2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI in Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint and was equipped with 20-inch turbine-style wheels. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor tweaks to modernize its appearance. The test vehicle, an Elite trim in Lunar Silver Metallic, featured new 19-inch wheels and a more luxurious interior with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The Odyssey's design updates, including a new grille and front bumper, aimed to reduce brightwork and enhance its overall appeal. The interior improvements, such as seating material upgrades and tri-color floor mats, contributed to a more refined and practical minivan experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system, offered a dynamic driving experience. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 21 mpg during testing. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select provided a customizable driving experience, while the cabin remained remarkably quiet thanks to dual-pane acoustic glass.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. While lacking all-wheel drive, the Odyssey offered smooth and effortless power delivery. The engine's variable cylinder management technology contributed to a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during extended use, highlighting a need for improvement in this area.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded from 14.2 to 35.7 cubic feet, and further to 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long journeys, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and door-panel bins providing minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and ample storage options throughout the cabin. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, detracting from the overall convenience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring dual touchscreens for accessing various systems and settings. The system included natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While generally intuitive, the touchscreens occasionally required multiple attempts due to dry fingertips. The Prestige trim added a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021 models.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services provided additional connectivity and safety features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while equipped with streaming apps, lacked a touchscreen interface, disappointing younger passengers.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology occasionally misread signs, leading to abrupt braking. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its "poor" headlight assessment, which prevented it from earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing across all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and pedestrian braking. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly. The IIHS and NHTSA awarded the Odyssey high safety ratings, with the exception of a four-star rollover resistance score.