2025 Audi Q3 vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$39,800 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2025 Volvo XC40 often boils down to a trade-off between efficiency and slightly punchier performance in a premium compact package. Buyers frequently ponder whether the lower entry price offsets running costs. The Audi Q3 starts at an MSRP of $39,800 and delivers 228 horsepower, achieving 23 MPG combined while running on regular unleaded fuel, which saves money at the pump compared to the XC40's premium recommendation. However, the slightly pricier Volvo XC40 ($40,650) offers a bit more gusto with 247 horsepower and superior fuel economy at 26 MPG combined (23 city/30 highway). Size-wise, the Q3 is marginally longer at 176.6 inches versus the XC40's 174.8 inches, but the XC40 is taller at 65.0 inches. If maximizing fuel efficiency and power output is key, the XC40 edges ahead, but the Q3 wins on initial purchase price and fuel flexibility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG versus the Audi's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 offers greater utility for families with a larger maximum cargo capacity of 23.7 cubic feet compared to the XC40's 20.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volvo XC40

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo XC40's higher output of 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque over the Audi Q3's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 provides better upfront value, sporting an MSRP of $39,800 while offering the flexibility of using regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

You want the lowest starting cost, with an MSRP of $39,800 compared to $40,650 for the competitor.
You prioritize maximum cargo space, as the Q3 offers 23.7 cubic feet versus the XC40's 20.4 cubic feet.
You prefer running on cheaper regular unleaded fuel instead of requiring premium fuel.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You want the best fuel economy, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the Q3's 23 MPG combined.
You prefer slightly more performance, thanks to 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You like a slightly taller stance, as the XC40 is 65.0 inches high compared to the Q3's 62.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Volvo XC40
Length	176.6"	174.8"
Width	72.8"	73.7"
Height	62.9"	65.0"
Wheelbase	105.5"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	228 hp	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	251 lb-ft	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/28 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	318.0/445.2 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	250W
Speaker System	10	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.0 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	54.6 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2025 Volvo XC40.

Does the Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40 cost more to run based on fuel type?

The Volvo XC40 requires premium unleaded fuel, which is generally more expensive per gallon than the regular unleaded fuel specified for the Audi Q3. While the XC40 is more efficient (26 MPG combined vs. 23 MPG combined), the fuel type difference could neutralize some of those savings.

Which crossover is physically larger: the 2025 Audi Q3 or the 2025 Volvo XC40?

The Audi Q3 is marginally longer at 176.6 inches compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches. However, the Volvo XC40 is notably taller, standing at 65.0 inches versus the Q3's 62.9 inches, which might offer better headroom.

Is there a significant difference in driving performance between these two AWD models?

Yes, the 2025 Volvo XC40 has a clear edge in raw power, offering 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Audi Q3 produces 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, making the XC40 the slightly punchier choice.

If I haul a lot of gear, which vehicle has more usable storage space?

The Audi Q3 is the winner for cargo capacity, boasting 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Volvo XC40 provides less space for luggage, coming in at 20.4 cubic feet.

How do the starting prices compare between the 2025 Q3 and XC40?

The 2025 Audi Q3 starts slightly cheaper with an MSRP of $39,800. The 2025 Volvo XC40 has a higher starting price of $40,650, meaning you pay an extra $850 upfront for the Volvo.

Are both vehicles using the same type of automatic transmission?

Both the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2025 Volvo XC40 utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifting capabilities for both AWD crossovers.