2025 Audi Q7

There’s a lot to like about the Q7. Audi’s approach to interior and exterior design has won many fans and several awards. The build quality is excellent, the cabin space is competitive for the class, and the tech is impressive. It would take a stretch of imagination to call the Q7 an enthusiast’s vehicle, yet we always enjoy being behind the wheel because it’s so well-judged for comfort and control. Our owner reviews include repeat buyers. This generation debuted for the 2017 model year, but Audi has kept it current with updates.
 
We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of luxury midsize SUVs, including the Audi Q7. 

This year sees a restyled grille and fresh exterior lighting. New infotainment features include Amazon Music and Spotify.

Rivals with three rows of seating as standard include the Lexus GX, Lincoln Aviator (with all-wheel drive added) and the Volvo XC90, all starting at prices similar to the Q7. The Acura MDX with all-wheel drive comes in appreciably lower. The BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE have two rows as standard, offering a third as an option. The GV80 is priced quite competitively, the X5 is more expensive, and the GLE slots in between. Many of these competitors also come with gutsier base engines than the Audi.

Before buying a new Q7 luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are just a fraction below average. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

We don’t anticipate Audi making any changes in the engine bay for 2025. In our experience, the Q7 with the 261-horsepower base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (known as 45) has enough muscle to handle around-town errands and longer highway runs with confidence. The 6.9-second standstill-to-60 mph time won’t melt the tires, but this model is quick enough for most requirements.

That said, we appreciate the turbocharged V6 in the 55 variants. Its 74 extra horses provide plenty of grunt — 60 mph arrives in 5.7 seconds. For comparison, though, a BMW X5 xDrive40i has 375 horsepower and does 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. This 55 powertrain in the Q7 also brings greater towing ability of an ample 7,700 pounds, besting the BMW’s 7,200-pound max. The 4-cylinder Q7 maxes out at 4,400 pounds.

Regardless of the engine, we like how the Q7 rides and handles in general. Audi’s all-wheel-drive system is standard (an added cost in some rivals), and handles a wide variety of roads and conditions well. Like other Audi vehicles, the Q7 is comfortable and quiet on the freeway yet can still be agile and fun in the corners — remarkable considering this is a 3-row family SUV, not a sports sedan.

Where some rivals use 9-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions, the Q7 sticks with eight, and we think that’s great. We’ve found the ratios just right for this application.

For those seeking a 500-horsepower 3-row SUV, the SQ7 is that wolf wearing the sheep costume. It will blast to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and tackle canyon roads with a wonderful poise.

Fuel Economy

There’s no real fuel economy penalty in choosing the more powerful engine. They both achieve 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The 2.0-liter engine is rated at one mile per gallon better on the highway. The Acura MDX (with all-wheel drive) also comes in at 21 mpg combined, with a BMW X5 xDrive40i managing 25 mpg combined and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic splitting the difference. The SQ7, powered by a twin-turbocharged V8, returns 17 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is recommended for both the Q7 and SQ7 engines.

All Audi Q7 models have three rows of seats and room for seven. Some rivals have an option for second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the occupant count to six. But it’s solely a 3-across bench in the Q7. With 38.8 inches of legroom, we’ve found space in the second row sufficient for adults. The third row, however, with just 29.2 inches, is best for occasional use by smaller humans.

Overall, the quality of materials is excellent, and the design is superb. The Q7’s cabin is filled with technology, yet not the kind that feels overwhelming. A 10.1-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties, while a smaller, 8.6-inch screen below handles functions like climate control. Audi’s signature 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit, a high-def instrument cluster, still looks sharp even though it’s been around for several years. There aren’t any big differences going on inside this mildly revamped 2025 Q7, but that’s no problem. Audi interiors are invariably pleasing, and the one in the Q7 has worked well enough for a long time.

Genuine leather is standard and available in an array of colors. We’re particularly fond of Okapi Brown. Some buyers will also appreciate that the Q7 has a proper gear shifter in the center column rather than buttons or switches, like some rivals.

Unsurprisingly, there’s a tradeoff between the third row and luggage space, with 14.2 cubic feet available when all seats are up. Fold down rows two and three, and cargo space expands to 69.6 feet. For comparison, the Acura MDX goes from 18.1 to 95 cubic feet while still packing 38.5 inches of second-row legroom.

New matrix-LED headlights, tweaked OLED taillights, and a revised grille all help to spruce up the 2025 Q7’s looks. In our opinion, this has always been a fine-looking SUV (has there ever been an ugly Audi?), but we guess over-familiarity had dulled its appeal somewhat. So this revision comes right on time and gives the Q7 the aesthetic impetus to keep going for a few more years. Measuring 16.6 feet tip to tail and 5 inches longer than the BMW X5, the Q7 is one of the longer midsize luxury SUVs.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cable-free phone integration is standard across the 2025 Q7 range, so a passenger sitting somewhere other than up front can still connect with the infotainment system if desired.

Hands-free tailgate operation
Along with a powered tailgate as standard, every 2025 Q7 includes hands-free operation — because anyone who needs a 7-seater SUV will probably have their hands full with something.

Virtual Cockpit
With the ability to show a range of information, including navigation directions and maps, this 12.3-inch digital driver information display is a welcome standard feature in every new Q7 luxury SUV.

Remote Parking Assist Plus
This is a self-parking function for parallel and perpendicular spaces. The driver can stay in the Q7 or jump out and let the system work its magic.

Powered soft-closing doors
There’s something special about almost closing a car door and watching it seal shut automatically. It seems both elegant and secure at the same time, and it’s included in the Prestige trim.

Bang & Olufsen audio
We’ve encountered a lot of automotive audio systems over the years, and those from Bang & Olufsen continue to amaze us. A surround-sound system from this high-end brand becomes standard in the Premium Plus trim.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine goes into the 45 TFSI drivetrain, making an adequate 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 55 TFSI version brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The SQ7 sits at the top of the Q7 hierarchy with a twin-turbocharged V8 generating 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. All 2025 Q7 and SQ7 luxury SUVs have all-wheel drive as standard, along with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for the class, especially among the German contenders.

Safety Ratings

The Audi Q7 earned the maximum 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also took the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard active safety and driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with lane guidance.