Compare the2025 Audi Q4 e-tronVS 2025 Volvo EC40

Both the Q4 e-tron and the EC40 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Audi Q4 e-tron achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The EC40 has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 6 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The Q4 45 e-tron’s standard electric motor produces 34 more horsepower (282 vs. 248) and 103 lbs.-ft. more torque (413 vs. 310) than the EC40’s standard electric motor. The Q4 55 e-tron’s standard electric motors produces 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (501 vs. 494) than the EC40’s optional electric motors.

On the EPA test cycle the Q4 e-tron gets better mileage than the EC40:

The Q4 e-tron has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The EC40 doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

For better stopping power the Q4 e-tron’s brake rotors are larger than those on the EC40:

For better traction and acceleration, the Q4 e-tron has larger rear tires than the EC40 (255/50R19 vs. 235/45R20).

The Q4 e-tron 55 e-tron’s optional 255/40R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the EC40’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q4 e-tron 55 e-tron offers optional 21-inch wheels. The EC40’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q4 e-tron’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the EC40 (108.7 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

The Q4 e-tron Quattro handles at .84 G’s, while the EC40 Ultimate pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Q4 e-tron 45’s turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the EC40’s (33.5 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Q4 e-tron has .3 inches more front legroom, 1.6 inches more rear headroom and 1.1 inches more rear legroom than the EC40.

The Q4 e-tron has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the EC40 with its rear seat up (24.8 vs. 15 cubic feet). The Q4 e-tron has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the EC40 with its rear seat folded (53.1 vs. 48.7 cubic feet).

The Q4 e-tron’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EC40’s (2205 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volvo EC40 is only 2000 pounds. The Q4 e-tron offers up to a 2646 lbs. towing capacity.

The Q4 e-tron offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The EC40 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Q4 e-tron has standard extendable sun visors. The EC40 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Q4 e-tron Premium Plus/Prestige’s Park Steering Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The EC40 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q4 e-tron, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Audi Q4 e-tron outsold the Volvo EC40 by 63% during 2023.