2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2020 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 test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI in Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint and was equipped with 20-inch turbine-style wheels. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, further enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its 2018 facelift, retained a design reminiscent of its 2007 origins. The Nightshade Special Edition added some modern touches, like black 20-inch wheels and black leather upholstery, but the overall design felt dated. The interior featured a massive, multi-tiered center dash with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that appeared small against the expansive dash space. While the second-row seats offered ample headroom and legroom, the front seats felt bulky, limiting space for taller drivers. The Sequoia's design emphasized comfort and space, but lacked the modern flair of its competitors.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered improved fuel efficiency and responsive acceleration. The Q7's eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system provided a smooth and agile driving experience. Audi Drive Select allowed drivers to choose from various driving modes, enhancing the SUV's adaptability to different terrains. The Q7 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. During testing, it averaged 21 mpg on a road trip and 18.1 mpg on a local loop.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration, even for the Sequoia's substantial weight. The Sequoia's driving dynamics resembled those of a pickup truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, falling short of some competitors in the full-size SUV segment. The Sequoia's performance was characterized by its truck-like feel, appealing to those who preferred a more traditional driving experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and suitable only for young children, and using it significantly reduced cargo space. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased to 35.7 cubic feet, and with both rear rows down, it expanded to 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long journeys, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample legroom in the second row. However, practical interior storage was limited, with minimal space in the center console and door-panel bins.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets and a massive center console. The interior provided plenty of storage options, though newer SUVs had surpassed it in maximizing space efficiency.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. This system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless smartphone integration. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Prestige trim added a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021 models.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, which still felt small on the large dash. The older infotainment system was straightforward and easy to use, with large hard buttons for navigation. The digital trip computer was small but functional, providing a simple and user-friendly experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology occasionally misread signs, leading to abrupt braking. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its "poor" headlight assessment, which prevented it from earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked more advanced technologies like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia provided a comprehensive set of safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rating in the NHTSA's rollover test, and it had not been rated in other crash tests.