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- Highs Perky acceleration from optional V-6, agile handling, upper trims offer tons of tech.
- Lows Snug third row space, base turbo-four is short on grunt, best infotainment features aren't standard.
- Verdict Shoppers seeking an upscale family hauler with a sporty, refined driving nature and a tech-focused cabin will find that in the Audi Q7.
Overview
Crossover shoppers in search of the best, listen up: Shortlist the Audi Q7. Its nearly perfect balance of luxury, refinement, driving enthusiasm, and high-tech features make it a no-brainer for those lucky enough to have the budget for such a vehicle. We were blessed with a 2017 Q7 3.0T Prestige in our long-term fleet, and found very little to complain about. Two engines are available—an efficient turbocharged four-cylinder and a zesty supercharged V-6—and both come standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Low-speed automated emergency braking is standard, but those seeking more advanced active safety features will find what they’re looking for in the midrange Premium Plus and top-spec Prestige trims.
What's New for 2018?
Audi’s proximity-sensing Advance Key is now standard on all Q7 models and offers passive entry, memory features, and push-button start. Premium Plus trims gain the 3D Bose Surround Sound stereo system as standard, and top-spec Prestige models earn soft-close doors that kick the luxury up a notch.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Q7 2.0T Premium: $53,875
- Q7 2.0T Premium Plus: $54,875
- Q7 3.0T Premium: $60,375
- Q7 3.0TPremium Plus: $61,375
- Q7 3.0T Prestige: $66,375
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Properly equipped, the Q7 is one of the quickest and most capable utes in its class, with no shortage of powertrain refinement. While Audi has changed nothing under the hood of the Q7 for 2018, we did have a chance to test a Premium Plus model equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. While we were impressed by its performance, the four-cylinder doesn’t move the big Q7 along with the same zest as the supercharged V-6. With the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, which produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, the Q7 delivered a zero-to-60-mph time of just 5.5 seconds. All variants feature an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, and the V-6 ties it all together with satisfying sophistication and performance. You can save $6500 by opting for the base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder—252 horses and 273 lb-ft—but a four-banger doesn’t really suit the big Audi’s size and character. The Volvo XC90 is more stylish but is no match for the Audi’s cornering prowess. Despite its bulk, the Q7, when fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon. The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility from four-wheel steering, makes the Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the Compare Side-by-Side tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, the Q7’s cabin is a special place. Audi’s Advance Key passive-entry system is now standard across the range, bringing with it memory settings for the driver’s seat and a push-button ignition. Otherwise, this posh family hauler remains as spacious and comfortable as it was in 2017. The Q7 is competitively packaged yet not huge. Its spacious, ultra-comfy first and second rows are comparable with those you’ll find in its key rivals. Passenger space in the standard third row isn't as generous. We found the release and folding of the second row for entry and exit to be rather clumsy, and the resulting aperture is quite small for passengers to maneuver through. The Q7 is not the largest or the smallest in the segment, yet it is capacious enough for its job. The Q7’s multitude of cubbies is not as generous as in some of the competition, yet we never seem to have a shortage of storage solutions when piloting our long-termer. Sizable door pockets and second-row paraphernalia receptacles make up for a lack of underfloor storage in the cargo area, and the glovebox can double as a beverage cooler.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Q7’s infotainment suite is comprehensive and high tech yet also intuitive and responsive, thanks to Audi’s central MMI controller knob and smartly arranged secondary controls. Midrange Premium Plus models come standard with a 3D Bose audio system, and a Bang & Olufsen setup is optional on the top-spec Prestige for a $5000 upcharge. The Q7 has standard 7.0-inch display screens in the cluster and atop the dash, with the latter increasing to an 8.3-incher in the upper trims. The accompanying 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit cluster is optional on Premium Plus versions and standard in the Prestige. Additional trick features, including 4G LTE connectivity with Google Maps, also are available, though the standard package is respectable and there are an adequate number of USB and 12-volt outlets.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Audi Q7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.