connect Care service included a Wi-Fi hotspot and was available for a limited-time subscription, after which it required payment. Mid-range trims had a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the Q5 its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. The Q5 Premium Plus trim added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, a semi-automated parking system, and a traffic sign reader. Rear-seat side impact airbags were optional on all trims.