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The Volvo XC60 was first launched in 2008 and brought a new style for Volvo's 60 Series models. The first generation was refreshed in 2013 before a second generation launch in 2017. The second generation brought with it only four cylinder engines and the option to choose a hybrid and in the 2017-2018 year the Volvo XC60 was named Car of the Year Japan.
The Audi Q5 also launched in 2008 after being unveiled at both the Beijing Auto Show and Los Angeles Auto Show that year. A second generation was launched in 2017 and has been in production since, with a facelift model launching in 2021. It has expanded to include the Q5 Sportback, SQ5 versions and the Q5 TFSI E which is a plug in hybrid.
Our guide will compare the Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5 and highlight where they differ and where they are similar so that you can decide which model will suit you best.
The Audi Q5's latest version has been tweaked a little to give it a more of an adventurous look with 18 inch alloys, the large iconic Audi front grill, and a ground clearance of 197mm. The current model also has new LED headlights and reprofiled side skirts.
The Volvo XC60 is a little higher at 211mm and can be recognised by the rectangular and strong looking front grilles and signature headlights with "Thor's Hammer" detailing for the running lights. The XC60 has also had a re-sculpted bonnet, a bigger Volvo badge, horizontal grille lines and chrome details.
The XC60 is 26mm longer but the Q5 is 41mm wider and 4mm taller. Not much difference really between them so you'll have ample room regardless of which one you choose.
Both models are very similar in terms of comfort and interior quality. You can expect to be surrounded by leather upholstery, adjustment and lumbar support for the front seats, and heated front seats. As well as this, both have comprehensive touch screen infotainment systems and digital driver displays.
Rear passengers will have 10mm more headroom in the Audi Q5, whilst those in the front will benefit from an additional 65mm of room above their heads. Neither model will see tall passengers having to feel like they need to duck but the Audi has little more height.
As a five seater the Volvo XC60 has more boot space with 613 litres compared to 550 litres in the Audi Q5. Both models lose some of their cargo space when they are plug in hybrids to 598 in the XC60 and 465 in the Q5 as the electric motor is located in the rear of the car.
Folding the rear seats will give you 1410 litres (or 1395 litres in the hybrid) for the Volvo compared 1520 litres (1405 litres for the hybrid) in the Audi. Either model will give you ample room but the XC60 pips the Q5 in both configurations.
However, the Audi Q5 space is a little more adaptable with a 40/20/20 split for the rear seats compared to the 60/40 of the Volvo XC60 which makes it ideal if you need some extra room but still have a full car of passengers.
The XC60 has more driver assistance and additional safety features included as standard on its entry level trim. These include rear cross traffic alert, full auto brake and rear auto brake, oncoming lane mitigation, traffic sign recognition, whiplash protection system, and slippery road and hazard light alert.
The XC60 also now includes the previously optional air suspension as standard across the range as well as power seat adjustment for the front seats, Google Automotive Services with a 4 year data plan, wireless phone charging, and automatic headlight levelling.
On the other hand the Audi Q5 offers 3 zone climate control, a 40/20/40 split for the rear seats, Amazon Alexa integration, wireless phone connection, and an LED interior lighting package.
Both models do continue to offer more luxury equipment such as a power tailgate, a rear view camera, blind spot monitoring, a head up display, and adaptive cruise control when you upgrade to some of the higher trim levels available.
Both the Volvo XC60 and the Audi Q5 offer petrol, petrol electric hybrid, and diesel engines in their line ups.
The most powerful internal combustion engine from both models is the 2.0 litre petrol, four cylinder engine available on the Q5. This offers 261HP and a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds, 11HP and 0.8 seconds more than the XC60.
The diesel and petrol engine options on both models perform fairly well, although the XC60 engines have slightly better fuel economy when compared to their Q5 counterparts. The largest difference in fuel economy comes from the plug in hybrid versions of each model.
If you're looking to reduce your fuel consumption then either of the brand's hybrid version will be able to help you. The Audi Q5 TFSI E offers 188.3 mpg combined but the XC60 Recharge really knocks it out of the park with a combined mpg of 282.5 which places it on par with some of the best plug in hybrids on the market. Both of these use regenerative braking
Both models have a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP but looking at the individual categories it is the XC60 which has a slightly higher score each time.
The Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 are both great luxury vehicles and either would be a good option for your next new car. Either model will give you efficient engines that are packed with power, huge amounts of exciting and useful equipment, and the security of two of the largest and most well known names in the automotive world.
If you're still deciding between the two cars, our helpful teams at our John Clark Volvo sites in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh and our Audi sites in Dundee and Aberdeen are always on hand to answer any further questions and let you see our test car for each model in person.
