Compare

Audi Q7 vs Volvo XC90

2026 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Volvo XC90 — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Audi Q7

2026 Audi Q7

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS2 – 4Volvo XC90 wins 4 of 6 categories
Volvo XC90

2026 Volvo XC90

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

Swap in a different car →

The short version

The Volvo XC90 is more fuel-efficient: 27 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $700 a year less in fuel for the Volvo XC90 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Audi Q7 is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Volvo XC90 has had fewer recall campaigns (28 vs 31).

The two cars

The 2026 Audi Q7 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,938 lb.

The 2026 Volvo XC90 is a standard SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 196 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,449 lb (4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2024 Q7 and the 2018 XC90 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 Q7 and the 2016 XC90.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

22 MPG
Best combined MPG
27 MPG
20 city
City / highway MPG (best)
26 city
$3,750
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,050

Performance & space

335 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
455 hp
–
Seats (most)
7
199.2 in
Length
195.7 in
77.6 in
Width
79.1 in
68.5 in
Height
70.1 in
4,938 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,449 lb

Safety & reliability

14
Driver-assist features standard
13
1
Recalls (2026)
1
31
Recalls, all years since 2005
28
2
Owner complaints (latest year)
8

Interest

17,245
Wikipedia views, 30 days
17,920

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2018
2017
Year to avoid
2016

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Audi Q7 if…

  • You want more room (4 in longer)

Choose the Volvo XC90 if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (27 vs 22 MPG)
  • You want more power (up to 455 vs 335 hp)
  • You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Audi Q7

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Volvo XC90

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
  • Strong performanceUp to 455 hp, versus about 335 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Audi Q7 specs →Full 2026 Volvo XC90 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →