2010 Audi Q7 Reviews & Ratings

Acceleration

The 3.6s are pleasantly peppy in around-town driving and cruise with ease, but they need a deep stab of the throttle for decent passing power at highway speeds. Several testers find the throttle response to be non-linear. Audi lists the 3.6 at 8.2 seconds 0-60 mph. The 4.2s have a slight delay in throttle response from a rolling stop, but are strong enough otherwise to justify Audi's 7.0-second 0-60-mph claim. 3.0 TDI models have a lot of torque. They're strong from a stop and pass with ease on the highway, though there is a bit of turbo lag. On all, the transmission is generally responsive and is enhanced by the convenient steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles included in the sporty S line Package.

Fuel Economy

In Consumer Guide testing, our extended-use Q7 3.6 quattro Premium averaged a frugal-for-the-class 17.1 mpg over 12,953 miles. Another test 3.6 model averaged 16.3 mpg in city/highway driving. A 4.2 Prestige averaged just 12.8 mpg. A 3.0 TDI averaged 25.8 mpg--outstanding even for a vehicle tested in all highway conditions. Audi recommends premium-grade gas for the 3.6 and 4.2 models. The 3.0 TDI uses a urea-injection system to reduce emissions and requires periodic dealer maintenance.

Ride Quality

In models with the available air suspension, the best results come from leaving it in "comfort" mode, where it quells pitch and float on wavy surfaces and smothers most bumps with little thumping. Models with the S line Package don't have the air suspension. The 21-inch wheels that are available with the S line Package don't absorb bumps well, making the ride borderline harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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. Still, Q7 suffers from a large-SUV-typical turning radius. Braking is swift and strong, but several testers find them hard to modulate for smooth stops.

Quietness

The gasoline engines make a classy full-throttle growl, and a subdued burble otherwise. The diesel-powered 3.0 TDI sounds like a conventional V6 during idle and acceleration, with only a bit of the telltale clatter heard outside the vehicle. Moderate wind rustle is evident by 70 mph. The available 21-inch tires generate audible coarse-surface thrum.

Controls

The dashboard and center console are populated with numerous buttons and switches, despite the aim of the MMI system to reduce such clutter. The MMI system thoughtfully leaves routine climate adjustments to separate controls, but it absorbs most audio functions, rendering many distracting and time consuming. Interacting with MMI for navigation and vehicle-system settings also takes time.

Details

First-rate finish, with good-quality materials. The overall atmosphere is a bit dull, however. S line models in particular lack warmth or sportiness, as there's very little aluminum trim, and most other materials are funeral black. Test 3.0 TDI's interior features warm wood and bright metal trim along with a top-quality suede headliner.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)

Q7 offers fine legroom, and affords generous headroom due to a wide ranging seat-height adjuster. The firm seats are long-haul comfortable and have a multitude of adjustments. Power-adjustable pedals are unavailable, but a tilt and telescopic steering wheel--power on 4.2--is standard. The sunroof's power interior shade is mesh, not opaque, so some sunlight will always get through. The roof line and thick pillars impede the view to some corners and dead-astern, though the optional rearview camera compensates. Step-in is a bit high, but manageable.

Room/Comfort (Rear)

The rear has the same slightly steep step-in, but the wide doors give easy access to the 2nd row's ample leg space and OK headroom. Outboard sections of the firm 40/20/40 split bench slide fore and aft to favor passenger or cargo space, but the seat itself is a tad cramped for three adults. Twin bucket seats are optional. Access to the 50/50 split 3rd-row bench is a squeeze even for kids, as is the space there.

Cargo Room

Audi lists 11 cubic feet behind the 3rd-row seat, 42 with it stowed, and 72.5 with all rear seats folded. The last figure is mediocre for this class, and is explained by the high cargo floor and low roof line. Still, the load floor is flat, and the headrests don't need removing. Erecting folded 3rd-row seats demands a long stretch from the tail or rear side doors. Handy, open storage spaces are lacking. The front console has two cupholders and covered storage for a cell phone, but not much more.

Value Within Class

Recognizing that vehicles in this class are more about coddling style-conscious occupants than carrying cargo, the Q7 fits the premium-large-SUV bill nicely. However, its 3rd-row room, comfort, and access are hostile to adults, and the 4.2 V8's fuel economy is frightful. The 3.0 TDI makes up for it with class-leading fuel economy, though diesel fuel sometimes costs more than the premium-grade gas conventional Q7s require. Overall, Q7 earns our Recommended nod for mechanical finesse, terrific all-weather road manners, and the fuel-frugal diesel option. Audi design and workmanship also appeal.