The 2021 Audi Q7 and 2021 Volvo XC90 are both popular, well-rated SUVs. Yet the Q7 manages to outshine the XC90, even if it is just by a smidge. What did Consumer Reports find in its testing that made them favor the Audi Q7 over the Volvo XC90, and should it keep you from buying an XC90?

The 2021 Audi Q7 has a better road test score

Consumer Reports buy vehicles and tests their emergency handling, braking, acceleration,  and transmission. They also take into account comfort, looking at the ride, noise, and front and rear seat comfort. The interior fit and finish as well as trunk/cargo area are also factors.

The 2021 Audi Q7 gets a 92 in Consumer Reports’ road test score. Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Audi Q7 scores a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 7.0 seconds. 

Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine handling receives a very good 4/5, while emergency handling only gets a 3/5. The Audi Q7’s max avoidance speed is 51 mph. 

Braking is pretty good in the Q7. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 133 feet. On wet pavement that becomes 141 feet.

On the other hand, the 2021 Volvo XC90 scores an 84 for its road test. Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Volvo XC90 scores a very good 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds. 

Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine and emergency handling both receive a decent 3/5. The Volvo XC90’s max avoidance speed is 53 mph.

The Volvo XC90 gets a perfect 5/5 for its braking. It can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 126 feet and 137 feet on wet pavement.

Comfort is also better in the Q7

As far as comfort, the 2021 Audi Q7 gets a very good 4/5 for its ride. It’s quiet: it scores a perfect 5 for its noise. Both front and rear seat comfort also get perfect scores. 

Interior fit and finish get a perfect 5. The trunk and cargo space scores only a 3/5, with just 35.5 cubic feet of storage space.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 gets a mediocre 3/5 for its ride. However, it’s fairly quiet: it scores a 4 for its noise. Front and rear-seat comfort gets a perfect 5/5, while the third-row comfort is only a 1. Interior fit and finish get a perfect 5. The trunk and cargo space scores only a 3/5, with just 35 cubic feet of storage space.

They’ve both got all the safety features

Both the 2021 Audi Q7 and 2021 Volvo XC90 come with all of the Consumer Reports recommended advanced safety features that car shoppers should consider. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking at city and highway speeds, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure warning. Consumer Reports also says that pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning are important to have. 

Rearview cameras are standard in all new cars. You should also look for anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights. The fact that both SUVs come with every important feature is a huge advantage for car shoppers. 

Overall, the 2021 Audi Q7 scores an 81 in Consumer Reports tests, while the 2021 Volvo XC90 scores a 62. The 2021 Audi Q7 has certainly earned its higher ratings, though the Volvo XC90 is still a strong contender.