2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refreshed design with its 55 TFSI model, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. This model, priced at $86,100 with the Technik trim, showcased updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model. 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 an upscale and modern vibe, enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor tweaks, such as a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design and reduced brightwork for a modernized appearance. The test vehicle, in Lunar Silver Metallic, featured U.S.-exclusive Elite trim, similar to Canada’s Touring trim, with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting for an upscale feel. The Odyssey’s interior improvements included new seating materials and tri-colour floor mats, enhancing its appeal as a luxurious minivan.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was equipped with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system, offered a dynamic driving experience. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system contributed to fuel efficiency, with the Q7 averaging 11.2 L/100 km during testing. Audi Drive Select provided various driving modes, and the adaptive air suspension ensured a smooth ride. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 3,500 kilograms. Despite some quirks with the adaptive cruise control and lane assist, the Q7 delivered a quiet and enjoyable drive.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While lacking all-wheel drive, the Odyssey offered smooth power delivery and variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, averaging 10.8 L/100 km. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, and the Odyssey’s ride and handling were pleasurable, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use. The Touring trim’s 19-inch wheels enhanced handling, but the lack of AWD was a disadvantage in snowy conditions.

The 2020 Audi Q7, though a seven-passenger vehicle, was best suited for five passengers due to its cramped third-row seating. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and with both rows down, it offered 1,970 litres. The Q7’s interior was comfortable for long trips, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and ample second-row legroom. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and dashboard screen occupying most space.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and Magic Slide second-row seats for versatile configurations. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. The Odyssey’s interior was practical, with ample storage and comfortable seating, though the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was a minor drawback.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology with dual touchscreens for infotainment, offering features like natural voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Technik trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though polarized sunglasses rendered the display invisible.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. The Touring trim added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while comprehensive, lacked a touchscreen, disappointing younger passengers.

The 2020 Audi Q7 boasted advanced safety features, including HD Matrix LED headlights, though rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. The Driver Assistance Package offered features like Emergency Assist and Turn Assist, but the adaptive cruise control and lane assist systems had issues with traffic-sign recognition and lane confusion. Despite these quirks, the Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, including low-speed follow for adaptive cruise control and pedestrian braking. The Odyssey’s ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly. The Odyssey maintained its impressive safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rollover resistance rating.