Compare the2025 Volvo XC60VS 2024 Audi Q3

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the XC60 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Q3 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Volvo XC60 offers optional built in child booster seats. They’re more crash worthy than an added child seat because of their direct attachment to the seat. Audi doesn’t offer the convenience and security of a built-in child booster seat in the Q3. Their owners must carry a heavy booster seat in and out of the vehicle; XC60 owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the XC60 deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The XC60’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Q3’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The XC60 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The Q3 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its standard Collision Warning with Full Autobrake, the Volvo XC60 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Audi Q3, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	XC60	Q3
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	-22 MPH	-8 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	-24 MPH	No Slowing
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	-23 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	2 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-11 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	.6 sec	No Warning

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XC60 has standard CTA Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Q3 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The XC60’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the XC60 and the Q3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, 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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volvo XC60 is safer than the Audi Q3:

	XC60	Q3
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	125	326
Neck Injury Risk	22%	39%
Neck Stress	198 lbs.	343 lbs.
Neck Compression	15 lbs.	35 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	178	346
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	28%	35%
Neck Stress	179 lbs.	186 lbs.
Neck Compression	55 lbs.	83 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the XC60 is much safer than the Q3:

	XC60	Q3
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	MARGINAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volvo XC60 is safer than the Audi Q3:

	XC60	Q3
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	73	88
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	190 lbs.	333 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	13 inches
HIC	237	504
Spine Acceleration	29 G’s	47 G’s
Hip Force	410 lbs.	485 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

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 Volvo XC60 is safer than the Q3:

	XC60	Q3
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	106	190
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	335 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.59 in	1.06 in
Shoulder Force	89 lbs.	290 lbs.
Pelvis Force	1205 lbs.	1406 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	195	329
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	112 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.22 in	2.01 in
Shoulder Force	357 lbs.	379 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.26 in	1.73 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	11 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Warranty

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC60 for 3 years and 30,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Q3.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the XC60 has a standard 800-amp battery (850 T8). The Q3’s 680-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the XC60 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the XC60’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Q3’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Volvo vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 30 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Volvo higher than Audi.

Engine

The XC60 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 63 more horsepower (247 vs. 184) and 45 lbs.-ft. more torque (266 vs. 221) than the Q3 40 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The XC60 B5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 19 more horsepower (247 vs. 228) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (266 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The XC60 T8’s standard 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid produces 227 more horsepower (455 vs. 228) and 272 lbs.-ft. more torque (523 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Q3 45 TFSI:

	XC60	Q3
Zero to 60 MPH	6.2 sec	8.5 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	16.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.5 MPH	85.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XC60 running on electricity gets better mileage than the Q3:

			MPGe
XC60
	AWD	T8 Electric Motor	66 city/60 hwy
Q3
			MPG
	AWD	40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
		45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the XC60 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Q3:

			MPG
XC60
	AWD	2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	28 city/28 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/30 hwy
Q3
	AWD	40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
		45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy

The XC60 T8 Extended Range can travel with zero emissions for 35 miles. The Q3 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the XC60’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Q3 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The XC60 has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q3 (18.8 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The XC60 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Q3 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC60’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q3:

	XC60	XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered	Q3
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	15.7 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	12.6 inches	11.8 inches
Opt Rear Rotors			12.2 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC60’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Q3 (265/35R22 vs. 255/45R19).

The XC60’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q3’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XC60 offers optional 21-inch wheels. The Q3’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

Suspension and Handling

The XC60 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Q3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The XC60 Ultimate has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The XC60’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Q3 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XC60’s wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the Q3 (112.8 inches vs. 105.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XC60 is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than on the Q3.

The XC60 B5 Core handles at .87 G’s, while the Q3 pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The XC60 B5 Core executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the Q3 (26.6 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the XC60’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Q3’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the XC60 has a 3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q3 (8.5 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the XC60 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The design of the Volvo XC60 amounts to more than styling. The XC60 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is significantly lower than the Q3 (.38 to .39) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the XC60 get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The XC60 has 19 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Q3 (103 vs. 84).

The XC60 has 1.5 inches more front legroom, 1.5 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom, 1.9 inches more rear legroom and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Q3.

Cargo Capacity

The XC60 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q3 with its rear seat folded (63.3 vs. 48 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the XC60 easier. The XC60’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 26 inches, while the Q3’s liftover is 27.8 inches.

The XC60’s cargo area is larger than the Q3’s in almost every dimension:

	XC60	Q3
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	37.8”/68.8”	34”/65”
Max Width	43.5”	54”
Min Width	41.5”	39”
Height	30.6”	28”

Towing

The XC60’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q3’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the XC60 uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q3 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

The XC60 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Q3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the Q3, the XC60 Ultra/Polestar has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The XC60 Ultra/Polestar has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Q3 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XC60 has standard Keyless Entry & Drive that allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. The Audi Advanced Key costs extra on the Q3.

The XC60’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Q3’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC60 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Q3 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Consumer Reports rated the XC60’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Q3’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC60 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Q3 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Q3 Premium Plus’ cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The XC60’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

When the XC60 is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Q3’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Volvo XC60 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the Q3.

Both the XC60 and the Q3 have standard heated front seats. The XC60 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Q3.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the XC60 Ultra keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Q3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the XC60’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Q3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The XC60 Ultra offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Q3.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XC60 is less expensive to operate than the Q3 because it costs $64 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the XC60 than the Q3, including $161 less for a water pump, $116 less for a starter, $390 less for front struts, $420 less for a timing belt/chain and $631 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the XC60 as the 2018 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The Q3 has never been chosen.

The Volvo XC60 outsold the Audi Q3 by 79% during 2023.

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