Audi Q3 F3 vs Volvo XC40 MK1

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 (F3), on the MQB A2 platform.

Volvo XC40

MK1 · 2018 – 2026

The first-generation XC40 (MK1), on the CMA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid if you want 380 litres of boot space and city EV driving — ideally models from 2021 onwards.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC40

Pick the MK1 for a safe, stylish compact premium SUV with an efficient B4 or electric Recharge.

Best engine: The B4 mild-hybrid (petrol) — or the Recharge EV for electric.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs B4 2.0 197 · Petrol

	Audi Q3	Volvo XC40
Power	150 hp	197 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	300 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	8,4 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	121,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km Winner	156 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km Winner	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Volvo XC40
Boot	530 L Winner	460 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.336 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m	2,70 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,44 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	21,1 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.100 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Volvo XC40
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	CMA (shared with the Polestar 2)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	1.5 T3 · 2.0 T4/T5 petrol · 2.0 B4/B5 mild-hybrid · 2.0 D4 diesel · T5 Recharge PHEV · Recharge EV
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

Infotainment software bugs on early cars
DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
DPF/AdBlue on diesels with mainly short trips

Volvo XC40

Infotainment software and Sensus glitches
12V battery drain
Suspension wear at higher mileage

Pros

Audi Q3

45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
2.0 TDI (40): 190 hp and 400 Nm
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments available

Volvo XC40

Stylish design and quality interior
High safety
Broad powertrain range (PHEV and EV)

Cons

Audi Q3

6-speed manual is restricted to entry-level 35 TFSI and 35 TDI models; all others are S tronic automatic
45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid battery reduces boot space from 530 down to 380 litres

Volvo XC40

Firm ride on large wheels
Infotainment sometimes slow
Rear bench tight for three adults

Driving experience

Audi Q3

Comfortable, quiet and easy to place. The Q3 rides well over poor surfaces, stays settled at motorway speed, and steers accurately with light, consistent weighting. 2.0-litre cars use quattro, which adds strong traction in wet conditions and inspires confidence. The 1.5 TFSI is adequate but nothing more; the 45 TFSI is genuinely quick; the 2.0 TDI is the best all-rounder — torquey, economical and smooth at a cruise. The S tronic is sharp around town. Body control is good for a high-riding SUV, though the Q3 is set up for comfort rather than driver involvement.

Volvo XC40

Composed and secure for a compact SUV, with light, accurate steering that suits urban driving. The ride is firm on larger wheels but generally well controlled, and body roll is present yet managed. Petrol and mild-hybrid engines deliver usable performance with strong low-end torque; the T5 and B5 feel more responsive on faster roads. Plug-in hybrid and pure-electric versions are quiet in electric mode. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good all-round visibility.