2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $86,100 with the Technik trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a high-tech interior. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded luxury. The dashboard adopted the Q8's digital displays, replacing most physical controls with three screens, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The ambient lighting added a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the upscale and high-tech feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with SUV-like styling. Its wide grille and LED headlamp arrays contributed to a sleek, assertive stance. The redesigned sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options enhanced its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan. The dashboard was simple, with controls clustered below the infotainment screen. The centre console featured practical storage solutions, and the second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, accommodating adults with ease.

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 a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improved fuel efficiency by reducing the load on the engine. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a towing capacity of nearly 3,500 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 12.0 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing 11.2 L/100 km. The adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering enhanced agility and comfort, while the cabin remained remarkably quiet.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled CVT aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, though it sometimes dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.6 L/100 km highway.

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 402 litres when in use. Folding it down expanded cargo capacity to 1,010 litres, and with both rows folded, it reached 1,970 litres. The Q7 provided comfort for a family of four, with 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 available space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and flexibility. Its third-row 60/40-split bench folded into the floor, while the second row slid up to 63.5 centimetres, facilitating access and legroom adjustments. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood, with cargo space ranging from 949 litres behind the third row to 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included voice and handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, and Audi Connect services. While intuitive, the touchscreens sometimes required multiple attempts due to dry fingertips. The Technik trim offered a head-up display and a Bose sound system, though polarized sunglasses rendered the display invisible.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging and a 1500-watt inverter. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, and the driver enjoyed a multi-information display and digital rearview mirror.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, though rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. It included advanced driving-assistance systems like Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to unexpected braking. The Q7 received high collision protection ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlights.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna boasted Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision detection. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.