2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and stylish 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 eight colors, including the new Sakhir Gold and Waitomo Blue Metallic. Inside, the updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior color choices. The piano black surfaces, while attractive, were prone to fingerprints, and the stacked infotainment screens integrated into the dash emphasized the car's proportions.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid took a conservative design approach, reminiscent of the previous-generation RAV4, resulting in a larger version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. Glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces were present, but the controls were logically arranged with matte black surfaces and clear iconography. The climate system was user-friendly, featuring large knobs for temperature adjustments, while the infotainment interface had a small volume knob and lacked a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, in Storm Cloud paint, offered a smart and upscale interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a removable center console between the second-row captain's chairs, providing easy access to the third row.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices for the Premium and Premium Plus trims: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The top Prestige trim, equipped with the larger engine, delivered smooth power delivery through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While Comfort mode prioritized efficiency, Dynamic mode aimed for sportiness but fell short in steering feedback and transmission responsiveness. The Q7's manual mode provided more driver control, and the brakes were firm. The SUV handled well, with minimal body roll, thanks to available all-wheel steering. The Q7 offered various drive modes, including Individual, All Road, and Off Road, but its off-road capabilities were limited. Fuel economy for the 55 TFSI engine was rated at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in CVTs, and the Hybrid Max achieved 27 mpg combined, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, it averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was impressive, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause vertical bounding and lateral rocking. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves. The Grand Highlander offered excellent outward visibility, aided by front, rear, and top-down cameras, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, while the Prestige trim added a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, 360-degree camera, and ventilated and massaging front seats. The Executive package included four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and sun shades. The third row was best suited for children, with limited legroom and cumbersome access. Cargo space measured 14.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 35.7 and 69.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow center console and door pockets.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a removable center console between second-row captain's chairs. The third row provided reasonable comfort for adults and tall teens, with ample crush space behind the seats. Cargo space measured 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.9 and 97.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The rear doors required ample space to open, and their sharp corners could cause dents in neighboring vehicles.

The 2025 Audi Q7's Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system featured a 10.1-inch center screen and a smaller screen for HVAC controls, along with a configurable digital gauge cluster. The menu structure was user-friendly, but the screen required a firm push, and scrolling could be sluggish. Google Maps was the native navigation system, and the Audi App Store offered third-party downloads. The myAudi app allowed customization with themed wallpapers. The Q7 included online navigation and traffic light information for three years and a six-month Wi-Fi trial.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, collision notification, and a digital voice assistant. The system was easy to use, though the font could be hard to read. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system.

The 2025 Audi Q7 came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It could park itself and offered customizable ADAS settings. However, the lane-centering system was less robust than competitors, and the Q7 lacked automatic lane-changing capabilities. The NHTSA awarded the Q7 five stars overall, with four stars for front crash and rollover. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model but gave the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating. The safety tech operated accurately, though the lane-keep assist occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The NHTSA gave the Grand Highlander a five-star overall rating, but it fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and frontal-impact protection.