2025 Audi Q7 vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined design with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and stylish daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were updated, and the grille sported vertical inlays within its octagon frame, contributing to a more cohesive exterior look. Customization options allowed buyers to choose different finishes for the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser, while the Black Optic package added black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. The laser-etched badging on the B-pillar was a unique touch, and the Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold. Inside, the Q7 offered minimal updates, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior colour choices. The interior featured stacked infotainment screens and extensive HVAC vents, though the piano black surfaces were prone to fingerprints.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, available in two trims, offered a retro look with the base 1958 model, featuring round headlights and cloth seats. The Cruiser trim provided a more modern appearance, with additional colours, a nicer interior, and enhanced off-roading capabilities. The Premium Package added leather and more tech, including a Heritage Blue and Grey paint option, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, with a purposeful look underscored by dark grey cladding. The interior was utilitarian, with traditional switchgear and Java-coloured leather providing contrast. The dual 12.3-inch digital screens added a technological edge, and the steering wheel controls were intuitive compared to other models.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine options: the 45 TFSI, a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and the 55 TFSI, a 3.0-litre turbo V6 producing 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The top Technik trim featured the larger engine, delivering smooth power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While the Q7 excelled in comfort mode, dynamic mode left some room for improvement, particularly in steering feedback and transmission responsiveness. The Q7's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll and the option for manual mode for more driver control. Fuel economy ratings for the 55 TFSI were 13.0 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.7 combined, while the 45 TFSI offered slightly better efficiency.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The full-time 4WD system included electronic locking differentials and a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. Off-roading features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhanced its capabilities. However, real-world fuel economy was less impressive than the official 10.1 L/100 km combined rating, with observed consumption at 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled in urban and off-road environments, though its handling on twisty roads was less agile. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the high seating position provided excellent visibility.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered heated front seats across all trims, with additional features like ventilated front seats and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system in higher trims. The Luxury package added a massage function and air quality enhancements. The Q7's three-row seating was best suited for children in the third row, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 402 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,970 litres with seats folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to SofTex artificial leather, with ventilated front seats and a power sunroof. The Premium Package added real leather and a JBL sound system. Front seats were comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and had an awkward backrest angle. The rear window design was less practical, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. Cargo space was generous at 1,062 litres, expanding to 2,324 litres with the rear seats folded, though the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured the Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system with a 10.1-inch centre screen and a smaller screen for HVAC controls. The digital gauge cluster was configurable, though the screen response was occasionally sluggish. Audi's navigation system, powered by Google Maps, was a highlight, offering satellite view on the gauge cluster. The Audi App Store provided access to third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant for voice commands. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, and digital key technology.

The 2025 Audi Q7 came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring feature was less robust compared to competitors. The Q7 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in side crash tests. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received high marks in crashworthiness.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, though performance varied. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-impact results but a lower rollover resistance rating.