How Does the Volvo XC60 Compare to its Philadelphia-Area Competition?
In the competitive luxury compact SUV market, two models stand out for their beautiful styling and European cool. While both the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 seat five across two rows, come with all-wheel drive as a standard feature and have been redesigned for the 2018 model years, there are some differences between the two that we'd like to highlight for you.
Price
We chose mid trim-level options of each SUV, putting the 2018 Volvo XC60 Inscription up against the 2018 Audi Q5 Premium Plus. Both come in at nearly the same Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, but the XC60 does come in with an MSRP that's $200 less than that of the Q5.
Performance
Both SUVs offer all the performance you need to navigate your way through Trevose, Langhorne and Bensalem traffic, with each featuring a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine -- though fairness requires us to mention that the Q5 makes two whole more horsepower than does the XC60. While the Audi Q5 achieves slightly better city fuel economy ratings, the Volvo XC60 enjoys a similar advantage when it comes to highway efficiency.
Features
As you might expect, both SUVs are loaded with standard features. However, even when they offer the same features, there are some slight differences. For instance, both are equipped with LED headlights -- but only the XC60 includes a cornering feature to illuminate your path on turns. Other features that are standard on the XC60 but either offered only as options or not available for the Q5 include a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, a power sunshade for the panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control and Nappa leather seating.
Safety
The Volvo XC60 comes with standard Sensus Navigation, while navigation is an expensive option for the Audi Q5. While both models feature the standard rearview camera, the XC60 adds standard Park Assist -- another pricey add-on for the Audi. Finally, the XC60 is the only one of the two SUVs to include Road Sign Information technology with the head-up display.