2020 Audi SQ7
2020 Audi SQ7 Review
- Twin-turbo 500-hp V8 moves the SQ7 with authority
- Four-wheel steering keeps the big SUV feeling nimble
- 48-volt hybrid system provides added acceleration from a standstill
- Cramped third-row seats
- Infotainment system can be distracting to use
- The SQ7 is new for 2020
- Kicks off the first SQ7 generation
Do you ever take a look at your garage and think, "What this could really use is a seven-seat midsize luxury SUV with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque?" Good news — Audi is producing a performance variant of its all-wheel-drive Q7 crossover to address your oddly specific needs. The 2020 Audi SQ7 doubles the base Q7's cylinder count and power output, then adds a handful of performance, styling and luxury upgrades to boot. That sounds like a winning formula to us, especially since we currently rank the Audi Q7 at the top of its class.
According to Audi, the SQ7 rockets to highway speeds in just 4.3 seconds — roughly half a second slower than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which is driven by a slightly more powerful version of the same motor.
But the SQ7 isn't just about straight-line speed. There's also an available sport differential, which can increase the ratio of power shunted to the rear axle from the standard 40:60 front/rear split to 20:80. You can also spec active roll stabilization to help reduce body movement in corners. Standard all-wheel steering keeps the SQ7 pointed ahead at higher speeds and reduces the turning radius in parking lots.
Aside from the requisite badging changes, plenty of visual upgrades distinguish the SQ7 from its sober siblings. These include quad exhaust tips and trim that extends into the Christmas-ham-sized air intakes. Inside are ventilated front sport seats with thicker bolsters to keep driver and passenger from slipping and sliding in turns.
Why does it matter?
Aside from the inherent benefit of being able to keep the kids in line with one squeeze of your right foot, the SQ7 gives you the ability to actually have some fun in your family hauler. As long as Audi doesn't sacrifice the Q7's superlative comfort in the process, the SQ7 could prove to be one of the most desirable vehicles in the segment.
Edmunds says
The 2020 Audi SQ7 starts with an excellent family crossover and adds even greater levels of performance. It has all the makings of a formidable family hauler, provided it retains the Q7's controlled and comfortable ride.
Our verdict | |
If you take Audi's already excellent midsize three-row SUV, the Q7, and inject it with a big dose of turbo V8, you'd end up with the Audi SQ7. That's right, now you can have sports car-beating acceleration and bring the family along for the ride, with no compromises on comfort. This seven-passenger SUV can also tow up to 7,700 pounds, so none of your toys have to be left behind. The SQ7 is almost too good to be real. | |
How does the SQ7 drive? | |
You'd never guess by looking at the SQ7 that it could smoke your Supra off the line. But move it does, needing only 3.9 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill. That's quick by any measure, and it's becoming more of a common thread for these modern high-performance SUVs. The SQ7 is no lightweight at 5,300 pounds, and you'll feel that weight if you try to hustle it through corners. But it moves respectably well and stops with confidence and grace. We like how accurate the steering is and its ability to relay when the front tires have exceeded their grip limits. When you're not in a hurry, the SQ7 delivers smooth and easy driving, with the exception of its stop-start system. Sometimes it cuts off the engine a beat too soon, leading to jerky stops, and then doesn't fire back up as smoothly as some other systems. | |
How comfortable is the SQ7? | |
Despite its performance persuasion, the SQ7 delivers an abundance of everyday comfort. Credit goes largely to an excellently tuned air suspension. It manages to soak up road irregularities like a sponge without making the ride feel like Jell-O in the process. Our Prestige trim tester also included dual-pane windows that greatly reduced the ambient wind and surrounding noise. Thankfully, the growl of the 4.0-liter V8 engine is present when you want to hear it. The SQ7 seats have excellent adjustability, providing hours of comfort on the road while offering the necessary lateral support to minimize side-to-side sloshing on a curvy road. Our tester's four-zone climate control was very effective, and the heated and ventilated front seats are significantly better than what BMW offers. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Audi's bold decision to go full touchscreen on its latest infotainment interface is controversial. Some of our experts found it distracting and easy to smudge, while others found it intuitive and uncluttered. We all agree the design is, at the very least, visually appealing. The Q7's boxy greenhouse offers excellent outward visibility and plenty of room for passengers, as long as the third row is reserved for kid use only. Same goes for getting in and out; there's plenty of head clearance complemented by a relatively low step-in height, but access to the third row is cumbersome. Further easing the stress of parking lots is the optional 360-degree camera system that provides a host of viewing angles for maneuvering in tight spots, including a 3D image as if you're looking at the car from outside. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The SQ7's infotainment interface is controversial, but you can't deny that the cabin tech looks fully modern and comes with plenty of features. We like that it supports wireless Apple CarPlay too. The upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system is amazing, but it also costs a pretty penny. We think the standard system should suit most buyers. Audi's voice control system isn't as comprehensive as Mercedes' excellent MBUX system, but it's very good compared to most systems on the market. It will pull up an address or point of interest quickly, activate the driver's seat heater, or switch to a satellite radio station with ease. Most driver aids are standard on the Prestige trim and well worth the money. We particularly like Audi's sharp 360-degree cameras that allow for multiple viewing angles, including one that looks at your vehicle from the outside. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Cargo capacity ranges from 14.2 cubic feet (behind the third row) to a max of 69.6 cubic feet with all rows folded — this would be about average for a standard three-row midsize SUV, but it's generous compared to other performance SUVs. The power-folding third-row seats are a nice touch and can fold in any second-row seat position. Interior storage is less impressive — the sizable door pockets are the best for stashing stuff. A bit rare for the class are three sets of car seat anchors across the second row and two in the third row, providing some good options for child seat placement. Audi cites a 7,700-pound towing capacity for our SQ7 with the optional tow package, which is excellent. | |
How economical is the SQ7? | |
The SQ7 is EPA-estimated to return 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway). We achieved a promising 20.4 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation loop, which falls in line with those estimates. Considering the performance delivered by this V8, the fuel economy is pretty decent, matching that of the similarly sized SQ8 but besting mpg from the more powerful BMW X5 M and Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63. | |
Is the SQ7 a good value? | |
It's harder to see value in vehicles at this price point because emotion will ultimately rule the day. That said, the SQ7 delivers quite a good bang for your buck. Build quality is top-notch and modern, which is typical Audi, but not at the expense of function or comfort. Ideally specced, our SQ7 would ring in at $96K, which is far less than some of the other offerings in this class. In other words, it feels well worth the cost of admission. Audi's warranty is pretty typical with basic and powertrain coverage for four years/50,000 miles and roadside assistance covered for four years/unlimited miles. | |
Wildcard | |
The SQ7 is no lightweight athlete, but it can still move around corners with surprising speed if you approach it with some finesse. The engine is surprisingly potent and makes wonderful noises, which is more than half of the fun. The optional sport package with torque vectoring and active roll control would make this a real party. It's no secret that Audi pens some of the cleanest vehicle shapes in the industry. The SQ7 is beautiful, though it might be too subtle for some. It still scores high here for erring on the side of subtlety rather than emulating the Honda Civic Type R. |
Which SQ7 does Edmunds recommend?
Audi SQ7 models
The 2020 Audi SQ7 offers two trim levels. The Prestige Plus includes a number of sumptuous features that cement its luxury SUV status. The Prestige trim takes things even further with advanced creature comforts. Highlight features include:
Features & Specs
Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/TFSI 4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A | |
---|---|
MSRP | $84,800 |
MPG | 15 city / 21 hwy |
Seating | Seats 7 |
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Horsepower | 500 hp @ N/A rpm |
Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/TFSI 4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A | |
---|---|
MSRP | $90,400 |
MPG | 15 city / 21 hwy |
Seating | Seats 7 |
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Horsepower | 500 hp @ N/A rpm |

and we'll tell you if it's a good price!
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite SQ7 safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense Front
- Uses sensors at the front of the car to warn you about an imminent front collision and can automatically apply the brakes.
- Audi Pre Sense Rear
- Reacts to an imminent rear-end collision by tensioning seat belts, closing windows and adjusting the seats for optimal protection.
- Audi Side Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Assist and Vehicle Exit Warning
- Warns you if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and alerts passengers about to exit the car to approaching vehicles.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | Not Rated |
Driver | Not Rated |
Passenger | Not Rated |
Side Crash Rating | Rating |
Overall | Not Rated |
Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
Overall | Not Rated |
Driver | Not Rated |
Passenger | Not Rated |
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
Front Seat | Not Rated |
Back Seat | Not Rated |
Rollover | Rating |
Rollover | 4 / 5 |
Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
Risk Of Rollover | Not Rated |
Audi SQ7 vs. the competition
Audi SQ7 vs. BMW X7
The X7 M50i is an aggressive version of the largest vehicle in BMW's lineup. It has more horsepower and quicker acceleration than the SQ7, with increased cooling to manage its turbo V8. But the X7 M50i is also a significant step up in price from the SQ7, so unless you're an M aficionado, the Audi should work quite nicely.
Audi SQ7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The GLE 580 is a Mercedes SUV that comes with a turbocharged V8 and mild hybrid system to increase efficiency. But because it has less power than the SQ7, the GLE 580 undercuts it in price by thousands. We suggest using the savings to add Mercedes' phenomenal E-Active Body Control suspension.
Audi SQ7 vs. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Armed with a roaring 5.0-liter V8, the Range Rover Sport P525 HSE is the closest match to the SQ7 in starting price. It also has a much larger fuel tank to ensure you'll fill up less often than Audi owners. Cramped cargo capacity is one area of concern, but its looks and athleticism are an enticing combination.
FAQ
Is the Audi SQ7 a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Audi SQ7?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Audi SQ7:
- The SQ7 is new for 2020
- Kicks off the first SQ7 generation
Is the Audi SQ7 reliable?
Is the 2020 Audi SQ7 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Audi SQ7?
The least-expensive 2020 Audi SQ7 is the 2020 Audi SQ7 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/TFSI (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $84,800.
Other versions include:
- Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/TFSI (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $84,800
- Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/TFSI (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $90,400
What are the different models of Audi SQ7?
More about the 2020 Audi SQ7
2020 Audi SQ7 Overview
The 2020 Audi SQ7 is offered in the following submodels: SQ7 SUV. Available styles include Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/TFSI (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A), and Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/TFSI (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A).
What do people think of the 2020 Audi SQ7?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Audi SQ7 and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 SQ7.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Audi SQ7 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 SQ7 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our 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.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Audi SQ7?
Which 2020 Audi SQ7s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Audi SQ7 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Audi SQ7.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Audi SQ7?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Audi lease specials