2023 Audi Q7 SUV

　　

2023 Audi Q7 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　, rating written byKurt NiebuhrManager, 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).

　　Audi has a pretty extensive lineup of SUVs these days, especially if you include the latest all-electric models. But there's only one that has a third-row seat: the 2023 Audi Q7. As such, it's the one to focus on if you're looking for a luxury SUV that's also suitable for family-hauling duty. Its third row isn't huge, but otherwise the Q7 stands out with its premium-feeling cabin, expansive list of advanced features, and sharp-driving nature.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi Q7 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$218/mo  for Q7 Premium

　　Q7 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,200 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $64,800 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $63,300 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $68,400 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $74,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　This 2023 model is part of the Q7's second generation, which came out back in 2017. As such, the design is starting to get a little dated. But overall the Q7 still ranks quite high among rivals such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Genesis GV80 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Is the 2023 Q7 the best SUV for you? Check out the categories of our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the Q7 drive? In our testing, the V6-powered Q7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, making the Q7 one of the quicker non-performance vehicles in its class. Acceleration from a stop or on the freeway is smooth, rapid and drama-free. That said, if the transmission is in Comfort mode, throttle response feels a little sluggish unless you really boot the accelerator.

　　The Q7's turning circle feels a little too wide. That aside, the rest of its dynamic attributes are commendable. Braking is smooth, shifts are barely perceptible, and a lack of body roll gives you the confidence to attack corners at a decent clip.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Q7? The Q7 is one of the more comfortable vehicles in its class. There's very little road or wind noise, and the available four-zone climate control system is adept at dispersing air throughout the first and second rows. There are no third-row vents, so those passengers will have to play nice with second-row occupants for proper airflow. Seat heating and ventilation functions aren't overly powerful, but they get the job done.

　　The front seats are cushy and supportive for the long haul, but it's odd that they adjust only eight ways, even in the top-trim Prestige spec. Give us an extendable thigh cushion, at least! The Q7's standard suspension gives you a balanced and smooth ride. Oddly, the optional air suspension upgrade has a slightly busier ride than we'd like.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below