2018 Audi SQ5 vs 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Comparison Review

While I wouldn't normally have compared a plug-in hybrid Volvo to a performance Audi, we had the opportunity to drive them back to back and film them together. While they aren't really the same sort of luxury crossover, I can understand why folks might cross-shop them as they appeal to different sides of my personality. One is more fun to drive, the other more comfortable. One is more luxurious, one sounds better when revving the engine, but which one is faster might surprise you.
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[@DesuVR]

Between the two, I'd get the Volvo, although I do like Audi's instrument cluster. Of the time I spend behind the wheel, I spend more time driving in a relaxed manner than aggressively, so I'd get more from the Volvo.

[@kenaipaws477]

That day during the event each of you only had about 2 hours to test drive and film each car and you were able to film a review plus did a comparison, I honestly think that you are one the most hardworking car reviewer out there.

[@YQLbeast]

I put a $500 downpipe, $300 intake, $900 stage 2 tune, and 60,000 miles on my 2018 Audi SQ5, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m pushing 512hp, 4.1sec 0-60, and a resale value much higher than the Volvos of this age. I think the Audis won in the long run.

[@handfartmcpantypoop5181]

Damn Alex you just keep getting better and better, so welspoken and well informed about the cars you are reviewing, even tho im not looking for a compact SUV i truly ejoyed watching this.

[@craig221]

Handfart McPantypoop same

[@pingsid]

Yeah so agree. Love Alex's reviews

[@LudovicJasaron]

Best review video type I have seen so far ! Everything is very objective, very well explain and pleasant to watch and very well documented ! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@TubesWidener]

Nice review. Just to add that volvo split rear lamb is because the fixed part will automatically light up Red when the rear hood is opened. This an old traditional safety feature of all Volvo Cars. It lights up even when the car is is parked locked and all lights are switched off. This is not a cosmetic comparison feature,, it is an important safety feature. The Volvo absolutely wins on that issue

[@zaidtareen3982]

Perfect review, just the one I looked for.

[@moonstonem5742]

Really well done review. You should make more of your reviews head to head with full interior reviews as part of it.

[@tocbikers2677]

As always Alex, thanks for the great detailed comparison review. I like the amount of content you are putting out lately. Huge thumbs up for all the hard work. Much appreciated. It used to feel like a tv show waiting for the next episode :-).

[@boa4533]

We would like more comparison videos like this. Very informative and honest.

[@Tully3674]

Good review of both. Very efficient describing likes/dislikes of both cars. Wouldn't mind seeing more reviews like this in the future.

[@zaidtareen3982]

The Volvo is different, so its the Swede for me.

[@robyoungquist5803]

So glad you made this presentation and that I viewed it. I’ve been back/forth in my thoughts but I’ve decided on the XC60 because (in this order) ... (1) luxury feel/interior finish. (2) fuel economy. (3) HOV lane access which is a MUST in Southern California. Thanks Alex. 😉

[@usernameisusername]

That filtered sunlight in the first few minutes is gorgeous on these cars.

[@Zinizzle]

Great video! Would like more comparison videos like this of more main stream vehicles!

[@ishamkader2696]

Very clear comparison review👍👍👍thanks Alex

[@tokyoluGS]

Superb review! Thank you

[@theclutch19]

Another great review!

[@aminmahjoub7150]

Great reviews

[@MJ4cars97]

The fact that the turn signals were synchronized was so satisfying

[@vesselinkerkeniakov5317]

What a great review.thank you

[@damianotoole]

excellent review, thanks

[@dipinprakash6870]

You explain like a teacher 👍very interesting

[@FinestInstinct]

I'm digging that Volvo, but if I could afford either, I'd take that SQ5 hands down.

[@gerarddion4859]

I have read reviews that the SQ5 without the active suspension option actually rides better to which I can concur. Also, an SQ5 without this and other weight adding options allow it to be a little quicker to which I can also concur.

[@rolan2dr]

Great review.

[@mystikal518]

I will have both, thank you very much!

[@dcadventures2394]

You are right on. The SQ5 is much more fun to drive and the visual cockpit is awesome. Planning to take the car on a road trip to CO and UT once the quarantine is over.

[@shubhammahadik7464]

This the best comparision review video. Keep it up

[@jorgeoscarlopez9311]

Shubham Mahadik en español

[@jorgeoscarlopez9311]

Traducción al español

[@Pikminiman]

I like this direct comparison format, though I think it would be better spent on more mass-market direct competitors, like the new Accord versus the new Camry.

[@catsspat]

Eagerly waiting for your review of 2018 Honda Accord (and shopping comparison against competitors).

[@michaelshin69]

Enjoy ur reviews. Can you consider adding a segment on headlight comparisons? I am looking for a new suv for my wife but most manufacturers seem not to spend money on what is pretty important factor as I am getting older, the night visual performance.

[@haroldpayne2527]

Alax has the wildfires affected you in anyway,you I hope not,we need you for theses good reviews. Thanks.

[@edysinsimon8646]

Interesting comparison! If this was a "apples to apples" comparison, I'd take the SQ5 as "my" more practical S5 model. If it was a Q5 Vs. XC60 T6 I'd take the T6 as "my" daily driver.

[@SKHool84]

Where is the volvo infotainment comparison section? Do you have another version where this is included? Thanks

[@hejamodo]

If you want a fun car for active driving you don't buy a crossover, you buy a sporty sedan.

[@ALMX5DP]

Or better yet, a coupe/roadster.

[@tword5687]

i disagree. i work for volvo and the xc60 is the best active drive, beyond the sedans. better and smoother handling.

[@djdoomy]

When you hit a pothole with a sport sedan you’ll need to go the repair shot, when you’ll hit it with the SUV you don’t have that issue.

[@gergelyfiala4756]

Volvo looks way better, not to mention everybody and their dog has German premium car nowdays.

[@jeffchen8178]

excellent review. XC60 is my prefer for sure, but hard to define the reliability after years, as I see XC90 get complain a lots at first launch. may be wait a few year , till they fix all the issue :-)

[@mybigbackyard741]

2:18 Alex makes both of vehicles looking like a small hatchback when he's between them from behind.

[@jsponson]

Alex, please keep in mind that the engine is only producing 300+ HP at around 6k rpm at WOT where the electric motor can produce much of the 87 HP in a wide range of conditions. In real world driving, the power split won't be as front-biased as the peak power figures suggest. That's especially true when taking off from standstill on a low friction surface, when the engine is producing less than 125 HP at 2000 rpm (calculated from max torque of 295 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm).

[@leeconstant7261]

yeah that fwd bias power split in the Volvo would bother me too much. id save a boat load of cash and just the the T6 Volvo with the 315hp v6 and mechanical awd. still plenty of power and u save lots of money and lots of weight.

[@mrpmj00]

Thanks. I didn't know about CA HOV lane.

[@swanblake]

Alex when you said $50 to 60k to spend all I think of is Shelby 350GT. Passenger space might be limited though

[@WaywardAnalysis]

Volvo can use regular unleaded fuel, which is 25+% cheaper than premium. Have to consider the price difference between regular unleaded and premium. This is also why Diesel is so great as in many areas Diesel prices is the same as regular unleaded while the mpg efficiency of Diesel is 40% more than non-diesel. ( I have BMW X5 and Mercedes ML 250 SUV, the ML 250 ends up with 1/2 the fuel cost than the X5 for the same driven miles.)

[@Leggio11]

These are both great cars. Now days all the cars are pretty good. The only thing is, they are so damn expensive!!! I mean u cant find anything below $45k. Who ever buys or leases these cars their payment are in the +$600 a month. Even if you buy one, you cant enjoy it! Right in the same year it will be an updated model that it will make you think that ur car is a piece of crap. I wish I had enough money to buy it cash and that would have been the Audi for me :). Ps. Great review. Very informative and clearly well spoken 🙂

[@jluuhalo1286]

The X3 M40i is classed in the same category as these two I would assume? So it would be one of the faster 0-60 small SUVs

[@NotDerek._.T]

Volvo has autonomous driving if u pay for convenience package

[@tword5687]

now its the advanced package.. pilot assist, adaptive cruise control, semi autonomous parking assist, 360 camera, graphical heads up display, cornering fog lights, high pressure self cleaning headlights, and active bending headlights all in the advanced package.

[@supraphonic88]

Interesting that the XC60 T8 qualifies for California's green sticker but misses out on the CVRP rebate since it doesn't hit the minimum range threshold.

[@DanielPereiraPT]

Hey! For a more real comparison, you should have used the R-Design or even the Polestar kit, in order to get the sport chassis and suspension. Comparing the Inscription with a sporty version, it’s not the best match. 😊

[@jithinnu1868]

Always love volvo

[@BGuggz]

Very interesting video. I am actually in the market for a compact crossover, though I'm not looking to spend more than 40k if possible. Also having semi-autonomous features means more to me than most other features right now as I commute to work. So I would really like ACC with stop & go along with actual lane-centerning lane keep assist. It looks like right now my only 2 options would be the cr-v and the new tiguan. If anyone has any other suggestions in my price range that have both ACC and lane-centerning assist please let let me know! Thanks!

[@BGuggz]

Rodrigo Alvarez Yep, I absolutely am! I'm very interested in the new volvo cares program they're going to try out also. I'm a little concerned that once I start adding all the options I want though that it'll end up wayyy over 40k, though if the payments aren't horrible I may still consider it. Also it may end up being a bit smaller than I'm looking for, but I definitely can't wait hear more about it when pricing and info becomes available in December. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@lens1016]

I test drove both of these. I chose the sq5 hands down. It’s a way better driver’s vehicle and feels vastly better built. The Volvo fell short in road noise isolation, and felt floaty with sloppy light steering even in sport mode. I would go as far as to say that it felt cheap for the sticker price where with the sq5 it feels like a 65k vehicle should. The interior is of the XC60 is very luxurious, but it wasn’t enough to overcome everywhere else it fell short to the sq5. It feels like Volvo spent so much of the budget on the interior materials and skimped everywhere else. As far down to the door handles-when you open the door on the Volvo it feels like you’re opening an economy vehicle, whereas with the Audi, it feels like you’re opening a premium luxury vehicle. Driving the sq5, it feels like a tank, with firm and precise steering and plenty of power and acceleration-and the throaty exhaust is outstanding . The moonroof is faster in the Audi. The response time of the infotainment is faster in the Audi. The virtual cockpit is better in the Audi. The B&O sound system is louder, has better low frequency and just sounds better than the B&W. I’m so surprised Alex had these scored so closely. In my experience the sq5 is the clear winner overall,especially if you’re a “driver”.

[@ThisIsJesus]

Hope you have review the Audi TT RS I wish I owned one.

[@huseyintuncbilek5902]

You are good. I like it.

[@csrs247]

Glad to see you diversify this channel even more. Keep up the great work. I can't wait to see even more comparisons. Could you compare the 2018 accord to the 2018 Camry in the future.

[@CMan-vc5dh]

When test driving it was annoying that you kept referring to the vehicles by the letter number designation. Just call them what they are, Volvo, Audi. You didn't mention what fuel they used, regular or premium. Otherwise this is the first of your videos I've seen and I will watch for more.

[@baoyiyang]

I thought in the US you are not allowed to put braking light on moving parts

[@hoiyo429]

I bought the Volvo -- it's just more pleasant

[@Luredreier]

Hum, more power to the front wheel can be an advantage when driving in snow from what I've heard...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It can be. Don't get me wrong, this is a very capable eAWD system, well suited to ice, snow, etc where your main concern is low-speed traction. Just don't take an eAWD system like this rock crawling.

[@robertosanchez4021]

best reviews in the web..., thanks...

[@sinisakalicanec6823]

and of course after three years for Audi you will get 10,000 EUR more than for Volvo the same one you bought the same year as Audi. This should also be taken into account

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I want to address the nature of the products. The Audi is a German product. It feels German. I don't care whether a car is a BMW, VW, Porsche, Mercedes or Audi (in fact Porsche, Audi and VW all feel similar) they all have a Germanic quality. They are solid in a way few other vehicles are not. They usually have very strong and complete road manners. They have a certain level of development and refinement in everything. If that's your thing, then that's the car for you. I think because of those qualities, some people go for them and car reviewers tend to rate them highly. The Volvo is a bit different. Yes, it's European and yes it is solid but it may not be as overall developed and precise as the German competitor is. But, here's what's missing and what it does that the Germans don't do. It coddles and soothes in a way they don't. Somewhat like British car the Volvo has this unfussy interior and manner and a more balance of masculine and feminine qualities to it where the German cars feel mostly masculine, even the most luxurious ones. The Volvo feels "softer." Now we take a look at these vehicles. Are they sports cars? No. Are they mostly used as family vehicles? yes. Do they both have enough roadholding and acceleration to practically be used the way most people will use them? yes. So the next level of handling doesn't matter to most buyers however it does to some buyers. I don't look for winners and losers. To me this is compare and contrast. The Volvo has X qualities, the Audi has Y. Both are fine cars. Both cost what they cost and the reason they cost what they cost may show in different areas. Take your pick. Respect the other vehicle.

[@adam-hd7kg]

Did you notice the fake exhaust tips on the sq5?

[@constantine1321]

How about the glc43 instead?

[@kevinn1158]

Both of these look like stellar offerings but that Volvo T8 would mean I would hardly burn any fuel. In fact 90% of my driving could be on electric only if I wanted.

[@BernonCars]

1:45, Alex, you satisfied me. Lol

[@anthonyspasevski6747]

Just purchased a new Volvo 2018 XC60 T8 R design and it is a dream of a car all round performance and style & comfort. Love racing the big guns off the set of lights in power mode and leaving them wondering what just happened.

[@silverbullet126]

Seem to be missing the GLC43? It's faster than both of them as well. Not the GLC63 which is a monster ....

[@MiamiMase]

I drove both. Both are great. I bought the Audi because i hated the cockpit of the Volvo ..especially the console way to high separating passenger from Driver. It was claustrophobic for me. Just a personal choice. The tech in the Audi is way more advanced and i actually preferred not to have the touch screen that was in the Volvo.

[@CrankyAsF]

Really impressive review - great grasp of both vehicles. But I'm an Audi man - through and through. The handling and electronic steering can't be beat.

[@Cvr2007]

The Audi is nice, but its the Volvo for me for sure!!!

[@NauticaloneEd]

Great review. I just replaced my 2015 XC60 and strongly considered both the XC60 Inscription T5 / T6 and Audi Q5. I wanted comfort with utility here rather than sport as also own a Jaguar XK Convertible and Mustang GT Premium Coupe. My experience with local Volvo Dealer was not good (not knowledgeable) so that caused me to look more closely at my local VW /Audi Dealer. Plus the Volvo just doesn't handle as well, especially with the torque steer. I settled on a 2017 VW Touareg Wolfsburg at about $20,000 less and so satisfied as it's really a Porsche Cayenne in so many ways.

[@blue35tuesday]

it's a cayenne frame...without the cayenne power

[@soumyadeepbhunia172]

That's the thing. VAG cars share so much that you're better off getting an Audi than a Lambo, a VW than an Audi, and a Skoda than a VW.

[@haiping0918]

sq5 is so much fun to drive.

[@mohammadfarajzadehtehrani88]

I am curious to see how the new X3 stands up against these. It is about 4,5K more expensive than Audi.

[@Phantom096]

Both Audi and Mercedes are into these boy racer SUV's and they seem to sell well. I think it's a waste of money tho SUV's should be about comfort not speed. If I want speed I would get a real sports car. I prefer the Volvo.

[@genxgamerdad141]

Little apples to oranges here. Better comparison would of been T6 with a SQ5 Premium. Also, turbo is twin scroll, not twin turbo for the SQ5. . Not sure how you can rate ride as B- when you can customize to your liking. Rides like a marshmallow on Comfort. Firms up nicely on Dynamic. Even with 21" wheels it rides really nice. Also your fuel rating, hybrid vs V6 turbo, okay.

[@Mauzy0x00]

Why go with anything other than Volvo? 😂 (although sequential turn signals are pretty cool I guess..)

[@maestroadam]

I would hate to hit a big pothole in the Audi with those huge wheels.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We actually did. There was an un-signed transition to gravel on the road that we didn't know about and flew into a huge pot hole at around 50 MPH. Oddly enough the air suspension handled it really quite well.

[@maestroadam]

Alex on Autos That is a good thing, then! Those wheels are massive, after all.

[@Turbosaunderground]

Wiat a minute, in the comparative size list, Volvo XC90 bigger than Lexus LX?????????

[@salmanghaffoor]

Volvo is just amazing...

[@mennofz3220]

I have to disagree with you on the interior. Styling is a matter of taste, but you cannot fault the German build quality, and I think it is definitely of a higher quality than the Volvo interior.

[@cihan.a]

i'd get volvo for the ventilated seats

[@chenwu9788]

I like SQ5!

[@sheenster95]

It's a single turbo V6, not a twin turbo.

[@jonbona372]

Alex, did you notice that the Audi has fake exhaust pipes while the Volvo's are real?

[@petejr7583]

Sorry Alex, comparing an Audi sport version vs a Volvo lux is silly. Should have compared the Volvo R-Design with upgraded suspension, tires and wheels. The Volvo RD w/ the Bursting Blue paint, body kit and big wheels would make a more fair exterior aesthetics comparison. Leave the "mash-up" tests to the less serious sites.

[@mrpmj00]

I don't like Audi's stuck on iPad as the center console which looks like a dashboard wart.

[@user-en7nn1xd8y]

Volvo best

[@mapledoodle5516]

I am looking but I don’t have 60 or 70 thousand to spend. Damn...

[@Fogfighter0070]

You never showed bootspace?! Audi is bigger, if I'm not wrong.

[@WaqarKhannyc]

Audi show maps via satellite? But Volvo has Android Auto and you would get the total Google Maps, beside who drive around with satellite option? 2nd Volvo has options to change the whole display settings......As for the Sports, I think you comparing it with Inscriptions, instead try the R-Design that has a better sports feel to it along with all the safety features....:-) I was going to buy the Land Rover Velar, but instead after both test drive I selected the Volvo XC60 T8 R Design......it's fun to drive, safe, as well get you a 5k tax credit.

[@powerofpinesol8002]

Lmao you sound so bias.. the Audi has android auto you idiot and if you were paying attention the factory navigation has google earth lmao do research before you start bashing shit the R line wouldn’t even come close to a S model in handling the car weights 4500lbs and these are compact SUV’s lmao what a fail

[@WaqarKhannyc]

Power of Pine Sol you mental case I was making a point that android auto could do that..

[@WaqarKhannyc]

Rodrigo Alvarez in volvo you just touch the android auto from the screen even if you wearing your gloves once you plugged in your phone

[@daseinautomotive]

congrats on your new car!

[@DrClumber]

It's not even close to being a competition, anybody choosing the Audi over the Volvo for 'better handling' is a clown that doesn't understand what Porsches exist for.

[@justinsmall4306]

Volvo any day of the week.

[@ying-tienlin8154]

Volvo for me

[@LuvHurtsEitherWay69]

Does anyone know the name of that blue???

[@RADGarage]

Navarra

[@DVelez-wz3fe]

You reviewers almost always miss reviewing the cargo space..important for us big dog owners

[@beefbottom]

Couldn't Volvo have put a rotary engine under the rear passenger seats. Then it would have been the ultimate drivetrain.

[@TMS5100]

Audi SQ5 is pretty weaksauce for sporting an S prefix.

[@jakeblack5712]

71k for the Volvo vs 65k for the Audi how do you say they are basically the same price? I think you get more for your money in the Audi coming in at 6k less expensive which is a significant difference. And anyone that tells you they can feel the difference of .2 seconds 0-60 is a liar. It’s a difference that only really matters on paper if you want bragging rights.

[@MrKubipolat]

Volvo T8 🙂👍