Audi Q7 vs Kia Telluride 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 was updated with 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. The Black Optic package added black accents, Anthracite Gray Audi rings, and blacked-out chrome exhaust tips. A unique laser-etched badging on the B-pillar added a touch of exclusivity. The Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold, with five wheel options, two of which were new designs in 21- or 22-inch diameters. Inside, the updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior colour choices. The interior featured a sleek design with stacked infotainment screens and extensive HVAC vents, though the piano black surfaces were prone to fingerprints.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that polarized opinions, particularly with its flat, faceless grille spanning the front end. The vehicle's personality shifted with different colours and trims, with body-coloured vertical strakes at the edges that blended better in darker shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks, complemented by distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile featured angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, adding a unique touch. The rear view adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the silver buttons and cream-coloured infotainment shortcuts were hard to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided comfort but had firm cushions that could be uncomfortable on long drives. Material quality was excellent, with various trim surfaces available, including engineered wood and carbon.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine options for buyers. The base 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 top Technik trim provided smooth power delivery through an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels. While Comfort mode prioritized efficiency, Dynamic mode aimed for sportiness but fell short in steering feedback and transmission responsiveness. The Q7 excelled in handling, thanks to available all-wheel steering, with minimal body roll even in tight turns. Various drive modes, including Individual, All Road, and Off Road, catered to different driving conditions. Fuel economy ratings for the 55 TFSI were 13.0 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.7 combined, while the smaller engine offered slightly better efficiency at 12.0 L/100 km city, 9.2 highway, and 10.7 combined.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant added electric motors powered by a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. The hybrid powertrain was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims but was expected in the X-Line trim. The Telluride Hybrid delivered ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. Both Telluride models prioritized comfort, with the X-Pro offering a surprisingly smooth ride despite its off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels but maintained composure over bumps. Sound insulation was excellent, with minimal wind noise at highway speeds. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed and controllable, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal required some adjustment, but panic stops were effective.

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 in the Progressiv trim. The top Technik trim added a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades. The Luxury package offered a massage function for the front seats, front passenger seat memory, and an air quality and fragrance function. 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 third and second rows folded, respectively. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets that could be challenging to access.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low-mounted seat cushions. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the top-trim hybrid, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride Hybrid offered 631 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,379 litres with the seatbacks folded, and up to 2,528 litres with the second-row seatbacks flat. The hybrid models lost only about 30 litres of cargo capacity. The Telluride could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, or 2,040 kilograms for the hybrid. Smaller storage options included a large centre bin, deployable cupholders, and medium-sized door pockets.

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. A large configurable digital gauge cluster was also included. The menu structure was user-friendly, though the screen could be sluggish and required a firm push. Audi's navigation system, powered by Google Maps, was a standout feature, offering satellite view on the gauge cluster while wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto ran on the main screen. The Audi App Store allowed downloads of third-party programs like Spotify and YouTube.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. Lower trims in the U.S. had a smaller 4.2-inch instrument panel, though Canadian specifications were not confirmed. The infotainment system included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The system was easy to use, though it required a firm tap and had some delays. The climate control screen was challenging to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. A 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality, while lower trims featured an eight-speaker system.

The 2025 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Q7 could park itself in both parallel and perpendicular spaces, though its lane-centring and adaptive cruise control systems were less refined than competitors. The NHTSA awarded the Q7 five stars overall, with four stars for front crash and rollover. The IIHS had not rated the 2025 model but gave the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness and child restraints.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was expected to include standard safety features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features such as a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The highway driving assist was particularly effective, though the driver attention monitor occasionally triggered false alerts. The Telluride's blind-spot cameras were more distracting than helpful, especially at night.