Audi Q7 vs Renault Arkana
What's the difference?

Audi Q7

$75,880 - $129,990

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Renault Arkana

$36,990 - $45,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Audi Q7

2026 Renault Arkana

By Chris Thompson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 1.3L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Extremely comfortable
Sensible tech and ergonomics
Design still looks current

Stylish, distinctive design
Great boot space and practicality
Responsive handling

Dislikes

Thirst for fuel
Lack of front row storage
Occasional drivetrain hesitation

Mild-hybrid gains feel limited
Snug rear seat space
Slow off the mark

2025 Audi Q7 Summary

The updated Audi Q7 is a bit of a game of ‘spot the difference’ - but even though it’s far from a new generation, the update is more than just some shiny new bits.

While the brand’s first SUV is still in its second generation, a bit of modernised design and some tech tweaks are aimed at keeping it in line with rivals, even as it nears a decade on sale.

As well as the new features, there’s also a new variant bound for Aussie showrooms. So, is it still up to the task?

View full pricing & specs

2026 Renault Arkana Summary

This time around my family of three has been reviewing the updated Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid, and you might be wondering… why?

In a market that is positively bursting at the seams with established and new competition, including full-hybrid rivals like the Honda HR-V RS and Hyundai Kona Premium, the Arkana has its work cut out for it.

It’s also a slightly unusual proposition, pairing the raised ride height of an SUV with the swooping roofline of a coupe, while sticking with a mild-hybrid powertrain as more and more rivals make the jump to full-hybrid.

So, does this small French SUV coupe still have enough going for it to stand out from the crowd?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q7 2026 Renault Arkana

Verdict

Overall, changes to the Q7 aren’t quite revolutionary, but that’s okay because it was already a fantastic large SUV.

The fact Audi has kept the price around the same mark and introduced a cheaper entry-grade should be welcome news for prospective buyers.

But even the existing variants are capable and impressive family haulers… and now they’re just that little bit better.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid combines some serious design flair with a reasonable amount of practicality for a smaller family, but it’s hard to ignore the lack of improvement in efficiency following the addition of the mild-hybrid system. That said, it still succeeds on some fronts. It just does it quietly.

Audi Q7 vs Renault Arkana What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q7 vs Renault Arkana
What's the difference?