2007 Audi Q7: Road Test
Archived Review
2007 Audi Q7 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $39,900 -$59,900
- Invoice: $36,937 -$55,137
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Audi Q7
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2007 Audi Q7 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Audi Q7 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Audi Q7, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Audi Q7 help you decide if a 2007 Audi Q7 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.4 |
The 3.6s are pleasantly peppy in around-town driving, cruise with ease, but need deep stab of throttle for decent passing power at highway speeds. Audi lists 8.2 sec 0-60 mph. The 4.2s have slight delay in response from a rolling stop, but are strong enough otherwise to justify Audi's 7.0 sec 0-60-mph claim. On both, transmission is velvety, alert, enhanced by convenient steering wheel shift paddles in sporty S line package. Maximum towing capacity 6600 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2.5 |
Extended use 3.6 averaging 17.1 mpg over 6371 miles. Test 4.2 Premium averaged 12.8 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Q7s with driver-adjustable air suspension and 20-inch tires only models made available for test so far. Best results come from leaving air suspension in "automatic" mode, where it quells pitch and float on wavy surfaces and smothers most bumps with little thumping.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 |
More agile and carlike than most large SUVs. Still, elevated stance, high weight demand slowing for tight corners despite modest body lean vs. others in class. Rock-solid straightline tracking. Steering firm, slop-free at highway speeds, and usefully light for parking, but some testers say turning circle is too wide. Braking swift, smooth, undramatic.
QUIETNESS
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Both engines make classy full-throttle growl, a subdued burble otherwise. Moderate wind rustle evident by 70 mph. Available 20-inch tires generate audible coarse-surface thrum.
CONTROLS
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6 |
Dashboard, center console rife with buttons, switches, despite aim of MMI system to reduce such clutter. System thoughtfully leaves routine climate adjustments to separate control, but absorbs most audio functions, rendering many distracting and time consuming. Interacting with MMI for navigation and vehicle-system settings also takes time. First-rate finish and furnishings help justify luxury-level pricing.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Fine leg room, but some taller testers say head space just adequate. Firm seats are long-haul comfortable, have multitude of adjustments. Power-adjustable pedals unavailable, but a tilt/telescope steering column is standard. Sunroof's power interior shade is mesh, not opaque, so some sunlight will always get through. Roofline, thick pillars impede view to some corners and dead-astern, though optional rearview camera compensates. Step-in a bit high, but manageable.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Same slightly steep step-in, but wide doors give easy access to 2nd row's ample leg space and OK head room. Outboard sections of firm 40/20/40 split bench slide fore/aft to favor passenger or cargo space, but seat itself a tad cramped for three adults. Twin bucket seats are optional. Access to 50/50 split 3rd-row bench a squeeze even for kids, as is space there.
CARGO ROOM
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Audi lists 11 cu ft behind 3rd-row seat, 42 with it stowed, 72.5 with all rear seats down. Last figure is mediocre for this class, explained by high cargo floor, low roofline. Still, load floor flat with any seats folded, and headrests don't need removing. Erecting folded 3rd-row seats demands a long stretch from the tail or rear side doors. Plentiful cabin storage for cups, bottles, bric-a-brac.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Recognizing that vehicles in this class are more about coddling occupants than carrying cargo and need to make a style statement in the process, the Q7 fits the premium-large-SUV bill. The Q7's 3rd-row room, comfort, and access is hostile to adults, and the 4.2 V8's fuel economy is frightful. But Q7 earns our Recommended nod for mechanical finesse and terrific all-weather road manners. Audi design and workmanship also appeal.
Total Score
| 3.6 Premium w/air susp., 20-in. whls. | 4.2 Premium w/S line pkg., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 65 | 59.4 |
Total Score: 65
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
