Overview
Like the rest of the Audi lineup, the 2022 Q7 SUV combines a handsome design, a technology-rich cabin, and a fun-loving chassis—it just does so with room for the whole family thanks to its standard three rows of seats. The entry-level engine is a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, but those seeking more towing capacity or increased performance should opt for the 335-hp turbocharged V-6; all-wheel drive is standard with both engines. The Q7 can be outfitted with an adjustable air suspension and four-wheel steering for even greater comfort and agility. Despite all those features, the Q7 isn’t quite as sporty as rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne, but it holds its own against the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Volvo XC90.
What’s New for 2022?
The Q7 receives a few extra standard features for 2022, including rear side airbags, heated exterior mirrors, ambient interior lighting, and an upgraded tire-pressure monitoring system. Premium Plus trims now come with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with a traffic jam assist system as standard. The Black Optic appearance package is now available on models with the base turbocharged four-cylinder.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the turbo-four “45” powertrain is more than sufficient, and we’d pair it with the Premium Plus trim level. Moving up from the base Premium to the Premium Plus adds plenty of niceties, including a surround sound stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory settings, 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, and illuminated doorsill inlays. We’d also spring for the new Executive package, which adds, among other things, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and all-weather floor mats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
For 2020, Audi kept the old 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder but added a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system to make 335 horsepower, and these powertrains carry over unchanged into 2021. When we tested a 2020 Q7 with the new turbo V-6, we recorded a brisk 5.0-second zero-to-60-mph time, which was slightly quicker than the mechanically similar two-row Q8 SUV. Despite its bulk, when the Q7 is fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, it feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon. The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility of four-wheel steering, makes the Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road. It also rides quite smoothly.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Not surprisingly, the V-6 powertrain comes with worse fuel economy. The EPA fuel-efficiency ratings are 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, which accounts for drops of 2 mpg across the board when compared to the turbo four-cylinder model. When we are able to test-drive a 2021 Q7, we’ll put its efficiency to the test on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route. We expect the four-cylinder Q7 to return similar results to the 2017 model we tested, which delivered 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway route. For more information about the Q7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, the Q7’s cabin is a special place. Beautiful materials and design highlight the Q7’s interior, as do the intelligent layout of its controls and the comfortable seats that feature both ample support and adjustability. Entry-level Premium versions come nicely outfitted, and the amount of upscale features can get supremely luxurious in the higher trim levels. As with most three-row SUVs, there isn’t a ton of cargo space in the Audi’s cargo area when all of its seats are in use. But it has available space comparable with its key rivals, and the rearmost row can be quickly raised or lowered via power controls, which makes up for the somewhat clumsy operation of the middle row. With all seats stowed, the 2019 Q7 had room for 25 of our carry-on suitcases, a result we expect the 2021 model to match.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Q7 comes standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a smaller 8.6-incher located below that to adjust the climate control and vehicle settings. Depending on whether or not you enjoy using touchscreens while driving, you may find the new system delightful or devilish. Our staff is split, but Audi’s been busy adding this new infotainment system to its lineup; it can be found in the A6, A7, and A8 sedans, as well as the Q8 SUV. All 2021 Q7 models also come with the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Audiophiles can revel in several audio options, topped by a Bang & Olufsen system with 23 speakers and 1920 watts of juice.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Several driver-assistance features are either standard or optional on the Q7, which will make it attractive to buyers transporting precious cargo. For more information about the Q7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Q7 carries solid warranty coverage comparable with its peers, although the Acura MDX and the Lexus GX both offer slightly better powertrain coverage. Its complimentary scheduled maintenance plan—one year or 10,000 miles—is the lone area where it falls behind the coverage of its key competitor, the XC90.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
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