2010 Audi Q7

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Audi Q7 offers adequate performance and a quiet cabin, but many reviewers say it's hindered by its heavy curb weight and sheer bulk. Though fuel economy is low for V6 and V8 models, the TDI turbodiesel-powered model is a much more fuel-efficient option. Best of all, reviewers say the TDI doesn't feel or sound like a traditional diesel.

• "My 150-mile-plus journey from Miami International Airport to Sebring, Florida, to take in that city's famed endurance race, was in a diesel-powered variant of Audi's Q7 sport-utility vehicle, and what an eye-opener: Cruising at about 75 mph down Alligator Alley, the Q7's cabin sounded as quiet as that of any other luxury midsize SUV. And those funky, old diesel fumes from yesteryear? Nary a whiff." -- Road and Track
• "The Q7 has really become the A8 of the sport utility world, and in this segment Audi is unmatched by BMW, Mercedes-Benz or any other automaker. They're simply the finest." -- Automobile.com
• "The 2009 Audi Q7, with its sharp looks and Quattro AWD system, is better suited for navigating slippery pavement in inclement weather than for tackling a muddy trail. The Q7's size and weight can make it feel a bit unwieldy around town, but the available back-up camera makes parking easier." -- Edmunds

Acceleration and Power

The 2010 Q7 offers a 3.6-liter 280-horsepower V6 or a 4.2-liter 350-horsepower V8, both paired with an automatic transmission. Last year Audi debuted a turbodiesel-powered 3.0-liter TDI V6, which makes 221 horsepower. The diesel model receives praise because it sounds and performs just like a gasoline engine, but with much better fuel economy than the Q7's conventional engines. Still, the Q7's engines, especially the base V6, are criticized for sluggish acceleration. More powerful options in the class include the more affordably priced Acura MDX and Cadillac SRX.

According to the EPA, the V6 model achieves 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while the V8 model achieves 13/18 mpg city/highway. By luxury compact SUV standards, these ratings are low. Several of the Q7's competitors net more miles per gallon and even cost less. These include the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac SRX. The Q7 TDI, on the other hand, achieves a much more impressive gas mileage of 17/25 city/highway. Unlike the other Q7 models, the TDI bests most of its rivals when it comes to fuel economy.

• "Like many diesels, the Audi's 3.0 feels a lot stronger than its relatively modest 233 horsepower would indicate. That's because it has 369 pound-feet of torque from 1750 to 2750 rpm. Although it's not as quick as the 3.6-liter gasoline V-6 in hammer-down acceleration runs, the diesel feels far stronger around town where engine speeds are typically lower." -- Car and Driver
• "The Q7 TDI accelerates to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds, roughly the same as a Saturn Vue Red Line. Or a Mercedes R320 Bluetec. The problem is that the engine isn't really happy until it has a good head of steam spinning its turbos. Until then it's just three liters working against 5,512 pounds." -- The Truth About Cars
• "The 3.6s are pleasantly peppy in around-town driving and cruise with ease, but need a deep stab of the throttle for decent passing power at highway speeds..." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Q7's 3.0-liter TDI diesel V-6 is a winner. It's so quiet, so smooth, and so powerful. Well, so torquey, I guess I should say, since it has 406 lb-ft, compared with 266 lb-ft for the 3.6-liter gasoline V-6 offered in the base Q7. Cruising at 80 mph on the freeway is effortless, and if you gun it to 90 mph or higher while you're passing, it's as if the engine is not even exerting itself." -- Automobile Magazine

Handling and Braking

A majority of reviewers have noticed that the Audi Q7 has a distinct disadvantage on the road when it comes to handling -- its hefty weight. Its size and weight may make parking-lot maneuvers difficult (although the standard ultrasonic parking system should help). A plus is that Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive is standard for all trims.

• "This thing feels every bit the 5,400 pounds it is." -- AutoWeek
• "It takes a long, deep reach into the options bag before the Q7 begins to feel really special. You need, for instance, adaptive air suspension, which features antidive, antiroll, and antisquat technology; maintains a constant vehicle height no matter the load; lowers the body at highway speeds by up to 1.4 inches to reduce drag and fuel consumption; and lets you choose from six different modes: dynamic, automatic, and comfort, as well as lift, kneel, and off-road." -- Automobile Magazine
• "A driver will still feel the Q7's weight during quick stops." -- MSN
• "Q7 is more agile and car-like than most large SUVs. Still, its elevated stance and high weight demand slowing for tight corners despite the modest body lean vs others in this class. The steering is firm and slop-free at highway speeds and usefully light for parking, but Q7 still suffers from a large-SUV-typical turning radius."  -- Consumer Guide