2018 Audi Q7

2018 Audi Q7 Review

“This luxurious three-row SUV offers plenty of performance and technology but limited cargo space.”
8.4 / 10
Edmunds overall rating
author
by Will Kaufman
Edmunds Editor

Edmunds expert review

The Audi Q7 is one of the top luxury crossovers in the midsize segment. It offers an appealing combo of performance, comfort, technology and value. Its well-built interior and advanced suite of semiautonomous driver-assistance features are also noteworthy.

The Q7 may be Audi's biggest SUV, but it's surprisingly nimble for its size, especially when equipped with the optional adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering. Combine that with good visibility and willing engines and the Q7 is a pleasure to drive. And if you're not in the mood to drive, the Q7's optional driver aids will not only keep you in your lane, but they will also anticipate turns and adjust to local speed limits.

Beyond the impressive technology features, the Q7's interior is filled with high-quality materials and offers exceptional comfort. It's also extremely quiet and capable of smoothing out rough roads. The engines offer usable power and reasonable fuel economy thanks to this generation Q7's weight loss.

As much as we like the 2018 Audi Q7, its biggest weakness is cargo capacity. Both the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Volvo XC90 boast more space, along with appealing interiors. Prospective buyers might also want to look at the sporty and well-rounded Acura MDX and BMW X5. There are a lot of strong entries in this segment, but the Q7 is one of the best, whether in base trim or fully loaded.

Notably, we picked the 2018 Audi Q7 as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury SUVs for this year.

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What's new for 2018

After a full redesign for last year, the Q7 carries over with only minor trim level-specific equipment changes.

We recommend

We think the Premium Plus is the one to get. This trim adds features like an upgraded sound system and blind-spot monitoring, but more importantly gives you access to more options. Buyers with heavy commutes will appreciate the Driver Assistance package and its suite of active driver aids. Those in extreme climates will want to consider the Cold or Warm Weather packages. Whatever your needs, the Q7 Premium Plus likely has a package to meet them. We like both engines, but keep in mind that the four-cylinder's advantage is a lower price tag more so than improved fuel economy.
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Trim levels & features

The 2018 Audi Q7 is available in three trim levels. The entry-level Premium trim comes with enough features to satisfy many buyers but has only limited access to optional upgrades. From there, the Premium Plus trim adds a few extras, and it can be more thoroughly upgraded and customized. Finally, the range-topping Prestige trim bundles quite a few features and has access to some exclusive options.

Two engines are available for the Q7. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It's only available in the Premium or Premium Plus trim levels. The upgraded supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft, and is offered in all three trims. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The Premium trim includes leather upholstery, heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats, three-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, and a panoramic sunroof. Standard technology features include a rearview camera, 7-inch color driver information display in the gauge cluster, and Audi's MMI user interface with a 7-inch central display, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports and a 10-speaker sound system.

Some active safety features are also included on the Premium trim. Audi Pre-Sense Basic with Pedestrian Detection, which takes steps to mitigate injury and damage in a collision, is standard. You also get front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera along with a power-folding third-row bench, split-folding second row, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power rear liftgate, HomeLink garage door opener, heated power-folding side mirrors, and LED running lights and taillights.

Only two major packages are available for the Premium trim. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The MMI Navigation Plus package adds navigation that allows you to search for locations with Google Voice Search, smartphone integration, and a handful of other connected features.

Moving up to the Premium Plus trim adds the MMI Navigation Plus package, along with an upgraded Bose sound system, an electric tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring with Pre Sense Rear, auto-dimming exterior mirrors and interior LED accent lights.

The Premium Plus trim also has access to quite a few optional packages. The Driver Assistance package adds the entire menu of electronic driver aids, and the Vision package adds Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a 360-degree exterior camera and LED headlights. There's also the Warm Weather package, which adds four-zone climate control, seat ventilation and rear sunshade. The Ventilation package, meanwhile, adds seat ventilation and sunshades.

The range-topping Prestige trim includes the Vision package and Warm Weather package, and also adds larger 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, and power-closing doors. Only the Prestige can be equipped with the Adaptive Chassis package, which adds four-wheel steering and an adaptive air suspension. There's also a night-vision system available along with a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Notable stand-alone options that can be added to all trims include a trailering package and rear side-impact airbags.

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Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full Test of the 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige (supercharged 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall8.4 / 10

Driving

9.0 / 10

Acceleration8.5 / 10
Braking9.0 / 10
Steering8.0 / 10
Handling9.0 / 10
Drivability9.0 / 10

Comfort

9.0 / 10

Seat comfort8.5 / 10
Ride comfort9.0 / 10
Noise & vibration8.0 / 10
Climate control9.0 / 10

Interior

8.5 / 10

Ease of use9.0 / 10
Getting in/getting out9.0 / 10
Driving position8.0 / 10
Roominess8.0 / 10
Visibility9.0 / 10
Quality9.0 / 10

Utility

7.0 / 10

Small-item storage6.5 / 10
Cargo space7.0 / 10

Technology

9.0 / 10

Audio & navigation9.0 / 10
Smartphone integration9.0 / 10
Driver aids9.0 / 10
Voice control8.0 / 10

Driving9.0

The 2017 Audi Q7 is a strong performer in the three-row luxury crossover class thanks to the power and torque of its supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Handling is also admirable, whether you opt for the Adaptive Chassis option or not. And those sharp reflexes do not come at the expense of comfort either.

Acceleration8.5

Smooth and quiet supercharged V6 delivers plentiful power with more than enough punch for easy passing and merging. When pushed on our track, the Q7 sprinted to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds, a quick time for a midsize SUV.

Braking9.0

Firm pedal instills confidence. Our panic stop from 60 mph required 112 feet, which is a short distance for the class. Even under such heavy use, the Q7 remains poised and controllable with very little nosedive.

Steering8.0

Steering effort is appropriate at all speeds, from feather-light in parking lots to firm on the highway. And there are two driver-selectable ranges: Comfort and Dynamic. Optional four-wheel steering enhances high-speed stability and makes for easy maneuvering in tight spaces.

Handling9.0

For a big three-row SUV, the Q7 is surprisingly agile. Comfort mode trades away some sharpness in the name of comfort, while Dynamic mode generates quick reflexes and tighter roll control that makes the Q7 more willing and able on winding roads.

Drivability9.0

Shifts from the eight-speed transmission are seamless, and it always seems to be in the right gear at the right time. One of the best in the class.

Comfort9.0

Think of the 2017 Audi Q7 as the luxurious A8 on a grander scale. It's that good. No matter how uneven the road or how fast you're traveling, the Q7 remains quiet as a crypt as the miles glide past.

Seat comfort8.5

The Prestige trim's ventilated 12-way front seats ensure all-day comfort. Lateral support, however, may be a little light if you drive sinuous mountain roads frequently. Sliding and reclining second-row seats are also comfy for adults. Third-row seats are sized for smaller passengers.

Ride comfort9.0

The base suspension expertly smooths out road imperfections, and the optional air suspension is as good as a flagship luxury sedan. Comfort mode emphasizes softness; Dynamic focuses on damping and precise control.

Noise & vibration8.0

No road or wind noise to speak of, regardless of road conditions or speed. Conversations need little more than a whisper, and the Q7's silent cabin can also showcase the optional 23-speaker stereo.

Climate control9.0

Simple-to-understand controls. Cools the Q7's large cabin quickly. Heated seats up front work well and stay on indefinitely, which isn't always a given.

Interior8.5

The 2017 Q7's modern and luxurious interior is a great place to spend time. It's attractive without being gimmicky, and everything is thoughtfully designed, placed and executed. The only real downside is its relatively small cargo space.

Ease of use9.0

There are a lot of features to command, but the simple MMI interface makes it easy after some familiarization. All buttons and knobs are placed right where you'd want them, and the redundant displays and controls allow you to keep your attention on the road ahead.

Getting in/getting out9.0

With the air suspension, the vehicle height drops for easy entry. The second row folds and tumbles forward effortlessly for third-row access. The doors are short and thin enough to allow entry and exit space in a tight parking spot.

Driving position8.0

Driving position is highly adjustable, and it's easy to find a comfy spot whether you prefer a relaxed position or like to sit close to the steering wheel for more enthusiastic driving.

Roominess8.0

The front and middle-row seats easily accommodate larger adults and the standard panoramic sunroof enhances the airy feeling. The third-row seats are intended for occasional use and smaller passengers; the knees-up posture can feel confining.

Visibility9.0

As big as the Q7 is, there's little or no guesswork on this front. Basic visibility is sound, and the Prestige trim's 360-degree camera allows the driver to get within an inch of an obstruction without drama.

Quality9.0

The Audi Q7 is solidly built from nose to tail. Interior materials are excellent and in some cases better than you'll find in more expensive rivals. All buttons and controls have a consistent click and feel, which further enhances the premium feel.

Utility7.0

While there's plenty of space when you fold the seats down, you'll have a harder time squeezing things into the Q7 if you've got several passengers. Luggage loads easily in the back thanks to a power-folding third row, hands-free liftgate and low floor height.

Small-item storage6.5

The cupholders and center console are both a bit small, especially for a vehicle this big. The glovebox is average size and so are the door pockets, but upfront you'll want more storage especially when you take the family on road trips.

Cargo space7.0

Cargo capacity ranges from 14.8 to 71.6 cubic feet — below the class average, but at least it's nearly all usable. The power-folding third-row seats, hands-free liftgate and low floor height make for easy loading.

Child safety seat accommodation7.0

Easy access pull tabs remove the covers for the child seat LATCH system, and though the second row has plenty of space for child seats, the third row is too cramped.

Towing7.0

The four-cylinder Audi Q7 can tow up to 4,400 pounds, and the 3.0-liter V6 can tow as much as 7,700 pounds. That's above average for the class.

Technology9.0

Audi's MMI technology interface is one of the best around. From the standard 7-inch touchscreen to the 8.3-inch display, there are crisp graphics and simple menus as well as easy-to-learn controls. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more user-friendly interface.

Audio & navigation9.0

Multiple stereos are available in the Q7, and they have excellent sound quality up to the limit. Navigation is a simple, guided structure of commands that eventually leads you to a crisp, easy-to-understand map with instructions that are duplicated in the instrument panel.

Smartphone integration9.0

Bluetooth connects easily, and Audi's system is easy to learn. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, but Audi's systems are so logically designed that we used them most of the time instead. It's one of the best systems in the class.

Driver aids9.0

Standard equipment includes a rear camera, parking sensors, forward collision warning and automatic braking. Optional features include a crisp surround-view system, lane departure intervention and adaptive cruise. The Q7's aids work well without intrusive interference during daily driving.

Voice control8.0

Voice controls take clear, well-articulated commands, but they don't like much outside their parameters. Learning or reading the commands you need to know is relatively easy, though there is a learning curve for more complex instructions.

Edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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