2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered multiple variations, including the 45 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A performance-tuned Audi SQ7 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 was also new for 2020. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, upgraded to Prestige, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, totaling $74,290. Design updates included new front and rear styling, wheels, and lighting elements, enhancing the SUV's appearance. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, with multi-color ambient lighting adding a soothing ambiance at night.

For 2021, Lexus offered the NX in three versions: NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and NX 300h hybrid. The review focused on the NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models, with the performance-focused F Sport version tested. The NX retained its sharp design lines, similar to the smaller UX and larger RX, and had dimensions comparable to the Toyota RAV4. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for Circuit Red interior and other traditional colorways. The interior's material fit and finish were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, though it was more of a gimmick. The center stack, featuring an outdated design with a CD player and elevated climate-control buttons, lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI debuted a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, enhancing fuel efficiency. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive, the Q7 offered several driving modes through Audi Drive Select. The SUV accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds, and an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 21 mpg on a road trip and 18.1 mpg locally. The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, adjustable through Audi Drive Select. The Q7 excelled in off-road conditions and provided speedy acceleration on pavement, with Dynamic mode eliminating lazy throttle response. The mild-hybrid technology operated seamlessly, maintaining climate control during extended engine stop/start periods. The Q7 was agile in town, athletic on winding roads, and quiet on freeways, thanks to dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but less smooth than newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, enhancing engine noise electronically. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while AWD models had similar figures. The NX F Sport AWD also achieved 24 mpg combined. An adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, was available. The NX offered a smooth, comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback. Drive modes included Eco, Normal, and Sport, influencing throttle response and power-steering assist. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with three rows of seats, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat, suitable only for young children, required sliding the second-row seats forward and reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows provided 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7 was comfortable for a family of four, with agreeable front seats and ample second-row legroom. The four-zone climate control, heated rear cushions, and panoramic sunroof added to the comfort. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console offering minimal space due to the Audi Phone Box and lower dashboard screen. Second-row occupants had netted storage on the front seatbacks and door-panel bins, with cupholders in the center armrest.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom for two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seat offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures made the NX's storage capacity one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the 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 with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While the MMI Touch Response was an improvement, dry fingertips sometimes made virtual buttons unresponsive. The user interface was generally intuitive, with a volume and tuning knob on the center console and excellent voice-recognition technology. The Prestige trim included a head-up display, though it was invisible with polarized sunglasses, and a Bose premium sound system, replaced by a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The package included predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the infotainment system added HomeLink to the Navigation package, enabling Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with integrated Google Assistant. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a moonroof and heated steering wheel. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an eight-speaker setup, and the Navigation package added two speakers. A Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on the top-tier NX. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various functions, with a three-year trial subscription included. Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts and a 10-year subscription.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, rated "poor" by the IIHS for excessive glare but providing excellent illumination. The Q7 included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), with upgrades available in the Executive Package or Prestige trim. Highlights included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist with adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The adaptive cruise control had issues with traffic-sign recognition, leading to unexpected braking. Active Lane Assist was also problematic, especially on roads with passing lanes. The Q7 received the highest IIHS ratings, except for the "poor" headlight assessment, preventing a "Top Safety Pick+" nod.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights as options. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, with "Superior" front crash-prevention technology and an "Acceptable" LATCH system rating. The NHTSA awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.