2020 Audi Q7 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. Standard projector-beam LED headlights were a feature across all trims, with the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Highlander was where it truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 underwent design changes that enhanced its front and rear styling, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $86,100 with the Technik upgrade, featured standard 21-inch wheels and a cabin that adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8. The interior was upscale, with Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays. The Technik trim's standard multi-colour ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance, while the dual-pane acoustic side window glass ensured a remarkably quiet cabin. The Q7's design updates and high-tech interior made it a luxurious choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Highlander offered smooth and quiet acceleration, akin to the Lexus RX. However, its steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride reminiscent of older Buicks. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander provided a calming driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, while the AWD version had slightly different figures. The Highlander hybrid offered even better fuel consumption at 6.7 L/100 km combined.

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 a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing fuel efficiency and performance. The Q7's drivetrain allowed it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, with a substantial towing capacity of just under 3,500 kilograms. The SUV averaged 11.2 L/100 km during a road trip, showcasing its efficiency. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, providing a comfortable ride on various terrains. The Q7's performance was characterized by speedy acceleration, agile handling, and a quiet cabin, making it a well-rounded luxury SUV.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The Highlander's interior was designed for convenience, with eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash. However, the wireless charging pad blocked access to the cubby under the centre armrest, which was a minor inconvenience.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, 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 further to 1,970 litres with both rows down. 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, complemented by four-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the Audi Phone Box taking up space under the centre armrest.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system, despite being new, felt outdated. The maps lacked detail, and the screen resolution was low. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with climate and fuel efficiency information always displayed. However, the Highlander offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 10-inch head-up display, and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the JBL audio system on higher trims provided decent sound quality. Safety Connect and factory navigation with traffic data were also included.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response technology, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally made the virtual buttons unresponsive. The Technik trim included a full-colour head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, which was later replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021. The Q7's technology offerings were comprehensive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system was problematic, leading to unexpected braking. The Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to excessive glare, but they provided excellent illumination. The Q7 received the highest ratings for collision protection from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.