Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5: Find the perfect mid-size SUV for you

It’s the ultimate luxury SUV-crossover showdown: Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5

If you’re looking for an affordable SUV, this is not the blog for you.

We’re firmly in the luxury realm here with the Volvo XC60 and the Audi Q5.

Specifically, the mid-sized luxury crossover SUV class. (Say that five times fast).

But if you are looking for a premium mid-size SUV, then you’re barking up the right tree, with many of the German heavyweight brands, as well as a few competitors, trying to grab a slice of the crossover pie.

This class has produced some of the best-selling cars in the UK, thanks to their winning combination of practicality, flexibility and absolute driving pleasure.

We’re pitting two of the best head-to-head, to see whether a Swedish brand (not always known for their premium aesthetic) can stand up against a German giant (who has taken the art of luxury vehicle design and perfected it). 

But should you opt for an Audi Q5 lease or a Volvo XC60 lease? Read on to find out...

Introducing our players: Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5

Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is the middle child of Volvo’s iconic XC line-up. The Goldilocks – not too big, and not too small. If you need a bigger car, you’ve got the XC90. Need smaller? That’s when the XC40 comes in.

But the XC60 is just right.

We're on the second generation of this best-seller now, with Volvo breathing new life into the model back in 2017. But this gen is definitely anything but outdated.

It received a facelift in 2022, and another in April 2025 that introduced a new grille, new alloy wheel designs, and an upgraded infotainment system with a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen that's now mounted on the dashboard.

Despite these continual tweaks to keep it looking fresh, it retains its core appeal and comes packed with the safety features that Volvo are famed for – keeping it one of Volvo's best-selling models ever with over 2.7 million examples sold worldwide.

There's a reason why so many opt for a Volvo lease, and the XC60 is a prime example of how the brand are managing to keep up with the premium giants.

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is similarly sized – and is one of the most popular cars to come out of the mid-size crossover segment. 

If you’re looking for a compact family SUV, but you don’t want to compromise on the refined, premium feel, then it’s highly likely that you’ve been eyeing up the Q5.

It stands on its own in a class filled with very good crossovers from manufacturers worldwide, and has recently entered its third generation in 2025. The latest model features a new hybrid system called MHEV Plus and comes in a variety of trims including Sport, S Line, and Edition 1.

Under the hood: Comparing engines

Volvo XC60

Volvo have kept it simple when it comes to picking your engine: one petrol, one diesel, one hybrid.

Alright, there's a little bit more to it than that.

The B5 petrol produces 247bhp and comes with a 48V mild hybrid set-up to maximise fuel economy and make your pennies go further. The B5 diesel also features the same 48V mild hybrid technology, delivering strong torque for effortless cruising while maintaining impressive efficiency for longer journeys.

For those wanting more power with electric assistance, there are two plug-in hybrid options: the T6 with 345bhp and the range-topping T8 with an impressive 449bhp. Both PHEVs come with an official electric-only range of 49 miles.

With a touch of careful driving, and making sure you plug in each evening, you might find you don't even need the petrol backup on the daily commute, which could save you a good chunk of money in fuel costs.

This provides a more balanced treatment of all three powertrain options while maintaining your brand's conversational, informative tone.

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is much the same, with a good selection of powertrains to choose from.

There's either a 2L turbocharged petrol or a 2L turbocharged diesel, both featuring Audi's new MHEV Plus hybrid system, which can propel the car independently under light acceleration.

The Q5 e-hybrid has now joined the range too, offering a compelling plug-in option. With up to 299PS of combined power, it delivers impressive performance with 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The electric range is particularly noteworthy, with Audi claiming up to 62 miles on a full charge – significantly more than the XC60's PHEV offering and potentially enough for most daily commutes without using a drop of fuel.

Want something sportier? The SQ5 model, with a powerful V6 engine, is the one for you.

WINNER: We’re giving this one to Volvo. Keeping it simple with the three choices, and it pips the Q5 for electric-only range. In true Eurovision form, 12 points to Sweden.

Which has the best interior?

Now we’re onto the fun stuff. The place where you’ll spend all your time – the interior.

Volvo XC60

Volvo aren't letting Audi win this one without a fight.

The XC60's cabin is light and clean, giving it an air of luxury you’d expect from a five-star spa in a Swedish forest. Simple, classy and uncomplicated.

Volvo have used plenty of matte wood and metal trims to give it this look, and everything feels upmarket to the touch. The lighter colour schemes also make it feel more spacious than it actually is – and it's already very spacious.

You'll have absolutely no difficulty sitting in the front if you're on the taller side, with front seats that can move a good distance back and a decently high ceiling, even if you opt for the panoramic roof for extra sunlight and good views.

It's also wider than many rivals – including the Q5 – which means you can get three tall adults in the back without them feeling like they're sardines in a tin. However, the middle passenger, though they have plenty of room for their shoulders, will have to straddle the raised tunnel along the floor.

If you've got children though, it's good news. 

You can spec a pair of optional fold-out booster seats, which are built into the outer rear seats and make it much easier to switch from booster to normal seat without having to heft one in and out all the time.

Audi Q5

If you know anything about the luxury car market, you'll likely know that Audi does a good interior. They've practically perfected the art of the comfortable cabin.

However, the latest Q5 has taken a bit of a different direction. Gone are the brushed aluminium surfaces and tactile buttons of the previous generation, replaced with a pair of screens and rather too much scratch-and fingerprint-prone gloss black plastic.

While it still offers a sensible layout, some might miss the premium feel of the previous model.

The design is easy on the eye without being overly minimalist, the good-sized windows let in plenty of light that make it feel even airier, and there's plenty of tech to keep you entertained and connected on the go.

Even your taller friends will feel comfortable in the back of the Q5, with plenty of head and knee room. The width isn't quite as good as some rivals, so you'll likely want to keep journeys with three adults in the back on the shorter side, but it's still extremely comfortable.

No issues in the front, however – the seats slide back a considerable distance and the high ceilings give it a cavernous feel.

WINNER: Recent reviews suggest the XC60 now has the edge in interior quality, with its clean Scandinavian design and premium materials outshining the Q5's new screen-heavy approach. 

But are they practical?

Volvo XC60

The boot is where the XC60 starts to fall down ever so slightly.

The petrol and diesel models have 483 litres of space, while the PHEV models have a slightly reduced capacity at 468L because of the electrical bits situated under the boot floor. It's by no means bad, but it's not the best in the class.

The XC60 has the more traditional 60/40 split with its rear seats, but it does also give you a ski hatch for sliding in long items between the passengers, which can come in handy.

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5, on the other hand, has a bit more space to play with in the combustion engine models at 520L, while it actually drops to around 450 litres in the PHEV – less than the Volvo equivalent.

Both are more than enough for daily family life, but it's worth bearing in mind when it comes to picking your next car lease.

You can also get more space by folding down the rear seats, if you have a big tip run to do or you've got the DIY itch and need to pick up some Ikea flatpacks.

The Q5's rear seats fold in a handy 40/20/40 arrangement, so you have plenty of options to carry people and cargo at the same time. You also have the option of adding the Rear Bench Seat Plus option, which allows the rear seats to slide forward and increases the boot.

Both have plenty of cabin storage too, to stow away all of life's odds and ends.

You'll find a deep bin beneath the central armrest and a cubby with a sliding cover next to the gear lever in both the Audi and the Volvo, while their door bins are big enough to easily swallow a 1L bottle of water.

WINNER: We're split on this one. If you're after the most practical combustion engine model, the Audi Q5 is your winner. But the Volvo XC60 takes the PHEV crown.

Technology, safety and specs

Volvo XC60

Volvo are well renowned for their safety features, and the XC60 is crammed with some of the finest.

It received the maximum five-star rating in its Euro NCAP safety test, with an impressive 98% for adult occupant protection and 95% for safety assistance. It's worth noting, however, that this rating has now expired according to recent assessments.

When it comes to tech, every model comes with automatic emergency braking and front/rear parking sensors, while additional kit like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist is standard on Plus trim and above, and available as part of a Driver Assist pack on the entry-level model.

When it comes to the inside tech, every model gets the new 11.2-inch touchscreen with full Google ability to make navigation as quick and intuitive as possible, while Apple CarPlay is also available.

It does fall into the trap of minimalism, however, and most of the controls are hidden within the touchscreen.

In terms of trim levels, Volvo once again keeps it simple with Core, Plus, Plus Pro, and Ultra (with optional Black Edition variants for the higher trims).

The entry-level Core trim gets you everything you need, including 18in wheels, auto wipers and headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. 

In terms of value for money, it's probably the best one in the line-up.

Audi Q5

The Audi gives you a few more buttons to play with so you don't always have to go delving so deep.

The Q5 is plumbed with plenty of tech too, with a clear digital instrument display for all the on-the-go info you need, while the touchscreen infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.

It also received the max five stars from Euro NCAP, but it's not quite as good as the XC60 when it comes down to the individual scores.

Each model gets six airbags and automatic emergency braking as standard, while optional packs can give you blind-spot monitoring, a system that warns you of any vehicles approaching when you're backing out onto a road, turn assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

For the new generation, Audi has simplified the trim structure to Sport, S Line, and Edition 1.

WINNER: Again, a tricky one, but for ease of use, safety and value for money, the Volvo just pips the Audi to the post.

What’s the verdict?

From our very scientific testing, the Volvo XC60 is the winner by a small margin.

Rolling simplicity, luxury, practicality, and the utmost in safety features into one mid-sized package, there's not much out there that could beat the sensible Swedish crossover.

But if you're a big German car fan, that's not to say the Q5 isn't good. It really is an excellent car. Audi have taken everything they know about building a luxury vehicle – and that is a lot – and thrown it at this compact crossover SUV, with the result being one of the best vehicles in the class.

In fact, we'll just take both.

When making your decision, here's what might sway you:

The XC60 stands out if you value:

• You prioritise Scandinavian-inspired interior design with premium materials
• Safety features are at the top of your must-have list
• You prefer a more comfortable, relaxed driving experience
• You want a wider cabin that accommodates three adults in the back more comfortably
• You appreciate the option of built-in booster seats for children
• You're after the PHEV with the better boot space (468L vs Q5's 450L)
• You want multiple PHEV power options (T6 345bhp or T8 449bhp)
• You prefer a more distinctive, less conventional premium aesthetic

The Q5 might be your pick if you prioritise:

• You want class-leading electric-only range in a PHEV (62 miles vs XC60's 49 miles)
• Boot space is a priority for the petrol/diesel models (520L vs XC60's 483L)
• You prefer a sportier and more engaging driving experience
• The 40/20/40 split rear seats with sliding capability appeal to you
• You're drawn to Audi's more traditional German luxury aesthetic
• You want the SQ5 high-performance variant with V6 power
• You prefer having more physical buttons for common controls
• You like the option of air suspension for a more customisable ride