Audi Q7 – What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Audi Q7 ranks 8 out of 17 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, six- or seven-passenger seating, and a luxurious interior. “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,” writes Edmunds. “However, the Q7 isn’t the quickest or roomiest crossover on the block.”
2010 Audi Q7
Unless you buy the turbodiesel model, the Q7 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. The Q7 also achieves poor fuel economy — at 14/19 mpg city/highway, its base engine’s gas mileage is easily bested by more affordable rivals from Lexus and Cadillac.
2010 Audi Q7
However, the Q7 turbodiesel’s 17/25 rating tops nearly all of its competitors — but it also 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.
Other Luxury SUVs to Consider
2010 Audi Q7
Since the Q7 has such a high price point, it’s easy to find more affordable competitors. The Lexus RX 350 starts at about $9,000 less and offers one of the highest fuel economy ratings in the class. Its 18/25 city/highway rating is even better than the Q7 turbodiesel’s rating. However, the RX 350 doesn’t offer a third-row seat.
If a third row is important to you, consider the Acura MDX. It also comes standard with a third row and costs about $4,700 less than the Q7. Its base 16/21 fuel economy rating isn’t nearly as impressive as the Lexus RX’s, but it still improves upon the Q7’s poor rating.
Details: Audi Q7
2010 Audi Q7
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.
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
* “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
2010 Audi Q7
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. 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.
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.
Q7 Interior – 8.0 (Very Good)
The Audi Q7′s interior is appropriately luxurious for its luxury-SUV status and high sticker price. Though the Q7 seats six or seven, reviewers say the third row is cramped and best reserved for kids. 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.
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, which include Side Assist.
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.
Body Style: SUV
Performance & Efficiency: 3,597 cc 3.6 liters V 6 front engine with 89.0 mm bore, 96.4 mm stroke, 12.0 compression ratio, double overhead cam,
