2023 Audi Q5 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, offering a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 was refined with a simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, each with standard all-wheel drive. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most performance and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, aligning with its focus on practicality, safety, and sustainability. Wheel designs varied up to 21 inches, and most models featured a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal. Inside, the XC90's design was dated but rich in materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Options included wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, with an Orrefors crystal shift knob adding a touch of class. Volvo allowed for more customization in paint, wheels, and upholstery than some rivals, catering to discerning customers.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI, exclusive to the Q5 Sportback, delivered 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate, and handling was sporty, with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road noise.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kWh battery and a 107-kW electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. Recharging took about 12 hours on a standard outlet, or less with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, but it performed well in typical suburban driving. The XC90 was quick, but handling was not thrilling, with a firm ride and some cabin noise. The steering lacked sharpness, and the suspension allowed more roll and pitch than ideal.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but was still functional. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage was adequate, though some compartments were oddly shaped. The Q5 provided up to 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less in the Sportback.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. Higher trims added features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable bolsters, though they could catch on clothing. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but usable third row. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 85.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured 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 wireless, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with a limited-time subscription to Audi Connect Care. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were free for four years, with a subscription required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars for rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning five stars from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. While the XC90's ADAS features were not groundbreaking, it included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. However, Pilot Assist struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, affecting confidence in the system.