2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $86,100 Canadian with the Technik trim, showcased a refined exterior with updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, featuring three digital displays that replaced most physical controls. The Virtual Cockpit panel offered various configurations, while two touch-sensing screens on the centre console managed infotainment functions. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, complemented by familial Volvo design cues like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge variant distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, unique alloy wheels, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the XC40 offered a minimalist interior with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly, providing a premium feel without compromising on style.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, aimed to conserve fuel by reducing the load on the engine. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a towing capacity of nearly 3,500 kilograms. It averaged 11.2 L/100 km during a road trip, with a local fuel-testing loop returning 13.0 L/100 km. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, enhancing ride quality and off-road capability. Despite some lazy throttle response in Comfort and Auto modes, switching to Dynamic mode improved acceleration. The cabin remained quiet, thanks to dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The Recharge, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline T4 and T5 models produced 187 hp and 248 hp, respectively. The Recharge featured a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enabling AWD and one-pedal driving. Despite its luxury focus, the XC40 provided excellent ride quality, even on rough roads. The Recharge model also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms, a rarity among electric vehicles.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers, as the third row was cramped and reduced cargo space. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and further to 1,970 litres with both rows down. The Technik trim offered comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front chairs, ample legroom in the second row, and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and door-panel bins providing minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge offered no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to gasoline models, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, compensated for the lack of space. The centre console was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options. Despite its compact size, the XC40 provided a practical and well-thought-out interior.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response technology, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Technik trim also featured a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021 models.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge debuted the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with built-in Google features. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The lack of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature in future updates highlighted Volvo’s focus on technology and convenience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, rated "poor" by the IIHS due to glare issues, but praised for their illumination capabilities. The Q7 included advanced driving-assistance systems, such as Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system and Active Lane Assist proved problematic. Despite these issues, the Q7 received the highest IIHS ratings for collision protection, except for the headlight assessment.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The Recharge model, with its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure, was expected to perform well in crash tests. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model also featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future driver aid enhancements.