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Toyota grand highlander vs audi q7: the battle for dominance in the premium suv market

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Toyota Grand Highlander offers better fuel economy than the Audi Q7, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the V6 engine, and 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
  • The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a more affordable option with a competitive feature set, while the Audi Q7 commands a premium for its luxury and performance.
  • The Audi Q7, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious and performance-oriented experience with a refined interior, advanced technology, and a potent engine.

Introduction:

The Toyota Grand Highlander and the Audi Q7 are two formidable SUVs that have made their mark in the competitive automotive landscape. While both vehicles offer a premium driving experience, they stand apart in terms of their unique strengths and target audiences. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Audi Q7, helping you make an informed decision about which SUV suits your needs and preferences.

Performance and Powertrain

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Audi Q7, on the other hand, boasts a more potent 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that generates 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

In terms of performance, the Audi Q7 has a slight edge over the Toyota Grand Highlander, offering quicker acceleration and a more responsive driving experience.

Interior and Features

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with three rows of seating. The cabin features premium materials, comfortable seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a JBL premium audio system.

The Audi Q7 boasts an even more luxurious interior with a focus on technology and comfort. The cabin is adorned with soft leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. It comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

Cargo Capacity and Towing

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers ample cargo space with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded down. It also has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The Audi Q7 provides a slightly smaller cargo capacity with 14.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 35.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 69.6 cubic feet with all seats folded down. However, it offers a higher towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Audi Q7 are equipped with an array of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

The Toyota Grand Highlander also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes additional features such as pedestrian detection, lane centering assist, and road sign recognition.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers better fuel economy than the Audi Q7, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the V6 engine, and 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Audi Q7 has EPA-estimated ratings of up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Price and Value

The Toyota Grand Highlander has a starting price of $36,420, while the Audi Q7 starts at $60,100. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a more affordable option with a competitive feature set, while the Audi Q7 commands a premium for its luxury and performance.

Takeaways: Choosing the Right SUV for You

The Toyota Grand Highlander and the Audi Q7 are both excellent SUVs that cater to different needs and preferences. The Toyota Grand Highlander is a versatile and value-oriented option with a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a wide range of features. The Audi Q7, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious and performance-oriented experience with a refined interior, advanced technology, and a potent engine.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Audi Q7 depends on your individual requirements and budget. If you prioritize affordability, versatility, and fuel efficiency, the Toyota Grand Highlander is an excellent choice. However, if you desire a luxurious, high-performance SUV with cutting-edge technology and premium amenities, the Audi Q7 is the way to go.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable interior?
A: The Audi Q7 has a more luxurious and comfortable interior with soft leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

Q: Which SUV has a better sound system?
A: The Audi Q7 comes with a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, which offers a superior sound experience compared to the JBL premium audio system in the Toyota Grand Highlander.

Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Audi Q7 has a higher towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, compared to the Toyota Grand Highlander‘s 5,000 pounds.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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