AUDI Q7 COMPETITORS THAT OFFER SPACE AND STYLE IN 2026

Premium midsize SUVs are popular as they match a practical size with enough functionality to not make you miss a full-size SUV. The Q7 was one of the first massively successful German SUVs in the modern era, coming out in 2006 to rival the BMW X5. Other auto companies have noticed the success the Germans have had with midsize three-row SUVs and brought out their own Audi Q7 competitors to steal its glory.

We've compiled a list of our favorite rivals to Q7 in this list to help you make the right choice. It can be daunting to buy an SUV in the US as there are just so many options, but this article should get the ball rolling for your decision.

2026 Audi Q7 Overview

We loved the Audi Q7 when we drove it back to back with its coupe brother, the Q8. As the current biggest Audi SUV, it features a premium cabin with nice materials, as well as every creature comfort you can through at it, if you're willing to pay the price. The Q7 is the one to get if you're focused on family usability, though, as its standard straight roofline gives it the option of a third row of seats. While it's not the biggest third row we've ever seen, it's enough for kids and adults if you're in a pinch.

You get two options for powertrain. There's a 261 horsepower four-cylinder, but we'd recommend going for the 335 hp V6 engine, as even though the four-pot is enough, the extra grunt matches the premium-segment buyer better. We tested this car with the optional air suspension, which was incredible, but does demand a large premium over standard suspension. All-wheel-drive comes as standard through Audi's famous Quattro system, although it does hurt fuel economy figures slightly to return a 22 mpg combined figure in the four-pot.

Inside, you'll find an interior that is arid of buttons. There are two screens, one to control the infotainment and the other for climate. They work quite well and are responsive, but screens are never as easy to hit on the move as buttons. Thankfully, the optional sound system from Bang & Olufsen is so good that you'll forget about the screen. For the ultra-premium customer, you can spec wood trim, beige leather and massaging seats for long drives.

2026 BMW X5

Starting Price: $67,600

The X5 is one of the most famous rivals to the Q7, coming out just before Audi's offering in 1999. There's a lot to love about the 2026 BMW X5 — it has plenty of tech onboard with two huge screens, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is efficient with 39 miles of all-electric range, and even the base model gets a power inline-6 making 375 hp. In 2026, though, there's no third-row seating option, which is a dealbreaker for people with large families. You'll have to go for the bigger X7. Still, as an all-rounder family car with five seats, it looks great and has proper BMW steering feel.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Starting Price: $62,250

The real headline with the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 50 miles of all-electric range, which is better than all other vehicles on our list. The Audi doesn't even feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's also one of the safest cars on our list, even beating out the XC90 in many crash test areas. If you prioritize comfor5t over performance, the Mercedes might be the right choice as it does not hide the fact it tries to lean into corners to maintain a soft ride.

2026 Volvo XC90

Starting Price: $61,050

The Volvo XC90 is a top performer in this group, and it's quite similar to the Audi Q7. The main differences here are the design and the plug-in hybrid option on the Volvo, which Audi doesn't have. As standard, you get a panoramic roof, wireless charging and even a heated steering wheel. We found the dampening to be brilliant in our review, but the transition from electric motor to ICE was a little rough. The one-pedal driving mode works well here, and the third row is still comfortable for kids. The PHEV powertrain does eat up some cargo space, though.

2026 Land Rover Discovery

Starting Price: $60,200

Land Rover hasn't really found its footing in the US as much as other places in the world, but its Discovery model seems like a great package. The interior is well-designed and retains physical controls for the HVAC systems, and 70.52 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are folded flat. Out the box, the Land Rover is much more capable offroad than the Audi, and its 8,200 lb towing capacity is up there with the best cars like the Q7.

2026 Genesis GV80

Starting Price: $57,700

The Genesis GV80 might be a new player in the game, but its design and great interior make it feel like it's been here forever. 2026 brings a new lineup and the addition of a cheaper RWD trim, which hopefully will help the thirsty 4-cylinder in running costs. Even the lowest trim gives you ambient lighting, which looks great on the wooden fascia around the cabin. One of the best things about the Genesis isn't even the car — it comes with a 10-year powertrain warranty, which is best in class, and a five-year limited warranty. That might be worth the price already.

2026 Lincoln Aviator

Starting Price: $56,910

Ford's luxury marque, Lincoln, undercuts the Audi's starting price to $56k with the Aviator. For that, you get one of the most powerful base Q7 competitors, with a V6 that has 400 horsepower and a 0-60time of 5.6 seconds. There are quite a few luxuries available as standard here, with a heads-up display, heated and cooled seats and some acoustic-laminated front glass to make it quieter at highway speeds. The main drawback with this car is that while the engine is potent, it does suffer with lackluster MPG figures of around 20 combined MPG. If you can live with that, the Lincoln is a great choice.

2026 Lexus TX

Starting Price: $55,640

Toyota and Lexus powertrains are incredible, and the TX fits that moniker. The PHEV V6 is potent yet quiet, and we could not feel it kick in during our review. The base gas and full hybrid powertrains are also quick enough, and are both more powerful and efficient than the Audi's engine options. Our biggest gripe with the car was the interior. It's far from the most premium in the class, and the technology is a little daunting to use. You do get a huge amount of space in here though, as it shares a platform with the cheaper, yet still massive, Grand Highlander.

2026 Infiniti QX60

Starting Price: $51,590

The Infiniti QX60 might not be the most premium crossover in its bracket, judging by the price, though it's a feature-rich and handsome midsize SUV. The four-cylinder engine isn't as powerful as the V6 that came before, but it'll save you money at the pump and has enough oomph to easily join highways and fast traffic. We'd love to see a hybrid version of this car in the near future to aid the four-cylinder and be more competitive in the cars similar to the Audi Q7 list.

2026 Acura MDX

Starting Price: $51,800

We loved driving the Acura MDX, the brand's most popular SUV. The Type-S variant in particular makes this luxury SUV fun to drive with extra character. We also love buttons, but the Acura's interior can be pretty confusing when you see it for the first time. Buttons are littered around the steering wheel and center console, but we'd rather take this over a laggy large screen. It's one of the cheapest options in Audi Q7 competition, but it certainly doesn't feel that way inside or out.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

Starting Price: $47,520

The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is the cheapest car on our list - and we've picked the more expensive hybrid specifically - but you wouldn't think it with its premium updated design and features. The top Calligraphy model costs less than the base Audi Q7, and has more standard features, like Nappa leather, heated third-row seating and even a 'relaxation' mode on the second-row of seating which makes them fold almost flat. With the hybrid motor, you're also getting one of the most efficient Audi Q7 alternatives, especially in the FWD variants. If you're not a badge snob, the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid's Calligraphy trim has all the features you'd ever want in a family cruiser.

Sources: EPA, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Genesis, Land Rover, BMW, Infiniti, Acura, Lexus, Volvo, Lincoln

2025-10-13T06:54:43Z