Pros: Advanced technology and safety options; impressive dynamic performance for a large SUV; quiet, luxurious cabin
Cons: Overall cargo capacity and third-row seating accommodations don’t measure up to class competitors; firm ride; poor fuel economy of V6
CG Says: After last year’s refresh, the 2021 Audi Q7 has few changes. Blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard on all models. Redesigned for 2017, Q7 is Audi’s biggest SUV. This premium crossover has three rows of seats and can accommodate up to seven passengers. Three engines are offered: a 248-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder; a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that is paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system; and a 500-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 for the high-performance SQ7. All have an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Standard features include panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and xenon headlights. Available safety and technology options include a traffic-jam-assist feature that allows for semi-autonomous driving at speeds up to 37 mph; infrared night-vision assistant; a collision-mitigation system with automatic braking; Audi’s “virtual cockpit” that fills the 12.3-inch instrument-display area with a panoramic 3D-like map while the depictions of the gauges migrate to the corners; top-view camera; and pedestrian detection. The Q7 is a solid contender that delivers surprising athleticism for its class, along with a quiet, sophisticated cabin and all of the expected technology and safety features. Its cargo capacity comes up short compared to its rivals, and its ride might be too firm for some drivers, but the Q7 is a well-executed luxury SUV that is more tractable than its size would suggest.
Class | Premium Large SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 7 |
Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Audi |
Nation of Manufacture | Slovakia |
Base Prices | 45 TFSI Premium: $56,045 45 TFSI Premium Plus: $58,295 55 TFSI Premium: $61,895 55 TFSI Premium Plus: $64,895 55 TFSI Prestige: $73,095 SQ7 Premium Plus: $86,095 SQ7 Prestige: $92,295 |
Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (45 TFSI) |
Horsepower 248 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6/electric motor (55 TFSI) |
Horsepower 335 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (SQ7) |
Horsepower 500 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21 |