Audi Q7 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly tweaked, and the grille sported vertical inlays within its octagon frame, contributing to a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to personalize the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser in various finishes, 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, updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays, but limited interior colour choices. The piano black surfaces, though stylish, were prone to fingerprints, and the stacked infotainment screens integrated into the dash emphasized the car's proportions.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with horizontal slats, framed by LED projector headlights and five large LED daytime running lights. The body-colour, heated side mirrors were power-operable, with the Luxury Hybrid adding power-folding capabilities. The rear view was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name below a large Hyundai emblem and stacks of five LED taillights wrapping around the rear corners. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its thoughtful design, offering H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and three-stage heating elements. The interior design was filled with organic shapes, and the storage solutions felt well-engineered, providing a richer sense of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices for buyers. The 45 TFSI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 55 TFSI, standard on the Progressiv and Technik trims, boasted a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to all four wheels, with various drive modes including Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, All Road, and Off Road. The Q7's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll and firm brakes, aided by available all-wheel steering. However, the fuel economy was less competitive, with the 55 TFSI rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.7 combined.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of sluggish hybrids with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery. The turbo-four engine alone produced 258 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the combined output reached 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system optimized power delivery and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was notably quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was somewhat soft. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid offered a smooth and efficient driving experience.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated front seats across all trims, with additional amenities like four-way lumbar support, a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats on higher trims. The Technik trim added a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades. 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 1,011 and 1,970 litres with the second and third rows folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the third row provided ample space for passengers. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, seven USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat standard. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims. The Palisade featured numerous storage cubbies, including a rubberized cargo space in the centre console and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2025 Audi Q7's Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system featured a 10.1-inch centre screen with a smaller screen for HVAC controls. The digital gauge cluster was configurable, and the menu structure was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm push. Google Maps was available as the native navigation system, and the Audi App Store offered third-party program downloads. Online navigation and traffic light information were included for a trial period.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were supported, along with HD and Sirius XM satellite radio. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. A 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims, and a built-in dashcam was included on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

The 2025 Audi Q7 included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring system was less robust compared to competitors. The Q7 received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with top marks in side crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims. At the time of writing, crash test ratings for the 2026 model were not available, but the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.