Volvo XC90 vs. the Competition

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and BMW X5

Delivering premium accommodations, practical utility, and a wealth of desirable amenities, the Volvo XC90 is a superb choice for discerning families looking to upgrade their daily drives in the Tacoma area. The XC90 is roomy, versatile, and exceptionally comfortable. It's also enjoyable to drive and available as a potent yet efficient plug-in hybrid. And as the flagship model on the Volvo roster, it offers a stunning exhibition of Volvo's sophisticated Scandinavian design and craftsmanship. The Volvo XC90 is one of the most appealing models in the midsize luxury crossover class, but it's not without competition. Here's a quick look at how the Volvo XC90 measures up to prominent segment rivals like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and BMW X5.

Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX

The Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX are both stylish and well-equipped family movers. However, third-row passengers will enjoy nearly three more inches of legroom in the XC90. Additionally, the Volvo XC90 offers several standard features that are only found on the MDX's higher trims or aren't available at all. Examples include adaptive headlights, a hands-free liftgate, four-zone automatic climate control, and integrated navigation.

The Volvo XC90 also offers multiple engine options, including the 316-horsepower T6 (twincharged four-cylinder; 22 mpg combined) and 400-horsepower Recharge (twincharged plug-in hybrid; 55 MPGe) with 18 miles of pure-electric range. The MDX's sole powertrain is a 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 (21 mpg combined).

Volvo XC90 vs. Audi Q7

Extra space and versatility are primary reasons for choosing a midsize SUV, and the Volvo XC90 delivers more of both than the Audi Q7. In addition to more third-row headroom and legroom, the XC90 also offers more cargo capacity, retaining nearly 16 cubic feet with all seats in use and up to 86 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Audi Q7 provides around 14 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 70 cubic feet.

The Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 both offer several advanced driver aids on their base trim levels, including collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. However, the XC90's standard features list is much longer and includes many driver-assistance technologies that are only available for an extra cost on the Q7. Examples include steering-adaptive headlights, Lane-Keep Assist, and Pilot Assist Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering.

Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5

The Volvo XC90's three-row configuration is a better fit for larger Federal Way families than the two-row BMW X5. And if you don't require the additional seatbelts, but cargo space is a priority, you'll find more of it in the XC90. While the XC90 and X5 are similar in size, the XC90 makes better use of its interior dimensions, offering 42 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 86 cubic feet behind the first row. The BMW X5 measures 34 cubic feet behind the second row and has a maximum cargo capacity of 72 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

While the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 each offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, the XC90 Recharge is both more powerful and more efficient than the X5 xDrive45e. The XC90 Recharge produces a combined 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque and achieves an EPA-estimated 55 MPGe (27 mpg using only gasoline). The X5's plug-in hybrid generates 389 hp and 443 lb-ft and achieves an EPA-estimated 50 MPGe (20 mpg using only gasoline).