2018 Audi Q7 Review

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. Thos...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.