Audi Q7 vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2020 Audi Q7 and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L brought distinct aesthetic and design elements to the table, each vying for attention within the luxury SUV segment.

The Audi Q7 55 TFSI model examined came dressed in Navarra Blue metallic paint, with options that elevated its visual appeal. The updates for the 2020 model included revised front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements, crafting a look that aligned more closely with the flagship Q8. The 20-inch turbine-style wheels provided a polished finish, while the interior boasted Okapi Brown leather, natural wood inlays, and a black cloth headliner. The Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, featuring three digital displays. This modern digital interface, together with multi-color ambient lighting, gave the cabin a sleek and soothing ambiance.

On the flip side, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also made a strong visual statement. It introduced a new profile, stretched to accommodate a third row for the first time. The Summit trim, which was assessed, showcased premium touches with metallic paint, luxurious quilted and perforated leather seats, real wood trim, and a modern technological package. Despite some interior materials not fully meeting luxury expectations at the higher trim levels, the overall design was solid. Its exterior represented a conventional yet finely tuned aesthetic that confirmed its Jeep heritage while adding a sense of modern luxury.

Performance features and specifications differentiate these SUVs significantly.

The 2020 Audi Q7's new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with a mild-hybrid system generated an impressive 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, it delivered robust acceleration, hitting 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Its adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes enhanced both comfort and handling, achieving mild off-roading capabilities. It also offered respectable fuel efficiency for its class, averaging 21 mpg on a road trip.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered a decent, albeit louder, acceleration. For more power, a 5.7-liter V8 was available, delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque but at a lower fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L featured various off-road settings and a Quadra-Lift air suspension capable of providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. Though it managed rugged terrains proficiently, it only hit 17.8 mpg in testing.

Interior space and practical utility elements are vital considerations for both the Audi and Jeep.

The Audi Q7, although equipped with three rows for seven-passenger capacity, was best utilized as a five-seater. The third row was cramped and impractical for adults or long trips. Its cargo space ranged from 14.2 cubic feet behind the third row to 69.6 cubic feet with all seats folded, offering adequate versatility. Interior comfort was high with plush seating and a panoramic sunroof, though storage space within the cabin was limited and less user-friendly.

The Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, flaunted more accommodating third-row seats, even for adults. With captain’s chairs in the second row and ample legroom, it provided a more spacious and comfortable experience. Its storage solutions were more practical, offering 17.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seats and expanding to 84.6 cubic feet with seats folded, a significant increase over the Q7’s capacity. However, it too had some limitations, such as the small dashboard vents affecting climate comfort.

Both models came loaded with cutting-edge technology and infotainment systems.

The Audi Q7 featured the new MMI Touch Response system, integrating a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen setup with natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and navigation with Google Earth imagery. While technologically advanced, it occasionally struggled with unresponsive buttons due to dry fingertips. The Prestige trim's head-up display and Bose premium sound system elevated the user experience, although technical quirks were present.

Jeep's Uconnect 5 system in the Grand Cherokee L offered a faster, more responsive user interface with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system provided wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Despite a few user-experience quirks, the system was generally intuitive. The McIntosh 19-speaker audio system stood out for its sound quality, though some might find its aesthetic a bit incongruent with the interior design.

Advanced safety features were well-represented in both SUVs.

The Audi Q7 boasted a plethora of advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. The latter, however, had some issues, particularly with its traffic-sign recognition system causing abrupt braking. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Q7 earned top ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L set a new standard with features like Active Driving Assist and Intersection Collision Assist. While the adaptive cruise control system performed commendably, the steering assist could feel unnatural. Parking aids and a complete suite of safety technologies enhanced its safety profile, though official crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.