2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was designed to blend seamlessly with its non-hybrid counterparts, featuring no overt styling changes or aerodynamic modifications. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek appearance. This approach underscored Land Rover's understanding of the importance of design in vehicle selection, avoiding unnecessary details that might detract from the PHEV's appeal. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, boasted a striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, priced at $74,290, included Navarra Blue metallic paint and several packages. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with digital displays. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and natural wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe. The Prestige trim's standard multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance, especially at night.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to climate control use or hilly terrain. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the SUV's off-roading capability remained intact, with a fording depth of 33.4 inches.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing fuel efficiency. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The SUV averaged 21 mpg during a road trip, with the adaptive air suspension providing a smooth ride. The Q7 excelled in both on-road agility and off-road capability, with its all-wheel-drive system and various driving modes. The cabin remained quiet, even at high speeds, thanks to dual-pane acoustic glass.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot space. Despite this, the SUV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall rear-seat position. The test vehicle featured a panoramic glass roof and 4-zone climate control, enhancing passenger comfort. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet when in use. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expanded to 35.7 cubic feet. The Q7 provided ample comfort for a family of four, with heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen occupying most available space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating. Despite spending time setting it up, the system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, lacking haptic feedback. While the technology managed the SUV's complexity, it could be bewildering for technophobes.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, featuring dual touchscreens for system access. The system included natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While generally intuitive, the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive due to dry fingertips. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), though the steering-assist system could be intrusive. The SUV's heavy weight and adaptive air suspension helped mitigate head-toss, but sudden steering motions could still cause discomfort. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's mass provided some reassurance in collisions.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare but praised for their illumination. The SUV included various ADAS, with the Prestige trim offering additional features like Emergency Assist and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to abrupt braking. The Q7 received high IIHS ratings, except for the headlight assessment.