2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was a sophisticated blend of luxury and technology. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and was priced at $86,100 Canadian with the Technik trim. The SUV's design updates included a refreshed front and rear, new wheels, and lighting elements, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard with three digital displays, replacing most physical controls. The Virtual Cockpit panel offered various configurations, while two touchscreens managed infotainment functions. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. The Highlander XSE trim added a sporty touch with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels. Our test vehicle, the Limited trim, showcased chrome roof rails and accents, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Highlander excelled in luxury, with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and dark brown trim. The wood details, though not real, added to the cabin's appeal. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of just under 3,500 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 11.2 L/100 km during a road trip. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, enhancing ride comfort and off-road capability. The Q7's mild-hybrid technology operated seamlessly, contributing to fuel savings.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While not a performance powerhouse, the Highlander offered smooth and predictable operation. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power. The Highlander XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, appealing to those seeking a balance between practicality and driving excitement.

The 2020 Audi Q7, though a three-row SUV, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and suitable only for young children. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expanded from 402 litres 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 offered ample legroom and climate control features. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and dashboard screen occupying most space.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad in the centre console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could slide to optimize space. The third row accommodated adults, albeit with some compromise. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down. The Highlander offered a well-thought-out interior for families.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for infotainment. It featured natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Technik trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though Audi upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen system for 2021.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available from the Limited grade, though it struggled with points of interest. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive, but its functionality was limited. A JBL audio system was standard from the Limited grade, providing decent sound quality.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, praised for their illumination but rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. It included advanced driving-assistance systems, such as Emergency Assist and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition system occasionally misinterpreted signs, leading to unexpected braking. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Intersection support and blind spot monitoring were also standard. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.