Compare the2025 Audi Q7VS 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The Q7’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the Q7 and Highlander Hybrid have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Q7 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Highlander Hybrid’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Audi Q7 achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has not been tested.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Q7’s standard Hill Descent Assist allows you to creep down safely. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer Hill Descent Assist.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The Q7 has Car-to-X Services, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Q7 has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Assist with Automatic Brake Activation, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum offers Parking Support Brake.

Both the Q7 and the Highlander Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Audi Q7 is safer than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

	Q7	Highlander Hybrid
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	99	292
Neck Injury Risk	25%	38.2%
Neck Stress	186 lbs.	347 lbs.
Neck Compression	37 lbs.	55 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	61/46 lbs.	321/243 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	102	328
Neck Stress	118 lbs.	179 lbs.
Neck Compression	38 lbs.	90 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	46/29 lbs.	545/323 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Q7 is much safer than the Highlander Hybrid:

	Q7	Highlander Hybrid
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	22/45 pounds	270/315 pounds
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	22/45 pounds	270/315 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Audi Q7 is safer than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

	Q7	Highlander Hybrid
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	15 inches
HIC	290	366
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	41 G’s
Hip Force	557 lbs.	664 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Audi Q7 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Highlander Hybrid is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The Q7 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Highlander Hybrid’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Q7’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Highlander Hybrid’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Engine

The Q7 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 18 more horsepower (261 vs. 243) than the Highlander Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Q7 55 TFSI’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 92 more horsepower (335 vs. 243) than the Highlander Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Q7 55 TFSI 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid is faster than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

	Q7	Highlander Hybrid
Zero to 60 MPH	7 sec	8 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.8 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97 MPH	88 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Both the Q7 and Highlander Hybrid have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The Q7 has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The Q7 has 5.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Highlander Hybrid (22.5 vs. 17.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Q7’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Highlander Hybrid:

	Q7 45 TFSI	Q7 55 TFSI	Highlander Hybrid
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	14.8 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.8 inches	13.3 inches

The Q7 stops shorter than the Highlander Hybrid:

	Q7	Highlander Hybrid
60 to 0 MPH	133 feet	141 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	141 feet	153 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Q7 has larger standard tires than the Highlander Hybrid (255/55R19 vs. 235/65R18). The Q7’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Highlander Hybrid (285/45R20 vs. 235/65R18).

The Q7’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Highlander Hybrid XLE’s standard 65 series tires. The Q7’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q7 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Highlander Hybrid XLE. The Q7’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Q7 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Q7 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Highlander Hybrid’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Q7 has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q7’s wheelbase is 5.7 inches longer than on the Highlander Hybrid (117.9 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Q7 is .8 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Highlander Hybrid.

The Q7 Prestige handles at .85 G’s, while the Highlander Hybrid Platinum pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Q7 Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the Highlander Hybrid Platinum (26.4 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Q7 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Highlander Hybrid (8.3 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Q7 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Q7 w/Air Suspension’s minimum ground clearance is 1.7 inches higher than on the Highlander Hybrid (9.7 vs. 8 inches).

Passenger Space

The Q7 has .3 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear legroom, .1 inches more rear shoulder room and 1.2 inches more third row legroom than the Highlander Hybrid.

Cargo Capacity

Pressing a button automatically lowers or raises the Q7’s third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The Q7’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Highlander Hybrid’s (4409 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is only 3500 pounds. The Q7 offers up to a 7716 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The Q7 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Highlander Hybrid uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the Q7 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Highlander Hybrid. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum, the Q7 Prestige has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Q7’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Q7’s standard Audi Advanced Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key System standard on the Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Q7’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Highlander Hybrid’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Q7 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Laser headlights, optional on the Q7 Prestige, produce their light by firing blue lasers through phosphorus, a process that uses one-half the power of the Highlander Hybrid’s LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Q7 Prestige has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the Q7 has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

A manual rear sunshade and rear side window sunshades are optional in the Q7 (except Premium) to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The Q7’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Highlander Hybrid has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Audi Q7 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum.

The Q7 Prestige has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Highlander Hybrid.

The Q7 55 TFSI Prestige’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Park Assist Plus will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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