Audi Q7

The Q7 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV with three rows and room for up to seven passengers. In Audi’s sport-ute lineup, it sits between the compact Q5 and the flagship Q8, and it shares a platform with several other models within the Volkswagen Group, including the Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga. Audi also offers a performance-oriented version called the SQ7, which is reviewed separately. The Q7’s most recent (second) generation debuted for the 2017 model year, offering a lighter chassis, updated styling, and an array of new tech and safety features. In 2020, it also received a mid-cycle refresh with small styling updates and tech improvements. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Audi offers the Q7 in three main trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The Premium trim is the base model, while the Premium Plus adds some advanced features such as a larger infotainment screen, a premium sound system, and a virtual cockpit. The Prestige trim is the most luxurious, with features such as LED headlights, a head-up display, and ventilated front seats.

Since the 2017 model year, the Q7’s standard engine has been a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (designated the 45 TFSI) that produces about 250 horsepower. Higher trims offer a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (known as the 55 TFSI) that produces 335 hp. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. Earlier versions of the Q7 offer a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (known as the 3.0T) producing either 280 or 333 hp, depending on the trim level, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (known as the 3.0 TDI) with 240 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. Due to the Dieselgate emissions scandal, Audi discontinued the diesel option in the U.S. market after the 2015 model year.

The 2017 model year also brought major updates to the Q7’s technology and safety features. The infotainment system was upgraded to an 8.3-inch display with a touchpad controller and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The model’s 2020 refresh introduced a new setup featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen for infotainment and navigation and an 8.6-inch lower unit for climate controls and vehicle settings. In terms of safety equipment, Audi added standard forward collision mitigation in 2017, but most other advanced driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, are only available as options.

We recommend that used Q7 shoppers focus their searches on second-generation models (2017-present) for their upgraded chassis and features. Those looking for the most up-to-date tech and styling should consider 2020 and newer examples, which benefit from the most recent model refresh. The Premium Plus trim offers a generous level of standard equipment, but buyers seeking the most upscale experience should opt for the Prestige.