2020 Audi Q7 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced approach to styling, positioned between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover design. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its dynamic appeal. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a luxurious environment, with a cockpit-like feel that set it apart from typical SUVs.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 offered a more traditional SUV design with modern updates. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced from $60,800, featured design changes that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model. The Prestige trim, tested at $74,290, included Navarra Blue metallic paint and additional packages. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard from the Q8, replacing physical controls with digital displays. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe. The multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enabled the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive speed, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup remained unchanged, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 available. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, though the Velar's road-focused design limited its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, with the Q7 averaging 21 mpg during testing. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, enhancing the Q7's versatility. On the road, the Q7 provided responsive acceleration and agility, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. The Q7's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and decent off-road capability added to its appeal as a well-rounded luxury SUV.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as expected, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling contributed to a cramped and claustrophobic interior feel, with limited visibility. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and suitable only for young children, with limited cargo space when in use. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows provided 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long journeys, with the Prestige trim offering heated and ventilated front seats, ample legroom, and a panoramic sunroof. However, practical interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen occupying valuable space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though they were prone to glare.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system offered natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless smartphone integration. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than competitors.

The 2020 Audi Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, with the exception of its "poor" headlight assessment. The Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination, though they were criticized for excessive glare. Audi equipped the Q7 with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system and Active Lane Assist were found to be problematic during testing.