2020 Audi Q7 vs 2019 Toyota 4Runner

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner had a rugged and utilitarian design that was a product of necessity rather than style. Its aggressive front end, large tires, and flared fenders were not just for show; they provided steep approach and departure angles essential for off-roading. The 4Runner's trim levels ranged from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, each offering a mix of features like 17-inch alloy wheels, under-body skid plates, and a power up/down rear window. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was dated, with a simple 6.1-inch touchscreen and basic amenities like an 8-way power driver’s seat and Bluetooth connectivity. The TRD trims added off-road gear like a locking rear differential and Multi-Terrain Select system, making it a true off-road warrior.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 featured a more modern and luxurious design. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, came in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The Prestige trim, in particular, offered high-end features like Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package. The Q7's design updates included new wheels and lighting elements, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded luxury and sophistication. The Prestige trim also featured multi-color ambient lighting, adding a soothing vibe to the upscale interior.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This setup, though dated, was reliable and capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select system, and crawl control, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. However, its fuel efficiency was a downside, with 4WD models returning just 17 mpg city, 20 highway, and 18 combined. In real-world testing, the TRD Off-Road 4WD managed only 16.4 mpg.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup improved fuel efficiency and performance, allowing the Q7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and tow up to 7,700 pounds. The Q7's 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, adjusting the drivetrain, steering, and suspension settings. The Q7 averaged 21 mpg during a road trip and 18.1 mpg on a local fuel-economy loop, showcasing its efficiency and versatility.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and practical interior, with ample head- and legroom for front and second-row passengers. Its fully enclosed cabin provided nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it ideal for outdoor activities and daily driving. The 4Runner's simplicity extended to its 6.1-inch touchscreen and large, easy-to-operate knobs, catering to those who preferred straightforward controls.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats and seven-passenger capacity, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children and significantly reduced cargo space when in use. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expanded to 35.7 cubic feet, and with both rows folded, it reached 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7's interior was comfortable and luxurious, with eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and plenty of legroom and thigh support in the second row. However, practical interior storage was limited, with most space taken up by the Audi Phone Box and other features.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner lagged in technology, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its basic but straightforward system included the upgraded Entune system with navigation and Siri Eyes Free in the SR5 Premium trim. The lack of modern infotainment connectivity might have been a relief for those who preferred simpler controls, but it was a drawback for tech-savvy users.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured the new Multi-Media Interface (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, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services. While the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive due to dry fingertips, the overall user interface was intuitive. The Prestige trim also included a full-color head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner came with basic safety features, including a full array of airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. However, it lacked modern driver-assistance features, making it less family-friendly. The 4Runner received 4 out of 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests but only 3 out of 5 in the rollover test.

The 2020 Audi Q7 excelled in safety, equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) like Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. The Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination, though they were rated "poor" by the IIHS for excessive glare. The Q7 received the highest ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment, preventing it from earning a "Top Safety Pick+" nod.