2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Audi Q7 offered multiple variations, including the 45 TFSI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A performance-tuned Audi SQ7 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 was also available. The Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, came in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, a Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, totaling $74,290. Design updates for 2020 included new front and rear styling, wheels, and lighting elements, enhancing the Q7’s appearance. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, featuring three digital displays and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit panel. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather with Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, complemented by multi-color ambient lighting.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede headliner. While the Limited trim adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with option packages, the Calligraphy trim stood out, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. The test vehicle featured a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner, making the Calligraphy’s cabin appear luxurious. The Palisade Calligraphy’s interior was a genuine bargain, offering a high level of luxury compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI debuted a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, enhancing fuel efficiency. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive, the Q7 offered several driving modes through Audi Drive Select. The 55 TFSI drivetrain accelerated the 5,082-pound SUV from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA estimated 18 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 21 mpg on a road trip. The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, adjustable through Audi Drive Select. The Q7 excelled in off-road conditions and provided a quiet, comfortable ride on pavement, with responsive acceleration and significant towing capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function. The EPA estimated 21 mpg combined for AWD models, and the test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive. While not outright fun, the Palisade was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads. It offered plenty of power, easy maneuverability, and a comfortable highway cruising experience, aided by impressive Highway Drive Assist technology. The Palisade’s 5,000-pound towing capacity was supported by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with three rows of seats and seven-passenger capacity, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children, and cargo space was limited when it was in use. Folding the third-row seat expanded cargo capacity from 14.2 cubic feet to 35.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet when both rows were folded. The Q7’s cabin was comfortable for a family of four, with agreeable front seats and plenty of second-row legroom. However, practical interior storage was limited, with minimal space under the center armrest and narrow cupholders. The second row offered netted storage and door-panel bins, with cupholders in the center armrest.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior size, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Palisade’s third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. In-cabin storage was plentiful, with a spacious front center console and door-panel bins. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, with the option to disable it if desired.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch touchscreen with an 8.6-inch touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips sometimes made virtual buttons unresponsive. The Prestige trim featured a full-color head-up display, a Bose premium sound system, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system for 2021.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display. The surround-view camera system aided parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, rated "poor" by the IIHS for excessive glare but praised for their illumination capabilities. The Q7 included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, with upgrades available through the Executive Package or Prestige trim. Highlights included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist with traffic-jam assistance and lane-centering assistance. However, traffic-sign recognition and Active Lane Assist proved problematic. The Q7 earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist were standard, with more sophisticated systems in higher trims. The Palisade’s Highway Drive Assist worked well, providing smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.