Volvo XC40 Vs. Audi Q3 In-Depth Comparison

The Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40. A battle between two excellent luxury SUVs. They are both beautiful to look at, luxurious, agile, powerful, and offer great technology features. You may not be surprised to know that, around here, we prefer the Volvo XC40. But we understand that every person should get to make this decision for themselves. Read on to see a detailed comparison of the Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40 so you can make an informed decision.

The Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40: Main Highlights

Many luxury SUVs are on the market, all fighting for your attention. In our opinion, the Audi Q3 is probably the top Volvo XC40 adversary. The Audi Q3 boasts a great combination of comfort and athleticism, a gorgeous interior cabin and innovative tech features. Additional features on the Audi Q3 include handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay®, Audi Virtual Cockpit technology and parking assist.

The Volvo XC40 boasts a range of potent powertrains, Scandinavian design details, spacious seating, and a range of standard features. Luxury appointments include Nubuck leather upholstery, sports suspension, power-folding rear headrests, and wireless device charging.

The Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40: Performance

The Audi Q3 only offers one engine option. The Audi Q3 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 184 or 228 horsepower. The difference is one of tuning, as opposed to two different engine designs. It is fun to drive and has plenty of muscle. The Audi Q3 also comes standard with quattro® all-wheel drive. A big downfall of the Audi Q3 is its meager EPA estimates. You'll get an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 MPG (city/highway/combined)³ with the S-line version of the vehicle.

The Volvo XC40 has one engine option on the standard vehicle; like the Audi Q3, it can be had with different tuning. The first is a turbocharged four-cylinder that gets 184 horsepower. The second is also a turbo-four, but it gets an impressive 248 horsepower. Even the first option gives you plenty of acceleration from a stop. You'll get an EPA-estimated 23/32/26 MPG (city/highway/combined)¹ on the Volvo XC40.

The Volvo XC40 is the first Volvo vehicle to have an available fully electric powertrain. This model is called the Volvo XC40 Recharge. The all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV not only gets you 85 MPGe (combined);⁴ it also has a whopping 402 horsepower. You can cruise around in style, passing gas stations left and right, in this version of the sleek Volvo XC40.

Regarding performance of the Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40, the Volvo SUV wins out. It has more options, including the all-electric powertrain, and gets better fuel economy ratings. The Volvo XC40 turning radius also makes it easy to park and maneuver on the road.

The Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40: Interior

Both of these vehicles shine in different ways in this category.

Let's start with the Audi Q3. The interior is high-tech and comfy. It boasts 23.7 cubic feet of space in the trunk and 48 cubic feet total, with the back row folded. Like the Volvo vehicle, the Audi seats five passengers. Leather upholstery and heated seats are standard. The seats are roomy for all passengers and can slide and recline.

The Volvo XC40 has an unmistakable, simplistic Scandinavian design filled with high-quality materials in the cabin. The Volvo XC40 has slightly less cargo space with the seats up, coming in at 20.7 cubic feet for the trunk, but it has 57.5 cubic feet of total space. The seats are highly cushioned, and the Volvo XC40 offers more passenger space in the second row than the Audi Q3.

This category of our matchup also goes to the Volvo XC40. The additional trunk space in the Audi Q3 is attractive, but we think the higher total space in the Volvo XC40 and the additional room in the second row outweigh this consideration.

The Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40: Safety

When it comes to safety, it is truly hard to beat any Volvo vehicle. Volvo Cars is known for being years ahead of the game in both safety research and innovation. Plus, the entire Volvo IntelliSafe list of features comes standard on every vehicle.

The IntelliSafe suite includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, oncoming collision mitigation, lane departure warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive headlights, automatic high beam headlights, and a rearview camera. The Volvo XC40 currently offers the most standard features amongst compact luxury SUVs.

The Audi Q3 comes with fewer standard safety features: a rearview camera, Audi Pre Sense Basic (which tightens seat belts if it senses a collision), blind-spot monitoring, and Audi Pre Sense Front (forward collision warning/braking). You have to pay a pretty penny extra for features like adaptive cruise control. Beyond this, there are some safety features the Volvo XC40 offers that the Audi Q3 can't even provide.

The Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40 battle isn't looking too hot for the Audi Q3.

The Audi Q3 vs. Volvo XC40: Standard Features

Safety isn't the only thing that comes standard with Volvo vehicles. Volvo Cars also doesn't charge you extra for the luxury tech features you deserve.

The Volvo XC40 Momentum (base trim) comes standard with:

Automatic climate control
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Auto-dimming outside mirrors
Leather upholstery
Nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Bluetooth®
Multiple USB ports
Satellite radio & HD radio
Eight-speaker premium sound system
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
The entire IntelliSafe Suite

Now that's a ton of features. Of course, you can add on other luxury appointments through packages, as well.

Let's see what the Audi Q3 offers standard:

MMI Infotainment System
8.8-inch touch screen
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
Leather upholstery
Bluetooth®
Multiple USB ports
Automatic climate control
Power liftgate
Panoramic sunroof
10-speaker stereo

As you can see, you get a lot more with the Volvo XC40. Are you ready for the kicker? The Volvo XC40 gives you more and costs less. The base model is more affordable than that of the Audi Q3, and this trend continues throughout the available trims.

The 2022 Audi Q3 vs. 2022 Volvo XC40: Get Your Winner at Volvo Cars Tampa

While we greatly admire the Audi Q3, it seems like the Volvo XC40 outperforms in most categories. If you're ready to get behind the wheel of the Volvo XC40, come visit our dealership today.

2023 Volvo XC40	vs.	2023 Audi Q3
2.0L	Engine displacement	2.0L
Inline 4	Engine configuration	Inline 4
194 hp @ 4,700 rpm	Engine power	184 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Front-wheel drive	Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive
8-speed shiftable automatic	Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic
3,726 lbs.	Curb weight	3,902 lbs.
5	Seating Capacity	5
20.4 cu. ft.	Cargo Space	23.7 cu. ft.
New Volvo XC40 For Sale		Used Audi Q3 For Sale

FAQ

Which is bigger: The Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40?

The Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40 are very comparable in size. The Audi Q3 is longer and taller at 176.6 inches long and 62.9 inches tall than the 174.2-inch length of the Volvo XC40 and its 65.3-inch height. The Volvo vehicle, however, is a bit wider. Inside, though, the Volvo XC40 has more overall cargo space with the seats folded down – in addition to simply being the more comfortable car.

Which is more expensive: The Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40?

The base model of the Volvo XC40 is less expensive than the base Audi Q3. Their prices vary as you climb through the tree of trims, but the Volvo XC40 consistently offers a better value for your hard-earned money. It has more standard features than the Audi Q3 and a more comprehensive suite of safety technology. The super fuel economy of the Volvo XC40 will also help you save money at the pump.

Which one is better: The Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40?

Both of these are excellent cars, but the Volvo XC40 has the Audi Q3 beat. It has better gas mileage, more overall cargo space, and a superior array of safety technology and luxury features. You and your loved ones will feel like you're living a life of true luxury when you start driving a Volvo XC40.

Best 3rd Row Luxury SUVs	New Volvo XC40 SUVs For Sale
Volvo XC60 vs. XC40 SUV Comparison	Used Volvo XC40 SUVs For Sale

¹For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

²23 city/30 highway/26 combined city/hwy MPG Audi Q3 quattro. EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

³21 city/28 highway/24 combined city/hwy MPG Audi Q3 S-line quattro. EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁴This is an electric vehicle. Since electricity is not measured in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). EPA-estimated 92 city/79 highway/85 combined MPGe. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle battery-package/condition, and other factors. For more information, including information on MPGe, see www.fueleconomy.gov

Volvo Cars Tampa - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)