2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined 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 20-inch turbine-style wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded luxury, further accentuated by multi-color ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly in its standard spec, maintained a more traditional and rugged look. The exterior, with its Magnetic Gray paint and chrome accents, resembled a first-generation Toyota Highlander. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of high-quality materials and dated design elements, such as a hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. Despite its retro feel, the interior was plush, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding driving position, providing a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was equipped with a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, aimed to enhance fuel efficiency and performance. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It averaged 21 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA’s 18 mpg combined rating. The SUV’s adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select system offered various driving modes, ensuring a smooth and agile ride on different terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the engine was remarkably quiet, contributing to a serene driving experience. The Land Cruiser averaged 14.7 mpg, slightly better than its 14 mpg EPA rating. Its full-time four-wheel-drive system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist provided exceptional off-road capabilities. The SUV’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Crawl Control further enhanced its ability to tackle challenging terrains, while its towing capacity was rated at 8,100 pounds.

The 2020 Audi Q7, though capable of seating seven, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet. Folding it down expanded the cargo area to 35.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet available with both rear rows folded. The Prestige trim offered comfortable seating and climate control for all passengers, but interior storage was limited, with most space occupied by the Audi Phone Box and other features.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row bench was roomy and comfortable, while the third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Land Cruiser’s split clamshell tailgate provided easy access to the cargo area, with a maximum capacity of 82.8 cubic feet when both rear rows were folded.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. It offered natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Despite occasional unresponsiveness due to dry fingertips, the system was generally intuitive. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser’s technology was more basic, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacking swipe and scroll functionality. It did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was limited. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs for easy control, while the rear-seat entertainment system was outdated but functional. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition system and Active Lane Assist were problematic, leading to disengagement during testing. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights, which were rated "poor."

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked more advanced systems like lane-centering assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but its robust construction and 10 airbags provided a sense of security.