Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 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 Canadian with the Technik trim, featured standard 21-inch wheels that enhanced its visual appeal. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The Virtual Cockpit panel offered customizable instrumentation, while two touch-sensing screens managed infotainment functions. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, complemented by multi-colour ambient lighting for a soothing nighttime ambiance.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its distinctive design, required an acclimation period for some. Its blunt and bulbous nose, black windshield pillars, and swollen haunches contributed to a unique appearance. The Platinum trim, priced at $59,082 Canadian, included a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a surround-view camera system, and other premium features. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery and an asymmetrical dashboard housing the infotainment and climate controls. However, the larger screen suffered from reflections on sunny days, and the mix of illumination colours in the gauges created a busy appearance at night.

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, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improved fuel efficiency by reducing the load on the engine. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of just under 3,500 kilograms. During testing, it averaged 11.2 L/100 km on a road trip and 13.0 L/100 km on a local loop. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, enhancing the SUV's agility and comfort. Despite some lazy throttle response in Comfort and Auto modes, switching to Dynamic mode improved acceleration. The cabin remained quiet, thanks to dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 243 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency, averaging 7.4 L/100 km during testing. While it offered better efficiency than its predecessor, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less engaging. The drivetrain sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs, and the steering felt lifeless. The regenerative brakes operated transparently, but the SUV's ride and handling suffered from unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, it demonstrated capable handling, but on uneven surfaces, it felt sloppy. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in electric-only EV Mode and provided a quiet and cushy ride on the freeway.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat, suitable only for young children, required sliding the second-row seats forward, reducing cargo space. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and with both rows down, it reached 1,970 litres. The Technik trim's eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats provided comfort, while the second-row seats offered ample legroom and thigh support. However, interior storage was limited, with the Audi Phone Box taking up space under the centre armrest.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat lacked comfort and support, with tight headroom and challenging access. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres. While storage was plentiful, the dashboard shelf was less accommodating, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area below.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen for system access. It included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, and Audi Connect services. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Technik trim featured a full-colour head-up display, though it was invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Bose premium sound system provided quality audio, but Audi replaced it with a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system for 2021.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, replacing the standard 8-inch display, and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The voice recognition system worked well, but it did not control climate settings. The JBL sound system, with 1,200 watts of power, offered mixed audio quality. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice through the speakers, and a video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view behind the SUV. The driver information display offered detailed data and driver-assist settings.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which performed exceptionally well during night driving, despite receiving a "poor" rating from the IIHS due to excessive glare. The Q7 included advanced driving-assistance systems, such as Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to unexpected braking. The Active Lane Assist technology also proved displeasing, especially on mountain highways. Despite these issues, the Q7 received the highest collision protection ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure with steering assist. New features included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The adaptive cruise control occasionally applied inconsistent braking, and the lane-centring assistance system felt overly sensitive. However, the Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.