Compare performance (367 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (46,400 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi Q5 or Volvo XC40?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the competitive landscape of luxury compact SUVs, the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC40 stand out as two premium choices. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of performance, technology, and comfort, appealing to discerning drivers. This comparison will delve into technical specifications and innovations that set these two SUVs apart, helping potential buyers make an informed decision.
The Audi Q5 boasts a diverse engine lineup that includes diesel MHEV, petrol MHEV, and plug-in hybrid options. Engine performance ranges from 163 hp to a powerful 367 hp, allowing for a generous choice depending on driving preferences. With a quick acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in as low as 4.5 seconds, the Q5 demonstrates raw power paired with efficiency, delivering a consumption rate as low as 5.6 L/100km.
In contrast, the Volvo XC40 focuses solely on petrol MHEV powertrains with outputs ranging from 163 hp to 197 hp. With a slightly slower acceleration time of 7.6 seconds for the more powerful variant, the XC40 achieves a commendable fuel consumption of around 6.5 L/100km. Despite being less potent than the Q5, the XC40’s performance is robust, making it suitable for urban and rural driving alike.
Both SUVs feature automatic transmission systems with dual-clutch technology, ensuring smooth and responsive gear shifts. The Audi Q5 offers versatility with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive configurations, catering to diverse driving conditions. The XC40, however, is limited to front-wheel drive, which might restrict its off-road capabilities compared to the more agile Q5.
When it comes to dimensions, the Audi Q5 is notably larger, measuring 4717 mm in length and 1900 mm in width, while the Volvo XC40 is more compact at 4425 mm in length and 1863 mm wide. This translates into a more spacious interior and trunk capacity in the Q5, offering up to 520 liters compared to XC40’s 452 liters. Both models comfortably accommodate five passengers, but the Q5 allows for more legroom and cargo space, making it ideal for family outings and longer trips.
Two of the most important aspects in the modern SUV market are safety and technology integration. The Q5 showcases cutting-edge technology with its Virtual Cockpit, which replaces traditional gauge displays with a fully digital interface that offers navigation, media, and driver assistance features directly within the driver’s line of sight. Furthermore, the Audi connect services offer enhanced connectivity, delivering real-time information to drivers.
The Volvo XC40 leans heavily on its Scandinavian roots, marrying safety with practicality. The XC40 is equipped with advanced safety systems like Pilot Assist and City Safety, which include features such as lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, the infotainment system is built around Google’s Android platform, delivering user-friendly technology that seamlessly integrates with smartphones.
When examining CO2 emissions, the XC40 has an edge with lower emissions ranging from 147 to 148 g/km, affirming Volvo's commitment to environmental sustainability. The Q5, while more powerful, emits between 146 to 213 g/km depending on the specific engine variant chosen. For eco-conscious buyers, both brands offer hybrid solutions that lower the carbon footprint while maintaining performance.
The decision between the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC40 fundamentally rests on individual preferences. The Q5 shines with its superior engine options, spacious interior, and advanced technological innovations, making it the better choice for those prioritizing performance and space. Meanwhile, the XC40 stands out for buyers seeking a compact SUV that emphasizes safety, environmental considerations, and a user-friendly tech interface.
Ultimately, both vehicles present unique advantages that can cater to varying lifestyles and driving needs, ensuring that shoppers can find a premium SUV that perfectly fits their requirements.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Volvo XC40 is slightly cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Audi Q5 costs 46,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,466 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi Q5 uses 2.5 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 4 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi Q5 offers clearly more power – delivering 367 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 170 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi Q5 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi Q5 delivers considerably more torque with 580 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 280 Nm more.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is a bit lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,910 kg. The difference is around 222 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Audi Q5 carries only slightly more – 565 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 33 kg.
The Audi Q5 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Audi Q5 is a refined compact luxury SUV that blends a plush, well-appointed interior with confident, composed handling suited to everyday driving. It’s a strong choice if you want a comfortable, technology-rich cabin and a practical, upscale package that feels polished on both city streets and longer trips.
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The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
46,400 - 79,600 £
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Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 8.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
92 - 100 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
56 - 189 g/km
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co2
148 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,910 - 2,245 kg
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Curb weight
1,688 kg
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Trunk capacity
433 - 520 L
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,900 mm
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Width
1,863 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
490 - 565 kg
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Payload
532 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
204 - 367 HP
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Power HP
163 - 197 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 8.6 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
340 - 580 Nm
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Torque
265 - 300 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
150 - 270 kW
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Power kW
120 - 145 kW
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Engine capacity
1,968 - 2,995 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
Volvo
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España