The Volvo XC90 and Co: Which Vehicle Is the Best to Go Off-road?

Updated May 25 2022

There is no shortage of “off-road” vehicles, and consumers can easily get lost among the multitude of makes and models available that claim the same strengths. Let’s compare the Volvo XC90 with two of its competitors in the large luxury utility segment, the Audi Q7 and the Land Rover Discovery.

While all three are excellent vehicles, which one is more deserving of the segment’s favor? Let’s examine this together by exploring features such as design functionality and actual performance, as well as one that matters: fuel economy.

Design Functionality

Since these vehicles are presented to consumers as large SUVs designed for off-roading, we’ll judge them on this very specific aspect.

While the Land Rover Discovery has long been considered the most versatile family vehicle in its category, there are several drawbacks that make it more expensive than anything else:

• Its weight
• Its imposing size
• Its high price

As for the Audi Q7, the German manufacturer seems to have wanted to make so many compromises that it ended up producing an ordinary vehicle in all circumstances. This SUV lacks the ruggedness to tackle the steepest trails, but is also too big to be a practical alternative in urban areas.

That leaves the Volvo XC90, the brand’s flagship full-size SUV. Its very compact transverse engine maximizes cabin space without having the excessive dimensions of the Discovery, and its very solid construction makes it a vehicle you’ll feel capable of tackling a mountain. For its functional design, the Volvo XC90 is therefore a better alternative than the vehicles in the same category offered by the competition.

Numbers Versus Actual Performance

On paper, the XC90’s 235-horsepower 4-cylinder engine pales in comparison to the Discovery’s and Q7’s 6-cylinder engines, which produce 258 and 268 horsepower respectively.

However, the Land Rover’s power differential is not enough to offset the effect of its extra weight. The Audi Q7 has more power for the same weight as the XC90, but then again, what good is it if it clearly lacks the ruggedness to go off-road?

In addition, the Volvo XC90 reviews confirm that it handles better, in part because of its better-thought-out dimensions, and its air suspension makes the bumpiest roads and trails passable.

A Significant Figure: Fuel Consumption

If there’s one figure that doesn’t lie, it’s fuel consumption. In line with the very large dimensions of the rivals and their powerful engines, they are also very greedy at the pump.

For an entry-level version of all three models, let the numbers speak for themselves when it comes to fuel economy:

The results are unequivocal: The Volvo is truly competitive in its category with a fuel consumption of less than 10 L/100 km. Not to mention that it is the only one to offer a plug-in hybrid version.

Is Volvo reliable? As for the T5 engine that powers the XC90, as confirmed by journalist Samuel Lessard (RPM):

“Over time, the T5 engine has proven its reliability.”

So you have nothing to worry about when driving this Swedish SUV!

A Luxurious Vehicle

We’re certainly dealing with three well-stocked SUVs. However, if you’re attracted to the clean, Nordic style of Scandinavian design, the Volvo XC90 interior will appeal to you. The Volvo XC90 price is advantageous for the amount of equipment it offers.

When looking for the best luxury SUV, it makes much more sense to compare functionality and performance in the real world than to engage in numbers battles.

To test drive the Volvo XC90 for sale and find out for yourself, or to find the right used SUV, visit your local Volvo Laval dealership near Sainte-Thérèse and just minutes from Montréal.