Which luxury subcompact crossover should you drive? If you’re considering the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, which model will you bring home?
These two small crossovers have a lot to offer and can give you the balance you need when you want to drive a small SUV that can fit into your lifestyle. The choice of these two SUVs could boil down to which brand you like better, more than actual performance and power for your driving experience. Let’s see which of these two crossovers is the one you’ll want to drive every day.
What does the Audi Q3 offer?
The Q3 is one of the least expensive luxury subcompact SUVs that you’ll find. It brings you a nice balance between the features you want and the practicality that you need. The Q3 has a few tricks up its sleeve with good standard features, including heated leather seats, a sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The Q3 has everything you want with modern technology and superb handling, giving you the feeling you want when you get behind the wheel.
What does the Volvo XC40 offer?
The XC40 is a small SUV with a footprint that fits everywhere and can easily give you the roominess you need while providing you with the small size that you want when you’re ready to get behind the wheel. This Volvo straddles the line between comfort and handling, making it easy to enjoy the ride wherever you go. The XC40 has an attractively appointed cabin with the feeling you want when you get in and take a drive. The bend on safety is present in this Volvo, much the same way it’s part of the reputation of this brand.
What’s new for each of these SUVs?
Audi Q3
The latest version of the Q3 drops the 40 models from the lineup and starts with 45 powertrain for the Premium and Premium Plus models. This means you have more power for the drive from the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, ensuring this SUV is fun and enjoyable on any road. Some cosmetic upgrades, including the addition of a Black Optic Plus package that has 19-inch black alloy wheels, new carbon inlays, black exterior trim elements, embossed front sport seats, and other additional styling cues.
Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 doesn’t have as many changes as the Audi Q3. This little Volvo SUV has new color called Sand Dune, which replaces Bright Dusk. The base Core model no longer has its Dark Theme interior but now has new power folding headrests as part of the standard equipment. The top trim has been renamed to Ultra from Ultimate to give you a new top look in the 2025 model year.
What powers these small SUVs?
Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission and is set up with standard AWD. The fuel mileage rating for the Q3 is 19 city/27 hwy mpg, giving you a reasonable amount of fuel mileage for your time on the road.
Volvo XC40
Every version of the Volvo XC40 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that delivers a slight power boost. The engine is attached to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and it has AWD. You’ll enjoy 23 city/30 hwy mpg during your drive.
The Volvo XC40 is more powerful and more efficient than the Audi Q3.
Interior comfort compared
Audi Q3
The new 2025 Q3 is bigger than before, has better materials, and brings improved tech and more intuitive controls to your drive. The vastly improved driving position gives you greater front-seat comfort, especially when you consider the addition of the eight-way power front seats. You’ll also find a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated front seats in this impressive little SUV.
Volvo XC40
If you want contemporary Swedish styling to go with fun and functionality, the XC40 might be right for you. This SUV has a light and airy cabin, and it comes with impressive passenger room in both the front and rear seats. This SUV is beautifully designed but not as plush and luxurious as larger Volvo SUVs.
Both of these small SUVs have comfortable cabins with impressive materials and technology to give you the luxury driving features you want to enjoy.
Will you choose the Audi Q3 or the Volvo XC40? These two subcompact luxury SUVs bring you some impressive features and qualities that make them enjoyable on any road.