2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2025 Volvo S90

$63,400 · Sedan

$58,300 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the thrilling 2025 Audi RS 3 and the sophisticated 2025 Volvo S90 presents a classic dilemma: raw performance versus everyday luxury and space. The RS 3 packs a significant punch with 394 hp from its compact frame, making it the undisputed speed demon, but it pays for that thrill with a combined MPG of 23 and notably less utility. Conversely, the S90 offers a much more relaxed 295 hp but redeems itself with better efficiency at 26 MPG combined and boasts nearly double the trunk space at 13.5 cubic feet versus the Audi's restrictive 8.3 cu ft. Furthermore, the $5,100 difference in MSRP means the S90 starts thousands lower, providing significant immediate savings over the high-strung RS 3, which requires premium fuel every time.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy (26 MPG combined vs. 23 MPG) and slightly softer ride characteristics implied by its larger size.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volvo S90

The S90 is the better family choice, offering substantially more cargo space at 13.5 cubic feet compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 clearly appeals to enthusiasts with its superior power output of 394 hp and quicker, aggressive 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 provides greater overall size and efficiency for $5,100 less than the base MSRP of the Audi RS 3.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You prioritize maximum engine performance and prefer having 394 hp under the hood.
You enjoy the distinct driving feel provided by a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
You prefer a smaller footprint, as the RS 3 is 178.5 inches long compared to the S90's 200.4 inches.

Choose the Volvo S90 if...

You regularly carry luggage or larger items, benefiting from 13.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You want to save money on fuel, achieving 26 combined MPG versus 23 MPG.
You prefer to save $5,100 on the initial purchase price while still getting AWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	Volvo S90
Length	178.5"	200.4"
Width	72.9"	74.0"
Height	54.8"	57.2"
Wheelbase	103.6"	120.5"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	394 hp	295 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	310 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm
Number of Valves	20	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	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	365.7/492.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	—
Stereo Power	680W	220W
Speaker System	15	10
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	37.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	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	—	56.4 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	55.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	54.9 in.
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	✓	255/40R19
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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 RS 3 and 2025 Volvo S90.

How much larger is the Volvo S90 than the Audi RS 3?

The S90 is significantly larger; it is 200.4 inches long compared to the RS 3's 178.5 inches, and it is also wider and taller, leading to a more spacious cabin.

Is the Audi RS 3's fuel economy severely impacted by its performance focus?

Yes, the RS 3 returns a combined 23 MPG (20 city/30 highway) while demanding premium fuel. The S90, while needing only recommended premium, achieves a better 26 MPG combined.

Which car offers better daily usability for errands and trips?

The Volvo S90 wins hands down on utility, boasting 13.5 cu ft of cargo space. The RS 3 is quite restrictive for a sedan with only 8.3 cu ft in the trunk.

What is the primary performance difference between these two sedans?

The RS 3 produces 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, giving it a massive advantage over the S90's 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle saves more money overall, considering the initial cost?

The S90 offers immediate savings of $5,100 on the MSRP, and its slightly better fuel economy will lead to lower running costs over the long term compared to the RS 3.