2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refreshed design with its 55 TFSI model, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. This model, priced at $86,100 Canadian with the Technik trim, showcased 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, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and modern vibe, enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, maintained Volvo’s traditional styling while adding character with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights. The Inscription test car, with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest of the XC90 trims. The interior embraced Swedish minimalism, offering thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury, albeit slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, and the SUV accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. With a maximum tow rating of nearly 3,500 kilograms, the Q7 averaged 11.2 L/100 km on a road trip. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, providing a smooth ride and agile handling, while the cabin remained remarkably quiet.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The T5 produced 250 hp, the T6 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid 400 hp with 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 combined the T6 engine with electric assist, but the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors’ six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 featured three drive modes, but the Pure mode was limited to low speeds. Despite its power, the XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space to 402 litres, expandable to 1,010 litres with the third row folded, and 1,970 litres with both rows down. The Technik trim offered comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front chairs, ample second-row legroom, and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console occupied by a wireless charger and minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom. The third row was tight for adults, and seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to a power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage was limited. Cargo space was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with both rows down. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient addition.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for system access. It included voice and handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Audi Connect services. The interface was generally intuitive, though dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Technik trim featured a head-up display and a Bose sound system, which Audi planned to replace with a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It included USB ports and an optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though text readability was challenging while driving. The wireless charging pad was small, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare but praised for illumination. It included advanced driving-assistance systems like Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, traffic-sign recognition and Active Lane Assist were problematic. The Q7 received top IIHS ratings, except for headlights, preventing a "Top Safety Pick+" award.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.