2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The exterior design was practical, prioritizing function over luxury. Inside, the cabin maintained a modern look without sacrificing utility, featuring numerous cubbies and compartments. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, each offering a range of features from standard LED headlights and symmetrical all-wheel drive to leather upholstery and advanced driver-assistance systems.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 featured design changes that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model, including new wheels and lighting elements. The interior adopted a high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays, exuded luxury and sophistication. The Prestige trim added multi-color ambient lighting, enhancing the upscale ambiance.

The 2019 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride and a low center of gravity but lacked the torque for quick acceleration. The Forester's symmetrical all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance. The SI-Drive system offered Intelligent and Sport modes to adjust throttle response and power delivery. Fuel economy was impressive, with 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improved fuel efficiency and performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system provided smooth and responsive driving. Audi Drive Select offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. Fuel economy was 18 mpg combined, with an observed 21 mpg during a road trip.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a spacious interior with a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim and 70.9 cubic feet in other trims. The larger wheelbase provided more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for various terrains. The cabin featured numerous storage compartments, a commanding driving position, and excellent rearward visibility.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children, and cargo space was limited to 14.2 cubic feet with the third row in use. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows provided 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim offered comfortable seating, four-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. However, practical interior storage was limited, with minimal space for personal items.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive, intuitive, and included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Lead Vehicle Alert feature was particularly useful for distracted drivers.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Prestige trim added a full-color head-up display and a Bose premium sound system. However, the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive due to dry fingertips, and many functions were unavailable while the vehicle was moving.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. The Forester's excellent visibility further enhanced safety.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which provided excellent illumination but were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to excessive glare. The Q7 included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, such as Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition system and Active Lane Assist had issues, leading to occasional braking and confusion. The Q7 received the highest IIHS ratings for collision protection, except for the headlight assessment.