Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that fit well within the era of "postmodern automotive styling." Its massive corporate grille paired seamlessly with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling, while primarily delivering on the latter. Inside, 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, had begun to feel less special as Volkswagen's non-luxury models caught up in design.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hid 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 interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added some flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came 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 (AWD). The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a lively performance with solid power for passing, especially in Sport mode, which quickened throttle response and altered transmission mapping for harder acceleration. The Q3 also featured Audi’s Drive Select with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the Off-Road mode was best suited for light dirt trails.

For 2022, the 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 integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included 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 offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while 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 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 total cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 made up for this with ample passenger space, offering comfortable front seats with deep cargo pockets and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear seats. It could seat five, but four passengers could comfortably take a road trip if they packed light.

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

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 were wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, an optional feature, replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display that could present the navigation map across nearly the entire screen.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, retaining a 9-inch touchscreen but now running the Android Automotive operating system. It included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Available 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. It also supported over-the-air software updates and promised full iPhone compatibility, though without the added functionality of syncing a Google profile. The digital instrument cluster could display a map between the speedometer and tachometer, with a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

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, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available features were a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist for parallel and perpendicular parking spots.

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's 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 were a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering, was available as an option.