Audi Q5 Vs. BMW X3 Vs. Volvo XC60: SUV Comparison

Volvo XC60 Vs Audi Q5 Vs BMW X3

The field of two-row luxury SUVs is stacked with options, but comparing the top three models means comparing the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60. When you make that comparison, you'll find that, in everything from performance to features, the Volvo XC60 can leave the others behind and take first place. See why with our guide below, then visit O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville to experience the winning attributes of a new Volvo XC60 with a test drive.

Compare Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 SUVs At a Glance


  • The Volvo XC60 exceeds the Audi Q5 for standard power and both the Q5 and the BMW X3 for available MPGs.
  • The Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 have standard AWD, but the BMW X3 does not.
  • The Volvo XC60 has more cargo room than the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
  • Only the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 have plug-in hybrid variants, and the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid offers better specs all around.


Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Comparison

Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Performance

Kicking off the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 performance battle, the Audi Q5 has standard AWD, 201 horsepower, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds. The Volvo XC60 has standard AWD, 247 horsepower, and a 6.5-second 0-60 mph time. The Volvo XC60 has an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined,1 while the closest Audi Q5 in terms of power, the upgraded 45 TFSI, has an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined.2

Additionally, both models have plug-in hybrid variants. You can choose the Audi Q5 55 TFSI with 362 horsepower, a five-second 0-60 mph time, and 23 miles of electric range3 or the Volvo XC60 Recharge with 455 horsepower, a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time, and 35 miles of electric range.4

Volvo XC60 Audi Q5
# of Seats 5 5
Standard Engine 2.0L Turbo 4Cyl 2.0L Turbo 4Cyl
Horsepower (Standard/Available) 247 / 455 201 / 362
0-60 (standard/Available) 6.5 / 4.5 s 6.8 / 5.0 s
Standard Torque 258 lb-ft 236 lb-ft
Plug-In Hybrid Variant Electric Range: 35 mi 4 23 mi 3
Maximum Cargo Space 63.3 cu ft 54 cu ft

Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Interior Features

Specs are a major part of the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 SUV showdown, but where you'll use them is equally important.

There's a panoramic moonroof, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and Google built-in infotainment services as standard inside the Volvo XC60. The Audi Q5, meanwhile, has a standard 7-inch cluster, requires a trim upgrade or an optional package to get a sunroof, and does not offer those next-generation Google services. Both vehicles have standard heated front seats and a power tailgate, but while the Volvo XC60 has standard driver's seat memory, the Audi Q5, once again, has it as part of an optional package.

Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 Dimensions & Cargo Space

All sides of the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 comparison are quite equal in exterior size. The Volvo XC60 is 185.4 inches long, 83.3 inches wide when including the side mirrors, and 65.4 inches tall. The Audi Q5 is 184.3 inches long, 84.2 inches wide (with mirrors included), and 65.4 inches tall.

However, the Volvo XC60 is the most cargo-capable model in the entire Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 battle; it offers 63.3 cubic feet of cargo room when you fold down the rear seats. In comparison, the Audi Q5, which is nearly identical in size to the Volvo XC60, only has 54 cubic feet of rear-seats-down cargo room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Audi Q5 bigger than the Volvo XC60?

The Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 are within an inch of each other in terms of size, but the Audi Q5 is wider. When the mirrors are unfolded and included, the Audi Q5 is 84.2 inches wide, while the Volvo XC60 is a more agile 83.3 inches wide.

What is the Volvo equivalent to the Audi Q5?

The Volvo XC60 is the equivalent Volvo model to the Audi Q5. Both cars are midsize two-row crossover SUVs with a focus on luxury and mild hybrid efficiency. Both have standard AWD, but the Volvo XC60 offers many advantages, like a larger cargo area and faster standard 0-60 mph time.

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Comparison

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Performance

The BMW X3 has the same standard torque output (258 pound-feet) and engine format (2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder) as the new Volvo XC60, but it doesn't have standard AWD. If you do opt for AWD, the BMW X3 will deliver an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined.5 An AWD Volvo XC60 delivers an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined.1

This BMW also falls to last place in the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 comparison for its lack of plug-in hybrid power. The BMW X3 M40i does try to compete with the 455-horsepower Volvo XC60 Recharge by offering 382 horsepower, but its lower power and lack of electric range leave much to be desired.

Volvo XC60 BMW X3
# of Seats 5 5
Standard Engine 2.0L Turbo 4Cyl 2.0L Turbo 4Cyl
Horsepower (Standard/Available) 247 / 455 248 / 382
AWD Standard Optional
Standard Torque 258 lb-ft 258 lb-ft
EPA-Estimated MPG (Combined - w/ AWD): 25 1 24 5
Cargo Space 63.3 cu ft 62.7 cu ft

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Interior Features

Like the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 just lacks the generosity needed to win the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 standard features comparison. The BMW X3 falls behind because it also needs an upgrade to get a moonroof and doesn't offer Google built-in services. Both the BMW and Volvo models have available wood decor, but with more interesting decor options like Driftwood, Linear Limewood, or iron-ore-inspired Aluminum in the Volvo XC60, we think it offers a better experience than the BMW X3 does.

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Dimensions & Cargo Space

As mentioned, the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 dimensions comparison doesn't have many differences to note. The BMW X3 is larger than what you'll get with our Volvo XC60 lease deals, measuring 0.5 inches longer, 0.9 inches wider (with mirrors), and 0.6 inches taller than this two-row Volvo SUV.

SImilar to the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 lacks the cargo room necessary to win. It falls short with 62.7 cubic feet against the Volvo model's 63.3 cubic feet, although it comes closer than the Audi SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Volvo XC60 better than the BMW X3?

The Volvo XC60 is better than the BMW X3 in many ways, including its standard AWD and panoramic moonroof, which are both optional on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 with AWD delivers lower MPGs than the Volvo XC601, 5 while making identical torque, and plug-in hybrid power is not available.

Is the Volvo XC60 more comfortable than the BMW X3?

Volvo vehicles compete on equal ground with BMW for pricing yet offer many desirable luxury and comfort features that their German counterparts don't have. From a standard panoramic moonroof in the Volvo XC60 and an optional equivalent in the BMW X3, a Volvo vehicle is better for value.

Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 Comparison

Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 Performance

Recapping the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 comparison, the Audi Q5 is the weakest model by far in terms of horsepower. The BMW X3 makes more power but also lacks standard AWD. It also has the worst combined MPG rating in this comparison when you factor in AWD,1, 2, 5 and it lacks a plug-in hybrid model. We think the Audi Q5 wins this round for those reasons.

Audi Q5 BMW X3
# of Seats 5 5
Standard Engine 2.0L Turbo 4Cyl 2.0L Turbo 4Cyl
Horsepower (Standard/Available) 201 / 362 248 / 382
AWD Standard Optional
Standard Torque 236 lb-ft 258 lb-ft
EPA-Estimated MPG (Combined - w/ AWD): 26 2 24 5
Cargo Space 54 cu ft 62.7 cu ft

Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 Interior Features

This round goes to the BMW X3 because it has a more timeless interior design and a larger standard digital gauge cluster than the Audi Q5. Still, since both of these models share deficiencies, like the lack of a standard panoramic moonroof, the Volvo XC60 is the better choice. It also happens to be the best-selling SUV in our selection of Volvo deals.

Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 Dimensions & Cargo Space

The BMW X3 wins against the Audi Q5 in this round for the same reason that the Volvo XC60 beats it: more cargo space. The Audi Q5 has 54 cubic feet of cargo room, which, compared with the 62.7 cubic feet found in a BMW X3, is more akin to a compact model. It's the most disappointing spec in the entire Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW X3 better than the Audi Q5?

With more standard power and cargo room, and what many consider to be a more attractive interior, the BMW X3 can be better than the Audi Q5. However, the Audi Q5 has standard AWD and a plug-in hybrid model, while the BMW X3 does not.

Does the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3 have better gas mileage?

The Audi Q5 gets better gas mileage than the BMW X3. When considering the standard AWD of the Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60 and configuring a BMW X3 with similar all-wheel traction, the X3 gets the worst gas mileage in the Audi Q5 Vs. BMW X3 Vs. Volvo XC60 comparison.1, 2, 5

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

223 city/29 highway/29 combined MPG (2024 Audi Q5 40 TFSI). 22 city/28 highway/24 combined MPG (2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

3EPA estimated total range for plug-in hybrid cars in miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.

4Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.

5Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.