What To Know
- Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular contenders like the Toyota Highlander and the Audi Q7.
- The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring a large touchscreen display and a comprehensive suite of connectivity features.
- If you’re looking for a practical and affordable SUV with good fuel economy, the Highlander is a solid choice.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular contenders like the Toyota Highlander and the Audi Q7. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each SUV, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Engines
The Toyota Highlander is available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and responsive handling. The Highlander also offers a hybrid option, combining the V6 engine with an electric motor for enhanced fuel efficiency.
The Audi Q7, on the other hand, boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that generates 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering a thrilling driving experience. The Q7 is also available with a plug-in hybrid option, offering both performance and environmental consciousness.
While both SUVs offer impressive performance, the Audi Q7 takes the lead in terms of sheer power and acceleration. However, the Highlander’s hybrid option provides a significant advantage in fuel economy, making it a more economical choice for daily commutes.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Luxurious Retreat vs. Practical Functionality
The interior of the Toyota Highlander is designed for practicality and comfort. It offers spacious seating for up to eight passengers, ample cargo space, and a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display. The Highlander’s interior materials are durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for families with young children.
The Audi Q7, however, takes luxury to another level. Its interior is adorned with premium materials, including leather upholstery, wood trim, and metal accents. The Q7’s cabin is also exceptionally quiet, providing a serene environment for passengers. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring a large touchscreen display and a comprehensive suite of connectivity features.
In terms of interior comfort and technology, the Audi Q7 surpasses the Toyota Highlander. However, the Highlander’s practicality and ease of use make it a more family-friendly option.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection for All
Both the Toyota Highlander and the Audi Q7 are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Advanced Airbags: Multiple airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin to protect passengers in case of a collision.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability during sharp maneuvers and slippery road conditions.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle veers out of its lane without signaling.
The Audi Q7 also offers optional features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system, further enhancing its safety capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency: A Balancing Act of Power and Economy
The Toyota Highlander’s hybrid option offers a significant advantage in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 36 mpg combined. The standard V6 engine also delivers respectable fuel economy, with an estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The Audi Q7’s fuel economy is slightly lower, with an estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. However, the Q7’s plug-in hybrid option significantly improves fuel efficiency, offering an electric-only range of up to 23 miles.
Price and Value: A Matter of Budget and Priorities
The Toyota Highlander is generally more affordable than the Audi Q7. The starting price for the Highlander is around $36,000, while the Q7 starts at around $55,000. However, the Audi Q7’s premium features and luxurious interior come at a higher price tag.
Ultimately, the decision between the Toyota Highlander and the Audi Q7 boils down to your budget and priorities. If you’re looking for a practical and affordable SUV with good fuel economy, the Highlander is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology, the Audi Q7 might be a better fit.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
Both the Toyota Highlander and the Audi Q7 are excellent SUVs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander offers practicality, affordability, and good fuel economy. The Q7, on the other hand, provides luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
Here is a quick recap:
Toyota Highlander:
- Strengths: Practicality, affordability, good fuel economy, spacious interior, reliable performance.
- Weaknesses: Less luxurious interior, less powerful engine than the Q7.
Audi Q7:
- Strengths: Luxurious interior, powerful engine, advanced technology, comfortable ride, impressive safety features.
- Weaknesses: Higher price tag, lower fuel economy than the Highlander.
The best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a reliable and practical family car, the Toyota Highlander is a great option. However, if you’re seeking a luxurious and powerful SUV that turns heads, the Audi Q7 is the clear winner.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is the cargo space like in each SUV?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers a generous 83.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. The Audi Q7 has a slightly smaller cargo capacity of 71.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?
A: While both SUVs are primarily designed for on-road driving, the Toyota Highlander offers slightly better off-road capabilities with its available all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance.
Q: What are the warranty terms for each SUV?
A: Toyota offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Audi offers a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Toyota is known for its reliability, consistently ranking high in reliability surveys. Audi, while offering premium features, has a history of slightly lower reliability scores.
Q: Which SUV has better resale value?
A: Toyota vehicles generally retain their value better than Audi vehicles, making the Highlander a more sensible choice for those who plan to sell their SUV in the future.
