The 2020 Audi Q7 probably drives better than it needs to.

Let's face it, it's another crossover, albeit a luxury one. There are now literally hundreds of crossover models, and utility vehicles account for roughly half the passenger vehicles being sold in the U.S., and the trend shows no sign of slowing. Automakers are fighting to create crossovers that stand out on the road, but differentiating SUVs in a saturated market is a difficult task.

The seven-passenger Q7 was only due for a refresh for 2020, but Audi gave it a substantial overhaul to help it better stand out in a competitive arena. With a face-lift, tech upgrades, and a new powertrain, execs say it was one of the largest refreshes Audi has ever done.

The changes start with the face, which keeps the octagon grille but replaces the horizonal slats with six vertical ones. The assortment of finishes ranges from shiny and bright (satin chrome) to dark and menacing with the Black Optic package. Designers also changed the air inlets. The Q7 now shares the new look being adopted across Audi's portfolio. It looks cleaner, more spritely, and planted but less squat. A crisp side character line and new rocker panels take bulk out of the body. In back, a chrome strip stretches between the new taillamps, and the lower rear bumper is new.

LED headlights are now standard, and you can upgrade to the matrix pattern with optional laser light beams with dancing diodes. For now in the U.S., they animate when the vehicle is turned on and off; when regulations some day allow, they will be used to better illuminate the road while not blinding oncoming traffic.

See all 54 photos

From Super to Turbo and 48-Volt Mild Hybrid

The base engine remains the 248-hp, 273-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but the big change is the 335-hp, 369-lb-ft 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6. Yes, turbo. The outgoing model was supercharged. Audi is rolling out this version of the V-6 across the lineup, and it also has 48-volt mild hybrid technology. North America won't get the diesel or the plug-in hybrid. Still to come: the SQ7 performance variant with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 making 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, due in dealerships this spring.

In the Q7, both gas engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. Audi says the V-6 Q7 will go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, quite a bit quicker than the 6.9 seconds it takes with the I-4.

This means the Q7 is a kindred spirit of the 2020 Audi S4, and, frankly speaking, it tries to drive like one. The crossover is an over-achiever. On desert roads outside Palm Springs, California, the Q7 delivered a smooth and spirited ride on 20-inch wheels with all-season tires (19s are standard; 21s are available). We drove some excellent twisty roads that demanded agility without body roll or making the passenger sick. Check and check.

Most impressive was the transmission, which is buttery smooth and perfectly mated to the V-6. Shifts were spot on. Bonus points for how great the engine sounds. The tendency for enthusiasts is to immediately go for the Dynamic drive mode, but in the Q7 the normal drive mode with automatic shifting is arguably the best way to travel.

The roads we used were relatively smooth which did little to challenge the Q7's optional air suspension—steel springs and adaptive dampers are standard—but there were a few good dips that were easily absorbed. The air suspension also makes it easier to get in and out.

See all 54 photos

All-wheel steering is designed to keep the vehicle more stable while tightening the turning circle. Our Prestige package vehicle did not have the all-wheel steering. Even without it, though, the steering was responsive, accurate, and had just enough feedback to avoid feeling numb.

The Q7 has some chops when it comes to capability. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, and with the V-6, the crossover can tow 7,700 pounds.

Fuel economy is not impressive at an EPA-rated 17/21/18 mpg in city/highway and combined driving with the new V-6. The supercharged V-6 in the current model was more efficient at 19/25/21 mpg. The EPA has not rated the four-cylinder yet for 2020 but the 2019 model returns 19/25 mpg city/highway.

Audi A8's Swanky Interior Finds a Home in Q7

Inside, the Q7 adopts the high-end interior of the A8 sedan with dual touchscreens integrated into the flowing dash. The screens go black when not in use for a classier look. The third-generation infotainment system (MIB 3) has added haptic feedback—you can hear and feel the click so you know the system received the command. The 10.1-inch top screen is well integrated into the dash, and the smaller 8.6-inch screen below in the center stack handles the HVAC controls. There is wireless Apple CarPlay with optional wireless charging and signal booster. Android Auto is compatible, but you need a cord to connect your phone. The cockpit also doubles as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The second generation of Audi's Virtual Cockpit comes standard and provides crisp graphics and Google Earth images. A color head-up display is available as an option.

We've come to expect a nice mix of leathers and woods with metal embellishments in an Audi cabin and the Q7 delivers. The Black Optic package adds Valcona leather, massaging seats, and an Alcantara headliner. The Warm Weather package adds ventilated seats.

See all 54 photos

The seven-passenger crossover is designed to seat three in the second row. The seatbelts are arranged so that the person in the middle doesn't get squeezed, and it can accommodate up to three car seats. Rear passengers have their own USB ports and a full set of HVAC controls, and heated rear seats are available. If you remove the extra people, the second- and third-row seats easily fold completely flat.

Safety systems including cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, lane keep assist, collision avoidance, traffic sign recognition, night vision, pedestrian detection, parking assist are all available, and many features are standard with the V-6 model.

Light Will Turn Green in 3-2-1

A cool feature is Audi's Traffic Light Information system that uses municipal data and algorithms to predict when a red light will turn green and gives the driver a countdown clock to slow down accordingly, which saves fuel and frustration. In the U.S. there are 10,200 intersections in 30 cities set up to provide the data to vehicles, and the number keeps growing. Another feature, Intersection Assist, looks for cross traffic and will brake to avoid an accident.

The 2020 Q7 with the V-6 has been on sale since January, and models with the I-4 are headed to dealerships now. Pricing starts at $55,795 with the four-cylinder and $61,795 with the V-6. We only drove the V-6, and our model was optioned up to $74,290 with the $10,400 Prestige package, plus the cold weather and towing packages at $750 each.

The second-generation Q7 debuted four years ago, so an update was due. With this vehicle's strong bones, Audi concentrated on creating a better experience overall, from the high-end cockpit to the new V-6. Is it enough to make the Q7 stand out in a sea of crossovers? That might be too herculean a task, but the Q7 is a solid choice.

See all 54 photos