• 2013 Audi Q7

• 2012 Audi Q7
• Used Audi Q7
• Repairs Audi Q7

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Audi Q7 U.S. News Best Cars 7.7
Critics' Rating:	7.8
Performance:	7.3
Interior:	6.8
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Notable for 2013

• New diesel engine with 15-horsepower increase and improved fuel economy
• Rear-seat, dual-screen entertainment system now available 

Pros & Cons

• Thrifty diesel engine option
• Upscale, refined interior
• Comfortable ride

• Weight detracts from handling
• Cramped third row
• Disappointing cargo space

Research Other Years

• 2012 Audi Q7
• 2011 Audi Q7
• 2010 Audi Q7
• 2009 Audi Q7
• 2008 Audi Q7
• 2007 Audi Q7

The 2013 Audi Q7 ranks 10 out of 19 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 18 published reviews and test drives of the Audi Q7, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2013 Audi Q7 offers a refined ride and a luxurious interior. Though it has great powertrain options, it offers surprisingly little cargo space for its size.

The Audi Q7 is comfortable cruiser with a composed ride. It is available with a choice of three engines, including a powerful V6 option and a much-loved diesel option that achieves 19/28 mpg city/highway. Test drivers also like its eight-speed automatic transmission, which they say shifts smoothly. The Q7 is heavy, and although some critics suggest that this detracts from its handling abilities, others say that it still handles fairly well. They also say that its large overall size means it isn’t as easy to maneuver in close quarters as some rivals.

The Q7’s cabin is well-liked by the automotive press. The Q7 is finished in premium materials which include leather and plastics that are soft to the touch and real wood and aluminum accents, which all draw reviewer praise. Though it seats seven, reviewers say that only the front and middle rows are comfortable and spacious enough for adults, noting that the cramped third row is best suited for children. Some also express disappointment that the Q7 doesn’t offer more cargo space considering its large overall size.

• "Audi's 2013 Q7 is big, poised and polished, and it delivers luxury-SUV buyers a distinctive blend of capability, performance and accommodation." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "It's looking a bit dated now, but the Q7 still has many appeals. Prime among these are mechanical finesse, terrific all-weather road manners, all the standard luxuries and state-of-the-art tech features buyers expect, and the TDI model, whose near class-leading fuel economy offsets the typically higher cost of diesel fuel versus premium-grade gasoline. … The main demerits are sub-par cargo space and 3rd-row room, and interior trim that doesn't quite live up to the high standards we've come to expect from an Audi." -- Consumer Guide
• "In typical Audi fashion, the 2013 Q7 is notable for its engaging driving dynamics, elegantly understated interior, cutting-edge electronics and the all-weather assurance of all-wheel drive." -- Edmunds
• "Driving dynamics are still impressive for the class and interior appointments are as luxurious as anything else coming from Ingolstadt these days." -- Automobile Magazine (2011)

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

If you like Audi’s diesel option but don’t want to spend as much money, consider the Volkswagen Touareg. It is related to the Q7 and is available with the same diesel powertrain. Keep in mind that the Touareg doesn’t have a third row and is a bit smaller overall. This means that it doesn’t offer as much interior space. However, reviewers find that it has more athletic handling than the Q7, in part because it is lighter.

The Acura MDX is another luxurious SUV that comes standard with three rows of seats. It also offers substantially more cargo space, which may make it a better choice for some. Unlike the Audi, though, the MDX only comes with a gas-powered V6.The MDX also comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Compare the Q7, Touareg and MDX »

Details: 2013 Audi Q7

The 2013 Audi Q7 seats seven and is available with two gas engines and a diesel engine. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. There are three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige, each of which adds interior features and options. The Q7 was last redesigned in 2011. Because it doesn’t see many major changes for 2013, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the 2011 to 2013 model years.

See the full 2013 Q7 specs »