2025 Volvo S90 vs 2026 Audi RS 3

$58,300 · Sedan

$66,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volvo S90 offers serene Scandinavian luxury, distinguished by its comfortable proportions and efficient 295 hp powertrain achieving 26 combined MPG. In stark contrast, the 2026 Audi RS 3 arrives as a fire-breathing compact powerhouse, unleashing a thrilling 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, though it settles for 23 combined MPG. The S90 stretches out to 200.4 inches in length, providing superior passenger volume compared to the nimble, smaller RS 3. While the Volvo aims for effortless cruising with its 8-speed automatic, the Audi captivates enthusiasts with its aggressive 7-speed automated manual gearbox. This comparison pits serene, spacious comfort starting at $58,300 against raw, turbocharged performance commanding $66,100, highlighting a significant $7,800 price gap and nearly 100 horsepower difference.

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 efficiency, achieving 31 MPG highway versus the RS 3's 29 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volvo S90

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

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 dominates driving excitement with 99 more horsepower and 59 lb-ft more torque than the S90.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 provides a more accessible entry point at $58,300 versus the Audi's $66,100 MSRP.

Choose the Volvo S90 if...

You prioritize passenger comfort and need a spacious trunk with 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You want to save money at the pump, benefiting from the S90's 26 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a smooth, traditional driving feel delivered by the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Maximum acceleration and aggressive performance are paramount, thanks to its 394 hp engine.
You desire the quicker shifting engagement provided by the 7-speed automated manual transmission.
You prefer a more compact footprint for city driving, as the RS 3 is over 21 inches shorter than the S90.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Headlight Washers	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 5
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	295 hp @ 5400 rpm	394 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	20
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Volvo	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	365.7/492.9 mi.	290.0/420.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Audi
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	54.8 in.
Front Hip Room	56.4 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
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
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volvo	Audi
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.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo S90 and 2026 Audi RS 3.

Is the Audi RS 3’s performance worth the higher cost over the Volvo S90?

That depends on your driving priorities; the RS 3 demands an extra $7,800, but it delivers a massive 99 hp advantage and requires premium fuel, directly contributing to its performance edge over the standard-setting S90.

How much bigger is the Volvo S90’s cabin space?

The Volvo S90 offers significantly more utility, boasting 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Audi RS 3's compact 8.3 cubic feet. The S90 is also 21.9 inches longer overall, translating to potentially more rear legroom.

Which sedan handles fuel consumption better for long commutes?

The 2025 Volvo S90 is the superior choice for fuel economy, rated at 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway). The more powerful Audi RS 3 consumes more fuel, achieving only 23 combined MPG.

Are both sedans equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both vehicles come standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, ensuring capable traction in various weather conditions.

Does the transmission type affect the driving experience differently?

Absolutely; the S90 uses a conventional 8-speed automatic for smooth shifts, whereas the RS 3 employs a 7-speed automated manual, which typically provides faster, sportier gear changes desirable for spirited driving.

Which car mandates the highest quality fuel?

The 2026 Audi RS 3 requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its maximum 394 hp output, while the 2025 Volvo S90 only recommends it for its 295 hp output.