Compare the Volvo XC90 vs. The Competition

2022-Volvo-XC90-Inscription-T6-WheelAddOn-SUV-L03.jpeg

Compare the Volvo XC90 to the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Lexus RX L in Austin

With its elegant accommodations, practical versatility, and wealth of appealing amenities, the Volvo XC90 is a superb choice for Austin-area families seeking a premium SUV experience. It's comfortable, roomy, stylish, and generously equipped, including an extensive roster of advanced safety technologies as standard equipment. Plus, with three potent powertrain options and Volvo's peerless Scandinavian craftsmanship, the XC90 is one of the appealing three-row luxury SUVs in its class. And discerning drivers from San Marcos to Pflugerville, TX, can find it here at Volvo Cars of Austin.

While the XC90 isn't alone in the segment, it delivers a complete package that's tough to beat. To show you what we mean, here's a look at how it measures up against three prominent class competitors: the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Lexus RX L.

Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7

Third-Row Accommodations

While the third row in many midsize luxury crossovers is suitable for only small children, your rear-seat passengers will appreciate the extra space provided by the Volvo XC90. It offers nearly three more inches of third-row legroom (31.9 vs. 29.2) than the Audi Q7 and almost a half-inch more headroom (36.3 vs. 35.9).

Cargo Space

Besides additional seatbelts, one of the primary reasons Lakeway TX families choose an SUV is the extra room for their errands or adventures. And the Volvo XC90 offers cavernous cargo capacity compared to the Q7. The XC90 provides nearly 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats for your luggage or grocers. When you need more room, you can fold the second row to access 42 cubic feet. And with the second row folded as well, available capacity expands to 86 cubic feet. The Audi Q7 measures just 14, 36, and 70 cubic feet, respectively.

Driver Aids

Both the XC90 and Q7 offer advanced safety features and driver-assistance technologies as standard equipment, including collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the XC90's base trim includes numerous driver aids that are only available via the Q7s higher tiers, if they're available at all. Other standard technologies of the XC90 include:

  • Volvo Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-tracing
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Keeping Aid
  • Road Sign Information
  • Run-off Road Mitigation
  • Oncoming Lane Mitigation
  • LED steering-adaptive headlights

    • Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5

    Accommodations and Cargo Space

    With three rows of roomy seating, the Volvo XC90 is better suited to larger Bee Cave families than the two-row X5. And even if you don't require the extra seatbelts, you can still benefit from the XC90's more capacious cargo area. While the X5 and XC90 have similar exterior dimensions, the XC90 offers more room inside for your things. It has 42 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. In comparison, the BMW X5 offers 34 and 72 cubic feet, respectively.

    Driver Aids

    The Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 are both nicely equipped with abundant standard features, including many driver-assistance technologies like forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. However, the XC90's base trim also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid, evasive steering, and rear automatic braking-all features that require an additional expensive package on the X5. The XC90 also comes standard with Volvo's advanced Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system on all trim levels. BMW's Driving Assistance Professional is only available as a costly option on the X5.

    Plug-in Hybrid

    While the XC90 and X5 both offer an available plug-in hybrid powertrain with pure-electric driving capability, the XC90 Recharge is more powerful and more efficient (and less of a mouthful) than the X5 xDrive45e. Recharge's twincharged 2.0-liter powertrain produces 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque and achieves an EPA-estimated 55 MPGe (27 mpg using only gasoline). By comparison, the BMW X5 xDrive45e makes 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque while achieving an EPA-estimated 50 MPGe (20 mpg on gas only).

    Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX L

    Performance

    The Volvo XC90 offers two potent mild-hybrid powertrain options, including the B6 that makes 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Lexus RX 350L's only engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque.

    If you're looking for something with more power and better fuel economy, the authoritative XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid (455 hp) is a compelling option, achieving an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe and enabling an electric-only range of 32 miles. The Lexus RX 450hL is a regular hybrid that produces 308 hp and 247 lb-ft while achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg. It does not offer electric-only capability.

    Accommodations

    Your second and third-row passengers will appreciate the roominess of the Volvo XC90, which offers significantly more personal space than the Lexus RX L. The XC90 boasts 37 inches of legroom in the second row and 32 inches in the third. In comparison, The RX L feels rather cramped, with just 31 and 23.5 inches, respectively.

    Cargo Space

    The XC90's roomier cabin is also evident in its cargo area, offering 16 to a maximum of 86 cubic feet. The Lexus RX L is much smaller inside, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 59 cubic feet behind the first.

    Test-Drive the 2023 Volvo XC90 in Austin, TX

    Get in touch with Volvo Cars of Austin today to learn more about the 2023 Volvo XC90 and its available configurations, financing opportunities, and special offers. And if you'd like to experience for yourself what elevates the XC90 over the competition, we welcome you to visit us for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.

    1. Volvo Cars of Austin

      7216 N Interstate Hwy 35
      Austin, TX 78752

      • Sales: (512) 452-0266
    Loading Map...

    Get in Touch With Us

    • Contact our Sales Department at: (512) 452-0266
    • Monday9:00am - 7:00pm
    • Tuesday9:00am - 7:00pm
    • Wednesday9:00am - 7:00pm
    • Thursday9:00am - 7:00pm
    • Friday9:00am - 7:00pm
    • Saturday9:00am - 7:00pm
    • SundayClosed

    How can we help?

    * Indicates a required field