2020 Audi Q7 Review

　　

2020 Audi Q7 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Ever since this Audi Q7 generation's debut in 2017, we've been impressed with its classy interior, strong acceleration, seating for seven, and advanced technology features. As an all-around three-row luxury SUV, it's been one of our favorites. Now Audi has given the 2020 Q7 a number of additions that should make it an even smarter buy than before.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi Q7 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$227/mo  for Q7 Premium

　　Q7 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $54,800 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $60,800 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,200 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $63,800 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $71,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Enhancements start with the exterior styling. A more aggressive-looking front end visually tightens up the overall proportions so the Q7 appears more muscular. Audi's LED matrix headlights come on certain trims. These lights can provide better illumination of the road than traditional headlights while also minimizing glare to oncoming drivers. While they aren't approved for use in the U.S. quite yet, Audi says owners will be able to update the software at a dealer once the government approves the design. The rear styling, too, has been updated to bring it in line with some of Audi's newer models.

　　Inside, Audi has installed a new infotainment system with dual touchscreens. This is the same system Audi has been putting in its latest vehicles, such as the related Q8 SUV. The dashboard and center console have been updated, too, to accommodate the new system. The overall look is new and modern, which we like, but we've also found that this new touchscreen system can be distracting to use while driving.

　　There are a few under-the-hood changes as well. The Q7's upgraded engine is now a turbocharged V6, replacing last year's supercharged V6. The new engine makes more power, and based on our initial testing of the 2020 Q7, it definitely feels quicker around town than last year's model. Unfortunately, fuel economy has taken a hit. According to the EPA, fuel economy for the turbo V6 is down 3 mpg combined compared to the older engine.

　　Overall, however, we still expect the 2020 Audi Q7 will remain one of the top contenders in the three-row midsize luxury SUV market. Whether you're looking for luxury, performance, utility or a mix of all three, the Q7 easily hits the mark.

　　

Which Q7 does zzdcar recommend?

Try getting the midlevel Premium Plus to maximize value. True, even the base Premium is packed with features, but you do get some valuable extras here, such as a wireless phone charger, an upgraded sound system and a blind-spot monitoring system. As for the Q7's engines, you can certainly get by with the four-cylinder, but the V6 provides quicker and more satisfying acceleration.

　　

2020 Audi Q7 models

The 2020 Audi Q7 is a midsize three-row SUV powered by your choice of two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (248 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque), which Audi calls the 45 TFSI, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (335 hp, 369 lb-ft) dubbed the 55 TFSI.

　　If you want even more power, check out the new SQ7, which is reviewed separately and features a 500-horsepower V8. Regardless of engine, the Q7 employs an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The four-cylinder is available in Premium and Premium Plus levels, while the V6 is sold in those trims plus the range-topping Prestige.

　　Standard exterior features for the Premium include LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, you'll find three-zone automatic climate control, a power-folding third row, leather upholstery, Audi's MMI infotainment system with dual touchscreens, a navigation system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and a 10-speaker sound system.

　　The Q7's standard safety features include lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking.

　　The Premium trim's optional Convenience package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, ambient lighting and wireless smartphone charging. The Premium Plus includes this package plus a 360-degree parking camera and an upgraded Bose audio system.

　　The Premium Plus is available with two core packages. The Warm Weather package offers four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats and rear-seat sunshades. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and an upgraded forward collision warning and braking system.

　　Topping the Q7 range is the Prestige. It includes all of the above features, plus an adaptive air suspension, upgraded ambient lighting, sound-reducing glass, a head-up display and soft-closing doors.

　　Several options are exclusive to the Prestige, such as massaging and ventilated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, laser headlights and four-wheel steering.

　　

2020 Q7 Highlights

Trim: PremiumPremium PlusPrestigePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$54,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$227/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles