2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Controls were smartly grouped, and the design was cohesive and pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where different materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned at the top of the centre stack for optimal visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving towards luxury. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model had a poised stance and sleek profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a nod to its Swedish heritage, and the fit and finish conveyed quality. R-Design and Inscription models came with 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the XC90's interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim. Exquisite details like the sliding wood tambour cover and crystal gear selector handle emphasized its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a "tailored wool blend" upholstery. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with a standard panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's light and brightness.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only rating of 8.8 litres per 100 km. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with a Level 2 charger.

The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD. It offered various driving modes, including battery-only, hybrid, and reserve battery power. The speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and four-wheel independent suspension provided good handling, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: T5, T6, and Recharge. T5 models had a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while T6 models added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. AWD was standard across all models, with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90's engines used Premium gasoline, with T5 models achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, T6 models at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge at 8.8 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Recharge's EV range was 29 km, with an extended range variant offering up to 58 km. Charging took about five hours with a Level 2 charger. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a balanced size, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The battery pack was cleverly placed under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm) and ample headroom (958 mm) and shoulder room (1,435 mm). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage spaces and an uncluttered design.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 offered 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,008 litres with the third row folded and 1,855 litres with both rows down. It could tow up to 2,250 kg, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the AWD system and heated features made it suitable for winter.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views. The cabin's LED ambient lighting added to the customization options. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto was also available. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization. The Advanced package included a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's safety legacy, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.