2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

In 2020, the Audi Q7 underwent visual enhancements to align its aesthetic with the flagship Q8 model. This included redesigns of the front and rear styling, new wheels, and updated lighting elements. The Q7 was available in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with the latter offering a particularly upscale experience. Equipping the Q7 55 TFSI with Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package brought the price up to $74,290, including destination charges. The interior surrendered many physical controls for three digital displays, offering a high-tech feel complemented by Okapi Brown leather, Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, and multi-color ambient lighting.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda CR-V blended into the sea of compact crossovers on the market, with minor differences like the grille and some chromed plastic elements distinguishing it marginally. The color palette included eight shades, although several were variations of gray, limiting vibrant choices like Aegean Blue Metallic to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered choices of black, gray, and ivory, with upscale trims incorporating wood panels and chrome for added elegance. The seats featured sharp, modern details, offering an angular and contemporary look.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It incorporated a 48-volt mild-hybrid system aimed at improving fuel efficiency. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 demonstrated a 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds and returned an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined. On a road trip, it averaged 21 mpg. The Prestige trim offered an adaptive air suspension, making it agile in town, athletic on winding roads, and quiet on freeways, with a comfortable ride owing to the dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that prioritized smooth and steady acceleration rather than spirited driving. While not thrilling to drive, the CR-V provided predictable handling and a ride quality bolstered by a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. All-wheel drive was available as an option, maintaining the CR-V's competence in varied driving conditions.

Utilizing its three rows of seats, the 2020 Audi Q7 could technically accommodate seven passengers. However, its third row was cramped and best suited for young children, with featureless flat cushions reducing comfort. Using the third-row seat left minimal cargo space, just 14.2 cubic feet. Folding it expanded the capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and with both rear rows down, the maximum cargo space was 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim's upscale features, such as heated and ventilated front chairs and a panoramic sunroof, added to passenger comfort. Nevertheless, interior storage was limited, with the center console offering minimal space due to the Audi Phone Box and digital controls.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized practicality with its 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the Toyota RAV4. Its cargo capacity was impressive, boasting 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied, with lower trims requiring manual operation, while the Touring trim offered a hands-free power tailgate, enhancing convenience. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting carrying options for family adventures unless you opted for the highest trim level.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system with 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch touchscreens handling most SUV systems and settings. It included voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was intuitive but occasionally unresponsive to dry fingertips. The Q7's Prestige trim featured a head-up display, although polarizing sunglasses rendered it invisible. Additionally, the vehicle was equipped with a quality Bose sound system, replaced by a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

Honda's 2021 CR-V integrated a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in most trims, barring the base LX, which had a basic 5-inch screen. The audio system varied, with the Special Edition and EX featuring a 180-watt setup with six speakers, while the Touring offered a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant in most trims, enhancing convenience for all passengers. Unlike the LX, higher trims added advanced features like a navigation system and wireless phone charger.

During night drives, the 2020 Audi Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights showed impressive performance, although they received a "poor" rating from the IIHS due to glare issues. The Q7 was equipped with a robust suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist and Turn Assist. While adaptive cruise control worked well, traffic-sign recognition technology was problematic, occasionally braking unnecessarily. The Active Lane Assist technology also exhibited erratic behavior. Despite these issues, the Q7 secured top ratings from the IIHS, with the headlight rating being the only shortfall preventing a "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

Honda equipped every 2021 CR-V trim with the Honda Sensing system, ensuring a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's safety accolades included a five-star NHTSA crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight performance and an updated side crash test.