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.
Compare the2026 Audi Q4 e-tronVS 2025 Volvo EC40


Safety
Warranty
Audi pays for scheduled maintenance on the Q4 e-tron for 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Volvo pays for maintenance for the EC40 (3/30,000 vs. 2/20,000).
There are over 9 percent more Audi dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Q4 e-tron’s warranty.
Reliability
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 8 places higher in reliability than Volvo.
Engine
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 42 lbs.-ft. more torque (536 vs. 494) than the EC40’s optional electric motors.
Fuel Economy and Range
On the EPA test cycle the Q4 e-tron gets better mileage than the EC40:
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MPGe |
| Q4 e-tron |
|||
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RWD |
Q4 45 e-tron Electric Motor |
125 city/104 hwy |
|
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AWD |
Q4 55 e-tron Electric Motors |
107 city/92 hwy |
| EC40 |
|||
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FWD |
Electric Motor |
118 city/95 hwy |
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AWD |
Electric Motors |
105 city/88 hwy |
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.
Brakes and Stopping
For better stopping power the Q4 e-tron’s brake rotors are larger than those on the EC40:
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|
Q4 e-tron |
EC40 |
| Front Rotors |
15 inches |
13.6 inches |
| Rear Drums |
13.9 inches |
13.4 inches |
Tires and Wheels
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.
Suspension and Handling
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).
Passenger Space
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.
Cargo Capacity
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).
Towing
The Q4 e-tron’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EC40’s (2200 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volvo EC40 is only 2000 pounds. The Q4 e-tron offers up to a 2650 lbs. towing capacity.
Ergonomics
The Q4 e-tron Premium Plus 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’ Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The EC40 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.
Recommendations
Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q4 e-tron, based on reliability, safety and performance.
The Audi Q4 outsold the Volvo EC40 by over seven to one during 2024.
