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Audi Q7 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Audi Q7 ranks 8 out of 16 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 82 published reviews and test drives of the Audi Q7, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Audi Q7 delivers distinctive elegance, spacious cargo room and lots of safety features. However, its high price and low fuel economy mean there are plenty of others in this class that offer more for the money.  

The Q7 fits the bill as a luxury family SUV, offering excellent safety features, an available third row and a luxurious interior. However, unless you buy the turbodiesel model, it just doesn't offer the same overall value as class competitors.

With prices that begin at nearly $47,000 and can climb past $60,000, the Q7 is one of the more expensive vehicles in its class. By contrast, the newly-redesigned Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX 350 start in the mid-$30,000 range. The Q7 also achieves poor fuel economy compared to these rivals; at 14/19 mpg city/highway, its base engine's gas mileage is easily bested by the more affordable Lexus and Cadillac.

However, the Q7 turbodiesel's 17/25 rating tops nearly all of its competitors -- with the exception of the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h -- but the turbodiesel costs about $4,000 more than the other Q7 models. Because of its environmentally progressive nature, Road & Travel Magazine named the Q7 TDI Clean Diesel model its 2010 Earth, Wind & Power Truck of the Year.

For 2010, the Q7 gets a mid-cycle refresh that includes updated exterior styling and a new version of Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, which controls the Q7's information and entertainment features when you opt for the navigation system. Since reviewers have previously reported the system as difficult to use, the new 2010 model may be worth buying over a 2009 Q7 due to the MMI changes alone.

The Q7 comes in several trims, the Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. These come with several powertrain options -- the turbodiesel-powered TDI, V6 and V8 engines. All models come standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.

• "Overall, Q7 earns our Recommended nod for mechanical finesse, terrific all-weather road manners, and the addition of a fuel-frugal diesel option. Audi design and workmanship also appeal." -- Consumer Guide
• "Perhaps the best compliment I can give the Q7 diesel is that it lives and breathes just like any gasoline-powered car." -- Road and Track
• "Many luxury features, excellent build quality and a smart-looking interior make the 2010 Audi Q7 a solid choice for a seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV. However, the Q7 isn't the quickest or roomiest crossover on the block." -- Edmunds
• "Outside this Q7 comes with a slightly restyled grille, new bumpers and xenon headlights. If you think the interior is where the significant updates are, then we are sorry to disappoint. The most noticeable elements are a few new wood bits and an upgraded sat nav system." -- Top Speed

Q7 Performance - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 Audi Q7 drives like the heavy vehicle it is, but most reviewers are still impressed with its engineering. "The Q7's biggest drawback? Weight -- big, raw, don't-sit-near-me tonnage," says the Los Angeles Times. "This is an unavoidable consequence in these sorts of kitchen-sink vehicles that must offer credible off-road capacity as well as luxury on-road performance. But beyond that, you can begin to feel the effects of its weight and aerodynamic resistance in passing performance." While poor fuel economy is a drawback for V6 and V8 models, the turbodiesel model improves it substantially and even puts it near the top of its class. Read More

Q7 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Q7 receives a minor style update, with a modified grille as well as new headlights and bumpers, but its basic shape hasn't really changed. That may be a bad thing, since the look has traditionally brought out mixed reviews. Some find the distinctive look appealing, while others find it disappointing. The Detroit News is one of the detractors, noting, "If you can get past the hideous exterior styling of the Q7, there is quite a bit to recommend." Read More

Q7 Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

The Audi Q7's interior is appropriately luxurious for its luxury-SUV status and high sticker price. Though the Q7 seats seven, reviewers disagree as to how many passengers can actually ride comfortably. A big plus for 2010 is the updated MMI (Multi Media Interface) controls, which are standard on higher trims and should now be less confusing to use -- but we'll have to wait until more reviewers test the system to know for sure. "Inside, the trim has been updated with more wood, but the big news is the third generation MMI navigation/entertainment/information system," says Autoblog. "The nav gets a 3D interface and joystick control for finding destinations. The Sirius satellite radio also provides traffic data now and accepts voice commands to find cash, food or gas, much like Ford's TravelLink system." Read More

Q7 Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Audi Q7 does very well in federal government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. Reviewers are also impressed with the innovative accident avoidance features on the Q7. The Q7's unique safety features include Side Assist, which detects cars next to it in heavy traffic. Read More

Q7 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Audi Q7 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Q7 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More