Audi Q7 vs Volvo XC60

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered multiple variations, including the 45 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A performance-tuned Audi SQ7 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 was also available. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, a Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, totaling $74,290. Design updates for 2020 included new front and rear styling, wheels, and lighting elements, enhancing the Q7's appearance. The test vehicle's 20-inch turbine-style wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat all-season tires added to its visual appeal.

Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The Virtual Cockpit panel offered various themes and configurations, while two touch-sensing screens on the center console handled infotainment functions. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather with Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe. The Prestige trim's multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance at night.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and larger XC90, was built on Volvo's SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored crossover design with short front and rear overhangs, an upright grille with Volvo's iron mark logo, and Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the alloy wheels, up to 21 inches on top trims, were fashionable and attractive.

Inside, the XC60's cabin was defined by clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was easier to accept in 2021 than in 2018. The HVAC vents impressed with their shape and operation, and the textures and colors throughout the cabin were harmonious and rewarding. The XC60's interior was a very nice place to spend time.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi Drive Select offered several driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad. The Q7 55 TFSI could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 18 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 21 mpg on a road trip.

The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, with Audi Drive Select adjusting firmness settings and allowing the driver to alter suspension height. The Q7 performed well on both pavement and off-road trails, with speedy acceleration and agile handling. The cabin was notably quiet, thanks to the dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while T6 models generated 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. T8 models, including the top-of-the-line T8 Polestar Engineered, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant produced 415 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T8 models were plug-in hybrids, capable of driving up to 19 miles on electric power alone.

The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided secure and agile handling. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension smoothed out bumps, making it a great road-trip car. EPA fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV and 57 MPGe combined in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children, and using it reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows provided 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim's eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable for long trips, and the second-row seats offered plenty of legroom and thigh support. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen taking up most of the available space.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that performed well in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, and door panels. The second row offered secure storage in the seatbacks, lower center console, door panels, and center armrest. The XC60 had 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Each XC60 model was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch touchscreen with an 8.6-inch touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips sometimes made the virtual buttons unresponsive. The Prestige trim included a full-color head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, which was replaced by a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system used swipe, pinch, and pull gestures, with a portrait orientation resembling an iPad. The screen was segmented into function quadrants, making it intuitive once familiar. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system on the test vehicle was exceptional.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which performed well but were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to excessive glare. The Q7 included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, with upgrades available in the Executive Package or Prestige trim. Highlights included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology and Active Lane Assist proved problematic. The Q7 received the highest ratings from the IIHS, except for the "poor" headlight assessment.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The XC60 was governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.