2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7, reviewed in the 55 TFSI variant, carried a starting price of $60,800, with the test model including several optional packages and a final price tag of $74,290. This SUV exhibited a refined visual style, closely aligned with the flagship Q8 model. Audi introduced updates to the front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The test vehicle sported standard 20-inch turbine-style wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat all-season tires. Internally, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, featuring three digital displays, including the Virtual Cockpit panel and two touchscreens on the center console for infotainment functions. The interior coziness was accentuated by Okapi Brown leather, Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, and ambient lighting, providing a blend of sophistication and modernity.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its icon status with a heritage design that included circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and prominent bumpers and fenders. Its appearance reflected ruggedness and a toy-like allure for adults. The Wrangler offered a flexible exterior configuration with options for painted or exposed fenders, soft or hardtops, and other distinctive styling touches. Internally, it promised a more rugged experience with upright seating, minimal legroom, and manual adjustments using ripcords. The tested Rubicon 392 trim added specific features like the distinct 392 hood badging and a functional hood scoop. The cabin design focused on utility with drain plugs for easy cleaning and a simplified layout meant for durable use.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI came equipped with a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, enhanced by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This technology optimized fuel economy by reducing the load on the engine and allowing for coasting with the engine off. Pairing this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the Q7 offered a dynamic driving experience through various modes via Audi Drive Select. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, the Q7 also provided significant towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Fuel efficiency was noted at an average of 21 mpg during testing, with a combined EPA estimate of 18 mpg.

On the other hand, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine making 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additional options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 producing 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the Rubicon 392 version housed a 6.4-liter V8 generating an impressive 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into a formidable off-road machine. Jeep's Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac 4WD systems catered to various off-roading needs, with features like front and rear locking differentials and a disconnectable sway bar for challenging terrains.

The 2020 Audi Q7, despite its three-row configuration, was most effectively utilized as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children, while with it folded, cargo capacity increased from 14.2 cubic feet to 35.7 cubic feet. Folding both rows amplified storage to 69.6 cubic feet. The front seats were comfortable for lengthy drives, and the second row offered ample space with heated cushions and shades for added comfort. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console occupied by technology like the Audi Phone Box and other functions.

In comparison, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparable to smaller crossovers. The Wrangler's utilitarian design included hardtops and soft tops in various materials and configurations, including the Sky one-touch power top with retractable canvas. The cabin was straightforward, featuring drain plugs for easy cleaning, and emphasized practical in-door nets and a small center console area.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced a new Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Touch Response system with a dual-screen setup: a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. This system facilitated access to various settings and featured natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless smartphone integration, navigation with Google Earth, and Audi Connect services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Though generally user-friendly, the system could be unresponsive to dry fingertips. Additional tech included a head-up display, a Bose premium sound system, and notable remote learning and working capabilities due to the robust WiFi.

The base 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport came with a modest 5-inch screen, with options to upgrade to a 7-inch Uconnect screen including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or the premium 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with crisp graphics. The larger screens were standard on higher trims, providing a clear and intuitive user interface along with radio controls on the steering wheel. The Rubicon 392 featured an off-road camera with a front grille placement, aiding in trail navigation and equipped with its own washer-sprayer.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced safety features, including HD Matrix LED headlights (though they received a "poor" rating from the IIHS due to glare), and numerous driving-assistance systems like Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, these systems' performance wasn't flawless, especially the traffic-sign recognition and Active Lane Assist, which often resulted in unintended braking or steering corrections. Overall, the Q7 received top safety ratings from the IIHS, with robust structural and collision protection.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered selective advanced safety features, with most being optional. Forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring could be added, but lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler did include a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, crucial for off-roading. However, in terms of standard safety provisions, it fell behind modern expectations.