2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Audi Q7 came in various configurations. The 45 TFSI version included a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 55 TFSI equipped the SUV with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. New for 2020, the Audi SQ7 emerged, featuring a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Our evaluation centered on the Q7 55 TFSI starting at $60,800 and upgraded to the Prestige trim level. With Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, the total price reached $74,290, including the $995 destination fee.

Design updates in 2020 altered the Q7’s front and rear styling, with new wheels and lighting elements, aligning it aesthetically with the flagship Q8 model. It sported standard 20-inch turbine-style wheels with 285/45 Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat all-season tires. Inside, the Q7 adopted the Q8’s dashboard and instrumentation. The removal of most physical controls introduced three digital displays: Audi’s Virtual Cockpit panel with various themes and configurations and two touchscreens on the center console. The test vehicle featured Okapi Brown leather with Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays, coupled with a black cloth headliner.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander also sought to be distinctive among midsize SUVs and crossovers with its assertive styling. Its front end displayed wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. A character line along the side echoed the profile of the Supra sports car, and the taillights appeared similar to those of a Lexus model. For 2021, the new XSE trim level came with a more aggressive front end, stiffer suspension, and unique 20-inch wheels. Our test vehicle sported the Limited trim, visually enhanced with chrome roof rails and accents. The interior boasted tan leather seats complemented by dark brown trim, and faux wood details that appeared sophisticated.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that generated 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, powered by a lithium-ion battery, helped improve fuel efficiency. The engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, allowing the SUV to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The maximum towing capacity was an impressive 7,700 pounds, and the EPA estimated combined fuel economy at 18 mpg. During a road trip, it averaged 21 mpg and 18.1 mpg locally.

The Prestige trim featured an adaptive air suspension with Audi Drive Select, offering firmness adjustments and various suspension height settings. Off-road during a trail, the Q7 had no issues in Allroad drive mode and Off-Road suspension settings. On pavement, the Q7 excelled in acceleration, especially in Dynamic mode, which reduced off-the-line laziness. Its mild-hybrid technology provided a seamless experience, efficiently using the engine stop/start system without compromising the climate control’s effectiveness.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, provided smooth and predictable performance. The engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options. While not a racecar, it delivered adequate performance for highway merging and general driving. When compared to competitors, its power output was on par with the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride while falling slightly behind the Honda Pilot and surpassing the Chevy Traverse. The XSE trim’s sportier suspension and steering upgrades provided a more engaging drive but did not make the Highlander a sports vehicle.

The 2020 Audi Q7, equipped with three rows and seven-passenger capacity, was most practical as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat, suitable only for young children, required sliding the second-row seats forward, limiting cargo space. With the third row in use, cargo space was a mere 14.2 cubic feet, expanding to 35.7 cubic feet with it folded down and reaching 69.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. During a family trip, the Prestige trim’s eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with the agreeable second-row seats, provided comfort throughout varying temperatures. The panoramic sunroof offered scenic views and additional storage options.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in practical storage solutions. A set of shelves ahead of the front seats accommodated large cell phones and allowed charging cables to connect to USB ports. The wireless charging pad was standard on trims above LE. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, and sliding seats maximized space for either the middle or third row. The third row, although usable for adults when the middle row adjusted, was best suited for children. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with it folded, and a generous 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2020 Audi Q7’s new Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Touch Response technology combined an upper 10.1-inch touchscreen with a lower 8.6-inch touchscreen. The system included natural voice and handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Despite being an improvement, dry fingertips sometimes caused unresponsiveness in touch controls. The system was generally intuitive after setup, with a separate volume knob and efficient voice-recognition. The Prestige trim added a full-color head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though Audi switched to a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system for the 2021 model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12.3-inch screen on Limited trims and standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, but the navigation struggled with points of interest, necessitating reliance on standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited some app displays to 8-inch sections. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality but was not overly remarkable.

The 2020 Audi Q7 excelled at night driving, thanks to the HD Matrix LED headlights, despite IIHS rating them “poor” due to glare. Standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) included new features on the Prestige trim like Emergency Assist and Turn Assist. Adaptive Cruise Assist with adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assistance, and lane-centering assistance were available, but the traffic-sign-recognition system occasionally misread signs, causing inappropriate braking. The Active Lane Assist was also problematic on certain roads. The IIHS gave the Q7 top ratings, missing “Top Safety Pick+” due to headlight performance.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, leading the way in safety technology. Other features included road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The NHTSA awarded it five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.