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-liter V6 engine. This model was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with the test vehicle being a Prestige trim. The exterior updates included new front and rear styling, wheels, and lighting elements, aligning the Q7 with the flagship Q8 model. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and modern vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 maintained Volvo's traditional styling while adding character with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights. The Inscription test car, the flashiest of the XC90 trims, featured extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The XC90 shared its platform with other Volvo models, offering a car-based crossover experience. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with thoughtfully arranged materials and a natural wood trim. The cabin offered a wool upholstery option and an Orrefors crystal shifter, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter 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, the Q7 offered various driving modes through Audi Drive Select. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Q7 averaged 21 mpg on a road trip and 18.1 mpg locally. The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, providing a comfortable ride on various terrains. The cabin remained quiet, thanks to dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The T5 produced 250 hp, the T6 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid 400 hp. The T8 combined the T6 engine with electric assist, offering 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC90 struggled with acceleration on electric power alone, requiring the gasoline engine's assistance. It featured three drive modes: Pure, Hybrid, and Power, with Pure mode being limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, aided by an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base FWD T5, rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and suitable only for children, reducing cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet when in use. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows offered 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7 provided comfortable seating for a family of four, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample second-row legroom. However, interior storage was limited, with minimal space in the center console and door-panel bins.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all rows. The third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power moonroof and upright roof profile enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription test car featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen. It offered natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was generally intuitive, though dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system. The Q7's technology facilitated remote learning and virtual work during trips.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text was sometimes difficult to read while driving. The XC90 included a wireless charging pad, but it was incompatible with most phones. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which performed well but received a "poor" rating from the IIHS due to glare. It 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 were problematic. The Q7 received the highest IIHS ratings for collision protection, except for the headlights.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models. It scored "Good" in all crash tests and "Superior" for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered numerous standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.