2026 Volvo XC60 Vs. 2025 Audi Q5: How Do They Compare?

2026 Volvo XC60 vs. 2025 Audi Q5 Performance & Specs

Compare the Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5, and you'll find some similarities on the surface. For example, both models come standard with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup to aid with traction and acceleration. They're also both equipped with a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard fare, though the Volvo XC60 adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the mix. However, as you'll come to see, there are some stark differences.

The Volvo XC60 mild-hybrid powertrain puts out a combined 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque and achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG (Combined).¹ Although the 2025 Audi Q5 doesn't have a mild-hybrid architecture, it does produce slightly higher output specs: 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It earns an EPA-estimated 25 MPG (Combined).²

However, here's where the major differences come into play. The Audi brand redesigned the Audi Q5 for the 2025 model year, and in the process, they dropped the previously available plug-in-hybrid variant for this two-row SUV. Motorists are left with the standard engine as their sole choice. Meanwhile, the Volvo SUV maintains a PHEV iteration – the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid – which puts the Audi Q5 to shame. This version of the Volvo model produces 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to race from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds – all while earning an EPA-estimated 63 MPGe (Combined).³ The Audi Q5 gets left in the dust with its 5.8-second 0-60 time.

If you want more output from a similarly styled Audi SUV, you'll have to upgrade to the Audi SQ5, which is a sportier sibling to the Audi Q5 – even that can't compete with the Volvo XC60 output and 0-60 time, though.

Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Dimensions & Size

While these luxury SUVs have similar length and height measurements, the Volvo XC60 is wider than the Audi Q5. This translates to more cargo space, as well as additional shoulder room in each row of the Volvo model. As you can see in the chart above, the Volvo XC60 has a maximum cargo volume of 63.3 cubic feet compared to 56.9 cubic feet for the Audi Q5. Meanwhile, the Volvo vehicle provides 58.2 inches and 56.3 inches of shoulder room in the front and rear, respectively. The Audi Q5 has 57.7 inches in front and 55.9 inches in back.

Both models can seat five across their two rows, each providing 38 inches of rear legroom. However, the Volvo XC60 provides an additional 0.6 inches of front legroom. All things considered, you're likely to be more comfortable in the Volvo SUV, and you'll have more room for your gear.

Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Interior Features

Features are another area where the Volvo XC60 outshines the Audi Q5. While they do share some similarities, such as standard heated front seats and 10-speaker audio systems, we think the Volvo XC60 is clearly the more premium SUV.

For instance, the Volvo XC60 comes standard with an 11.2-inch center display, a 12.3-inch driver information display, and a panoramic moonroof. Admittedly, the Audi Q5 has a slightly larger touchscreen, but that's about its only advantage. It has a smaller 11.9-inch digital instrument display, and you'll have to upgrade to a higher trim to get a panoramic roof. Plus, the Volvo model has unique offerings, like a standard crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®, that you won't find anywhere in the Audi Q5 lineup.

There are even greater differences when you compare the Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 safety features, which we do below.

Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Safety Rating & Features

Volvo Cars and the Audi brand are known for building some of the safest cars on the market. Both models include standard safety systems like Blind Spot Monitoring, Park Assist, Rear Park Assist Camera, and Lane Keeping Aid (names vary by OEM). That being said, the Volvo XC60 has a far more robust list of standard and available driver aids.

Adaptive Cruise Control is available for the Audi Q5, but it comes standard with the Volvo XC60. The Volvo XC60 also has some driver-assistance technologies that the Audi model doesn't offer, like a Slippery Road Alert, Whiplash Injury Protection, and an Intelligent Driver Information System.

While both of these SUVs earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),⁴ the Volvo XC60 can increase your on-road confidence with its advanced driver-support technologies.

Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Maintenance Cost

In addition to all the advantages the Volvo XC60 has over the Audi Q5, it is also easy to own. RepairPal reports that it costs around $746 to maintain a Volvo XC60 annually,⁵ while the Audi Q5 can cost around $928.⁶ In addition to lower ownership costs, you can rest assured that every new Volvo XC60 for sale comes with a Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance plan, which covers the first two years or 20,000 miles of ownership,⁷ whichever comes first.