The larger, more potent engine in the Q7 gives it the advantage over the XC90. It accelerates more quickly and gains speed more quickly, allowing it to easily pass slower traffic. Nevertheless, the XC90 never feels underpowered and enjoys cruising at highway speeds, unconcerned by inclination or passing other cars.
The smoother and quieter engine of the Audi goes along with its increased speed. The Volvo’s diesel, in contrast, has a tiny bit more background rumble, which is most noticeable in populated areas or while accelerating quickly.
Both vehicles have eight-speed automatic transmissions with manual overrides that shift smoothly, but only the Q7 has paddle shifters located on the steering wheel.
The adaptive air suspension systems in our two test vehicles were optional, and there is a noticeable variation in how each is set up. Because the Volvo is stiffer and more securely fastened, its body leans less in turns than the Audi’s. It feels lighter and more agile than the other because of its sharper steering.
The Audi, in comparison, seems heavier, even when the suspension is set to the firmest Dynamic level. Its body sags a bit more than the Volvo’s does, and the steering is less responsive.
As a result, driving the Audi quickly is less fun, but it makes up for this by being the superior cruiser. Its suspension is able to smooth out the XC90’s jittery ride even on the optional 21-inch wheels, and it is the less likely of the two to thump over major potholes. Additionally, suspension noise is reduced.
The Q7 maintains the trend of cabin refinement by making less noise from the wind and the road. But don’t think the Volvo is a noisy, uncomfortable vehicle. Although it is far from it, the Audi has a higher level of refinement.
In This Article...
Is an Audi or a Volvo safer?
Unique safety features can only be offered by one high-end brand. Volvo outperforms Audi in terms of safety, from the 360-degree surround view camera to the partially autonomous drive technology Pilot Assist.
Volvo or Audi: whose maintenance costs are less?
Despite being more expensive than other premium models according to a list made by Your Mechanic Inc., Volvos are less expensive to maintain. Volvo cars typically cost $100 more to maintain over a ten-year ownership period than Audi models.
Do Volvos frequently experience issues?
The majority of Volvo models are quite reliable and safe cars. These expensive vehicles are renowned for their high fuel efficiency, plush interiors, and extensive use of driver assistance technologies. Some Volvo models are quite fast, yet they will never be the fastest vehicles on the track. However, as no car is faultless, Volvo xc90 issues do occasionally arise.
Volvos have a comparatively low number of reported issues when compared to other luxury vehicles. The XC90 SUV is the one with the most complaints, according to CarComplaints. The XC90 has a reputation for having a loud engine noise in the cabin, despite the fact that reviews are usually favourable. Here are a few more irksome problems the XC90 drivers have encountered.
Does Volvo outperform German automobiles?
Compared to their German rivals, Volvo cars are much more reliable, sensibly designed, and have more consistent quality. Mercedes experienced severe corrosion issues in the early 2000s because of subpar steel, whereas Volvo has never experienced corrosion issues.
Do Volvos make good purchases?
Volvo is a forward-thinking, safety-conscious automaker with a long history of producing dependable vehicles.
The company created its first model in 1927 after realizing the demand for a vehicle that could survive the harsh conditions of Swedish roads and weather. They have now introduced a variety of automobiles to foreign markets.
There is a wide variety of Volvos to fit all lifestyles and driving requirements, from sleek sedans like the S60 to contemporary family cars like the V60.
It’s never simple to choose what make and model of used car to buy. Every brand has distinctive attributes and features, some of which are more dependable than others.
Here are Volvo’s ratings for long-term dependability:
Reliability Ratings
The annual Consumer Reports Auto Reliability study, which compiles information from the experiences of thousands of owners of automobiles that are roughly three years old, can be used to assess the dependability of popular car models.
Each car model is assigned a score, and the lower the number of issues recorded in the previous 12 months, the higher the score.
The Volvo brand received a high score of 93.8 percent in 2020, placing it at number 16 in the rankings.
When compared:
- Ford was ranked 18th with a score of 93.7 percent.
- Volkswagen came in 20th place with a slightly lower score of 93.2 percent.
- Lexus, Mitsubishi, and Toyota were determined to be the most dependable automakers, with a reliability rating of 98.7%, 97.9%, and 97.7%, respectively.
This suggests that owners of Volvos required fewer repairs overall than those of Ford or Volkswagens, and that they also experienced considerably fewer breakdowns than Tesla automobiles.
How is Reliability Judged?
When rating a car’s dependability, the assessor considers a variety of characteristics and adds them together to produce an overall score. The frequency of car breakdowns is one of these variables.
The seriousness of the problems encountered, the cost of repairs, and the length of time required for each repair are additional factors. A car’s general maintenance requirements to keep it in good working order are also considered.
In reliability studies, a large sample size is always employed to take into account potential confounding factors. For instance, careless driving may cause some automotive components to degrade more quickly.
Much older cars are also excluded from reliability studies since after a certain age, a car’s reliability may depend on how well it has been maintained, but defects in the first few years of a car’s lifecycle can be caused by how it was manufactured. A vehicle’s lifetime, for instance, might be increased with routine maintenance.
Avoiding significant changes to an area of a model redesign is one strategy that automakers can use to reduce the likelihood of any unanticipated flaws, like as problems with new technological systems.
The reliability ratings for vehicle manufacturers who embrace this design strategy are typically greater than those for those who do not.
Why Does Volvo Score So Well?
On average, Volvo vehicles appear to be a little bit older than other manufacturers of vehicles when they first have mechanical problems. Additionally, they spend less time in the repair shop.
The three-point seat belt, the seat belt reminder, and the side impact protection system were all first introduced by Volvo, which is arguably best renowned for its safety features. Roll-over prevention and a blind spot information system are more recent additions.
This brand of car is regarded as a dependable alternative in part because to its consistent design. Volvo has spent time and money perfecting this design because the undercarriage of most of their vehicles is the same.
Even the best automobiles occasionally have issues. Volvo vehicles have a history of having minor software and satellite navigation system bugs.
Audi and Volvo interchangeably?
The major automakers with present presences in the United States are listed below, along with the brands they sell.
BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce are all owned by BMW Group. Smart and Mercedes-Benz are owned by Daimler AG. Lincoln and Ford are owned by Ford Motor Co. Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac all belong to General Motors. Hummer is back as a GMC subsidiary brand. In order to co-develop EVs, GM and Honda have an official collaboration. Acura and Honda are owned by Honda Motor Co. It collaborates with GM. Sony Honda Mobility is the name of the electric vehicle firm they founded with Sony. Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia are all owned by Hyundai Motor Group. Mazda is owned by Mazda Motor Corp. Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Infiniti are all owned by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Following the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A., a new company called Stellantis was created. According to the explanation, the word is derived from the Latin verb “stello,” which means “to dazzle with stars.” Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram are now under Stellantis and are FCA brands that are offered in the United States. Other Stellantis automobile brands include Citroen, DS Automobiles, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall. Subaru is owned by Subaru Corp. Jaguar and Land Rover are owned by Tata Motors. Owned by Tesla. Lexus and Toyota are owned by Toyota Motor Corp. Additionally, it owns stock in Suzuki and Subaru. The automotive brand VinFast, along with VinHomes, VinBigData, VinBioCare, and VinBrain, are all owned by VinGroup. Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Volkswagen are all brands owned by Volkswagen AG. Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus are all brands owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH).
Are Volvo cars durable?
The good news for owners is that Volvo Cars is a reputable company when it comes to building durable cars. A Volvo car should last 20 years on average if regular maintenance plans are followed.
Is Volvo still the most secure vehicle?
Now that we know why Volvo is regarded as the safest automaker available, we can say with confidence that the 2019 XC40 is the safest compact SUV, having received a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus. With a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, the 2019 XC60 is the safest midsize luxury SUV.
Is Lexus superior to Volvo?
Lexus vehicles frequently come in first place when ranking the best luxury cars for the money. That’s because the automaker produces dependable and secure vehicles, just like its parent business, Toyota. Unexpectedly, the 2021 Volvo XC90 just defeated the 2021 Lexus RX in a competition for the most affordable luxury SUV.
Is a Volvo a luxury vehicle?
Volvo does indeed produce expensive cars. For their high-end features, plush interiors, and continuously excellent safety standards, Volvo cars and SUVs are highly regarded. Every Volvo car has an exterior design that exudes luxury car elegance and an unmatched build quality.