Compare the2024 Audi Q4 e-tronVS 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Both the Q4 e-tron and the XC40 Recharge have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Audi Q4 e-tron is safer than the XC40 Recharge:

The Audi Q4 e-tron achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The XC40 Recharge is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 6 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The Q4 50 e-tron’s standard electric motors produces 47 more horsepower (295 vs. 248) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (339 vs. 310) than the XC40 Recharge Single Motor’s standard electric motor.

For better stopping power the Q4 e-tron 50’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the XC40 Recharge:

The Q4 e-tron stops shorter than the XC40 Recharge:

The Q4 e-tron offers an optional or off-road. The XC40 Recharge’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q4 e-tron’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the XC40 Recharge (108.7 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Q4 e-tron 40’s turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the XC40 Recharge’s (33.5 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Q4 e-tron has .9 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom and 1.1 inches more rear legroom than the XC40 Recharge.

The Q4 e-tron has a much larger cargo volume than the XC40 Recharge with its rear seat up (24.8 vs. 16 cubic feet).

The Q4 e-tron’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC40 Recharge’s (2205 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volvo XC40 Recharge is only 2000 pounds. The Q4 e-tron offers up to a 2646 lbs. towing capacity.

The Q4 e-tron offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Q4 e-tron to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. Heated windshield washer nozzles cost extra on the XC40 Recharge.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Q4 e-tron has standard extendable sun visors. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Q4 e-tron Premium Plus/Prestige’s Park Steering Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The XC40 Recharge doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q4 e-tron, based on reliability, safety and performance.