2020 Audi Q7 vs 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered a straightforward selection process with four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The base model came with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while AWD was standard on all other trims in Canada. Prices ranged from $27,690 to $39,090, excluding destination charges. The CR-V LX featured 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-colour trim, and rear privacy glass, while higher trims boasted 18-inch wheels. The CR-V's interior was noted for its quality materials and construction, with a two-tone tan-over-black interior treatment that added to its appeal. Despite some hard plastic, the interior did not feel cheap, contributing to a sense of value for money.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced design changes that enhanced its front and rear styling, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $75,000 including delivery charges, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. The Technik trim, priced at $86,100, included standard 21-inch wheels and an adaptive air suspension. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, with three digital displays replacing most physical controls. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe. The Technik's standard multi-colour ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance at night.

The 2019 Honda CR-V in Canada was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it offered a choice between FWD and AWD. The engine was responsive, providing satisfying acceleration and better fuel economy. However, issues such as engine misfires in cold weather and battery problems were noted. The CR-V averaged 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the expected 8.0 L/100 km. The AWD system operated in FWD until wheel slip occurred, directing up to 40% of power to the rear wheels. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, and dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric steering.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, generating 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to conserve fuel. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD, the Q7 offered several driving modes through Audi Drive Select. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 3,500 kilograms. The Q7 averaged 11.2 L/100 km on a road trip and 13.0 L/100 km on a local loop. The adaptive air suspension and Allroad drive mode provided decent off-roading capability. The Q7's cabin was notably quiet, thanks to dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2019 Honda CR-V provided ample interior space, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed a 12-way power adjustable seat, and heated front seats were standard in Canada. The backseat offered plenty of space, with air vents and USB ports for comfort. The CR-V excelled in cargo space, offering 1,110 litres behind the back seat and 2,146 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children, and using it reduced cargo space significantly. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expanded to 1,010 litres, and with both rows down, it reached 1,970 litres. The Q7's interior was comfortable, with eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row seats provided ample legroom and thigh support. However, practical interior storage was limited, with the centre console and dashboard screen taking up space.

The 2019 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included HondaLink connected services and a premium audio system on the Touring trim. However, the infotainment system was criticized for its small screen size and lack of menu shortcut buttons. Voice activation was available but often unresponsive, causing distraction.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips sometimes made virtual buttons unresponsive. The Technik trim featured a full-colour head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though polarized sunglasses rendered the display invisible.

The 2019 Honda CR-V included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, on all trims except the base LX FWD. It offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, though the IIHS rated them as "poor" due to excessive glare. The Q7 included advanced driving-assistance systems, such as Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology was problematic, and Active Lane Assist was often confusing. The Q7 received the highest ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.