2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered multiple variations, distinguished primarily by their engine types. The 45 TFSI version was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 55 TFSI designation was reserved for the mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. For those looking for something even sportier, the performance-tuned Audi SQ7 featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, new for that model year.

Reviewing the Q7 55 TFSI, which started at $60,800, it was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test model came with the Prestige package, an elegant Navarra Blue metallic paint job, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, raising its total price to $74,290, including a $995 destination charge. Design modifications for the 2020 version included changes to the front and rear styling, newer wheels, and updated lighting elements, all aligning with the sleeker, more modern aesthetics first introduced in the flagship Q8 model. The Q7's 20-inch turbine-style wheels featured 285/45 Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat all-season tires, reducing the risk of scraping due to their wide sidewalls. Inside, the Q7 borrowed the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays, including the now-familiar Virtual Cockpit. It had a sophisticated cabin with Okapi Brown leather and Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays, noticeably upscale and high-tech. The multi-color ambient lighting in the Prestige trim added to the vehicle's nighttime charm.

In comparison, the 2021 Audi Q5 maintained the refined Audi design language while exuding its own unique character. It had an expressive front fascia adorned with LED headlights and a big Singleframe grille, emphasizing the vehicle's width. Crisp character lines ran along the body, and the taillights made a bold statement at the rear. The plug-in hybrid version of the Q5, adorned with S-Line trim enhancements and riding on standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch ones, further elevated its looks. Inside, the Q5's uncluttered layout emphasized a smart grouping of buttons, switches, and knobs. High-end materials such as real wood and metal, along with a 10.1-inch touchscreen at the top of the center stack, added to its modern, sophisticated feel.

Under the hood, the 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a newly introduced 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produced 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, powered by a lithium-ion battery, aided fuel efficiency by enabling features like extended automatic engine stop/start and engine-off coasting. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a substantial towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Although the EPA estimated the Q7 to get 18 mpg combined, it exceeded expectations during a road trip, averaging 21 mpg. When tested on a local loop, it returned 18.1 mpg. The Prestige trim also included an adaptive air suspension with customizable firmness settings. With a weight of 5,082 pounds, the Q7 performed confidently in various driving conditions, from city traffic to mountainous terrains, thus proving its agility, speed, and remarkable cabin silence.

On the other hand, the 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) added an extra layer of excitement to an already enjoyable drive. The Q5 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that, combined with an electric motor and a 14.1-kWh battery pack, delivered a total of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the Q5 PHEV to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, a quicker figure than the Q7. Audi estimated a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined for the PHEV, and when running on gasoline alone, it achieved 27 mpg combined. The battery pack, hidden under the luggage compartment floor, could be recharged overnight with a regular household outlet or more quickly with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV also employed a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, enabling various driving modes that allowed for electric-only, hybrid, or gas-only driving. This flexibility was an advantage for those seeking efficient and adaptable driving. The handling was enhanced by its speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and four-wheel independent suspension, resulting in minimal body roll and responsive braking.

Regarding interior space, the 2020 Audi Q7 included three rows of seats, offering a seven-passenger capacity. However, the third row was best suited for young children due to its insufficient legroom and featureless cushion. Sliding the second-row seats forward provided more space but at the expense of cargo capacity. With the third-row seats in use, the cargo space was a meager 14.2 cubic feet. This expanded to 35.7 cubic feet with the third-row folded down and to 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Hence, the Q7 was more comfortable as a five-passenger vehicle. The test Q7's four-zone climate control ensured comfort across varying weather conditions. However, a significant drawback was the lack of practical interior storage, with limited space for personal items and a crowded center console.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to keep its cargo space unaffected by the battery pack, providing 25.1 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 53.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down—smaller than the Q7 but considerably spacious for most needs. Second-row passengers enjoyed 37.8 inches of legroom and ample headroom and shoulder room, making it comfortable for two adults, with enough room to accommodate a third adult for shorter trips. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable and supportive, with adjustable heating and ventilation, specifically on the Prestige trim. Additionally, the front row offered handy storage options, including cup holders, cubbies, and a small center-console bin.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured the new Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen, which together managed most of the vehicle's settings. The system featured natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation with Google Earth imagery. However, dry fingertips, likely from hand sanitizer or low humidity, sometimes rendered the touchscreens unresponsive. The system became easier to use once properly set up and included a physical knob for volume control. The Prestige trim also included a head-up display—though invisible with polarized sunglasses—and a Bose premium sound system, later replaced by a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in the 2021 models.

For the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV, the MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system carried the tradition of being user-friendly and feature-rich. The new center-console touchpad and Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch instrument cluster, customizable with three views (classic, sport, and dynamic), elevated the tech-savvy cabin. The Prestige package included the Navigation Package, which provided features like route optimization for hybrid operations based on various data points. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) transponder was a convenient addition, compatible with most U.S. toll services. The Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, standard on the Prestige level, offered exceptional sound quality, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly.

Driving the 2020 Audi Q7 at night was enlightening, figuratively and literally, thanks to its HD Matrix LED headlights, which rendered night-time driving on winding roads easy, albeit potentially glaring for oncoming traffic, resulting in "poor" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Q7 included numerous advanced driver-assistance systems such as Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist with traffic-jam assistance and lane-centering. However, the Adaptive Cruise Control's traffic-sign recognition feature and Active Lane Assist proved somewhat troublesome during testing. Still, the Q7 generally earned high IIHS ratings, barring the headlight performance, preventing it from becoming a "Top Safety Pick+."

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not yet been rated by IIHS but was expected to match the gasoline-only Q5, which received top "good" ratings except for its "marginal" headlight rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had awarded the gasoline Q5 five stars. Standard safety features on the Q5 PHEV included six airbags, low-speed collision assist, electronic stability control with off-road mode, and a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Optional driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Parking System Plus, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, among others.