Consumer Guide spent almost 13,000 miles behind the wheel of a 2007 Audi Q7.

ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags for the second and third seating rows come standard, and second-row side airbags are optional. Options include a voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera, rear obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and starting, a three-panel sunroof, and Audi Side Assist, which alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots.

The Test Car

Our test car was a 3.6 quattro Premium model with the 3.6-liter 280-horsepower V6. We chose the 3.6 because, with gas prices on the rise, it is likely that most buyers in this segment will choose the more-efficient engine. The base model goes for $45,900, but with options, our Q7 climbed to $53,970 and included the Adaptive Air Suspension, the Convenience Package (driver-seat memory, automatic day and night outside mirrors, universal garage door opener, power liftgate, and steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights), and the Infotainment Package (navigation system, satellite radio, and wireless cell phone link).

Over 12,953 miles our Q7 averaged 17.1 mpg, which is decent for a vehicle this large and heavy, but it requires premium fuel.

The Pros and Cons

The 3.6 has plenty of power for around town and highway driving, but requires a deep stab of the throttle to pass at highway speeds. In low-speed driving, the transmission tends to hold low gears longer than needed, creating engine noise. Several testers noted that the throttle response was non-linear at times and the brakes were touchy.

Many tester's found that Audi's Multi Media Interface system complicated many climate and audio functions.

Steering is firm on the highway, but light at low speeds, which is great for parking. Several testers made note of the large turning radius and its close-quarters maneuvering skills. The Adaptive Air Suspension, a $2,600 option, made the ride comfortable, but still capable. One tester noted that the ride quality is firmer than normal on extremely cold days.

The gauges are clear, but the controls for the audio and navigation systems are absorbed by the Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen. This means that most adjustments are a multi-step process. Some testers had trouble with normally simple tasks, such as setting the radio presets using the temperature controls. One tester could not figure out how to keep his hands and feet warm with the defroster on.

Legroom in the front row is good, but headroom is just adequate for taller folks. Headroom and legroom in back are ample, and a wide door opening eases entry and exit. A second-row split-bench seat comes standard, with two buckets optional. The third-row bench seat is best reserved for children. Step-in is a little high. A few testers noticed interior squeaks and rattles over the course of the year, particularly when opening the driver-side rear door.  

With both rows of seats folded flat, Q7 features 72.5 cu ft of cargo space.

When the two rear seating rows are folded, it reveals a flat cargo floor and 72.5 cu ft of space. While this may seem huge, Q7's cargo space is dwarfed by most others in its class due to a high load floor and low roof. When only the third-row seat is folded, 42 cu ft of space is available, and with no seats folded, 11 cu ft.

Most editors agree that the interior's level of fit and finish almost justifies the premium price, but some found the front seats a bit firm. The front and rear seats are comfortable for long periods of time and the wood and leather trim impresses.

Overall, Q7 was liked by the staff and it was awarded a model-year 2007 Recommended stamp of approval.