2020 Audi Q7 vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, elevated rear roof, and round headlights evoked a sense of ruggedness and adventure. The Defender's design was both functional and stylish, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, although some elements were more for show than utility. The interior was basic and industrial, with a focus on durability over luxury. Despite its high price tag, the Defender's interior felt more like a well-built Jeep than a luxury SUV, lacking the plushness expected in its price range.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 offered a more refined and modern aesthetic. The Q7's design updates aligned it with the flagship Q8, featuring new wheels and lighting elements that enhanced its visual appeal. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, replacing physical controls with digital displays. The cabin was upscale, with Okapi Brown leather and ambient lighting creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The Q7's interior was both comfortable and technologically advanced, providing a luxurious experience for passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender boasted impressive off-road capabilities, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Defender's mild-hybrid system enhanced performance by eliminating turbo lag and powering vehicle accessories. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean.

The 2020 Audi Q7, on the other hand, offered a more balanced performance with its new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Q7's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and provided seamless engine restarts. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system and adaptive air suspension ensured a smooth and agile ride, whether on highways or winding roads. The Q7's acceleration was brisk, and its towing capacity was substantial at 7,700 pounds, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability, with a design focused on tackling tough terrains. Its interior was spacious, with generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The Defender 90 and 110 models offered flexible seating configurations, accommodating up to seven passengers. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the four-door 110 providing ample room for gear. The Defender's towing capacity of 8,200 pounds further emphasized its rugged capabilities.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 was best suited for five passengers, despite its three-row seating. The third row was cramped and more suitable for children, while the second row offered ample legroom and comfort. The Q7's cargo space was limited with all seats in use but expanded significantly when the third row was folded. Interior storage was minimal, with limited space for personal items. However, the Q7's panoramic sunroof and climate control features enhanced passenger comfort during long journeys.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous versions. It featured dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some elements were still challenging to navigate. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by advanced camera systems and digital displays, providing essential information for challenging terrains. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2020 Audi Q7's MMI Touch Response technology combined two touchscreens to control most vehicle functions. The system included natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and navigation with Google Earth imagery. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Q7's Prestige trim offered additional features like a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came equipped with standard safety features such as forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked knee and rear side airbags, and it had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit warnings.

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the traffic-sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to unexpected braking. The Q7's Active Lane Assist also had some issues with road changes. Despite these challenges, the Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights, which were rated "poor."