The Audi Q7, which debuted in the U.S. as a 2007 model year, is a three-row, full-size, luxury SUV.
The model is extremely spacious, is packed with extensive technology, and has good off-road capability
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best and worst model years of the Q7.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Audi Q7 Are:
The best Audi Q7 model years are 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, and 2011. The worst model years of the Q7 are 2017, 2007, 2018, 2014, and 2015. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Audi Q7?
2023 Audi Q7
The 2023 Q7 is arguably one of the best three-row luxury SUVs in today’s market.
It boasts an exquisite interior, comprehensive tech features, and buttery smooth performance.
It comes in 3 trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Pricing ranges from approximately $60,000 to $75,000.
There are 2 engines for this model year’s lineup: a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine known as the 45 TFSI and a turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine called the 55 TFSI.
The 45 TFSI engine (261 horsepower) comes standard for the entry-level Premium and the midrange Premium Plus.
The 55 TFSI engine (335 horsepower), on the other hand, is standard for the top-spec Prestige and optional for the other trim levels.
The value-for-money pick is the midrange Premium Plus trim.
It adds the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, surround-view camera system, and adaptive cruise control, among other helpful entertainment and driver assistance features.
- Edmunds: 3.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 72 / 100
2023 Q7, Edmunds review:
“Love the exterior look and the interior luxury. It drives like a much smaller car. It is nimble and easy to steer. The drive is so smooth. When you are driving 90 mph it feels like 60 in a regular car. The infotainment system has a high learning curve but after you have everything customized, it is easy to live with…”
2022 Audi Q7
The 2022 Q7 is one of the best in its segment thanks to its superior build quality, iconic design, and great engine performance.
It comes with a suite of impressive safety features including, Audi Side Assist, Audi Pre Sense, and Audi Active Lane Assist.
Fuel economy is quite respectable. The entry-level Premium trim can reach up to 20 MPG for city driving, 25 MPG for highway driving, and around 22 MPG for combined driving.
While all trim levels of this model year come standard with three rows of seating and Quattro all-wheel-drive, it has two engines to choose from: the 248-horsepower turbocharged 2-liter engine (45 TFSI) and a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3-liter engine (55 TFSI).
Standard features are plentiful and the model also shines in its optional packages too, such as the Convenience Package, Towing Package, Executive Package, and the Black Optic Package.
The Executive Package add-on provides the most interesting luxury features such as ambient interior lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats.
However, you will not go wrong with just the entry-level Premium trim as it already possesses a list of solid standard entertainment and safety features and performs just as well as the midrange Premium Plus trim.
- Edmunds: 3.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 72 / 100
2022 Q7, Edmunds review:
“I have only had my Q7 for a couple weeks and I must add I am coming from an Ultra Premium Plus A4. This SUV, and I have owned a few others, definitely feels more luxurious. The pano roof is great, The Bang& Olufsen stereo is my favorite. The ride is great with the exception of the seat it is ok, but not great. The technology is on point, but can be very distractive. I suggest using the audi cockpit for changing radio etc while driving. There is no cargo space unless the 3rd row is down, which I am fine with. The style of the car exterior is nice, a touch of sporty and the turbine wheels I love…”
2020 Audi Q7
The 2020 Q7 benefited greatly from the automaker’s mid-cycle refresh, sporting a redesigned exterior, upgraded tech, and a lot of additional standard safety features.
It comes in 3 trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
The entry-level Premium trim is well-equipped with features such as leather upholstery, three-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.
The midrange Premium Plus trim includes a virtual cockpit digital instrument panel, a slightly larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a high-quality Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.
The top-of-the-line Prestige trim, on the other hand, absorbs all the features and functionalities of the lower trim levels, and adds luxury features such as a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, and even better leather upholstery.
The mid-level Premium Plus trim is the best option to take as it is reasonably priced (for a luxury full-size SUV, of course) and provides valuable extras such as a wireless phone charger and a blindspot monitoring system.
- Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
2020 Q7, Edmunds review:
“After extensive research over the past 18 months and test drives of several SUV’s and wagons, we chose the Audi Q7 for it’s extremely smooth, quiet ride, good performance and acceleration, gas mileage and other overall features and comfort. It is a very compelling vehicle with many technical aids/features and multiple ways to access and operate those features albeit somewhat more difficult than it has to be at times. The quality of materials and construction is absolutely top notch and the overall design is very nice to look at while being simple but elegant in design and functionality…”
2019 Audi Q7
The 2019 Q7 is the third installment of the second-generation Q7 and is another solid choice.
New standard features for this model year included integrated navigation for all trim levels and Audi Virtual Cockpit, wireless charging, and LED headlights for the Premium Plus trim and Prestige trim.
As for add-ons, the Convenience Package includes a blindspot monitoring system and a rear cross-traffic alert feature.
This model secured a perfect 5-star NHTSA overall rating. Notable safety features include Audi Side Assist, Audi Pre Sense City, and Audi Active Lane Assist.
EPA estimates up to 19 MPG for city driving, 25 MPG for highway driving, and 21 MPG for combined driving.
- Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4 / 5.0
- JD Power: 76 / 100
2019 Q7, Edmunds review:
“Audi Q7 is by far one of the best driving SUVs I have owned. Now, before I go further; I have to be clear about this: This is a premium ride. It is meant for people who do not mind paying a premium for maintenance in terms of gas and normal maintenance. I have seen several one star reviews on here and other sites because the tires were $350 a piece. One has to be realistic; the OEM tires are made in Germany by Goodyear and commands a premium price since they are runflats and due to the unique size which is not commonly produced. Now to the car: The car drives and handles perfectly for its size…”
2011 Audi Q7
For those on a tighter budget, the 1st generation 2011 Q7 is a great choice. It is the least problematic model year to date, based on NHTSA data.
For 2011 the previous V6 and V8 engines were swapped for supercharged 3.0-liter V6s referred to as the 3.0T and 3.0T S Line.
There are 3 variants to choose from: 3.0T Premium Quattro, TDI Premium Quattro, and 3.0T S Line Prestige Quattro.
The 3.0T Premium Quattro can go up to 22 MPG for highway driving while the diesel-powered TDI Premium Quattro can achieve approximately 25 MPG for highway driving.
The 3.0T Premium Quattro is rated at 272 horsepower while the TDI Premium Quattro has 225 horsepower.
All trims come with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission system.
Optional packages include the Towing Package, S Line Package, Cold Weather Package, and the Warm Weather Package.
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
- JD Power: 73 / 100
2011 Q7, Edmunds review:
“This Q7 replaces my 2008 A4. Q7 is huge. A lot of room. I love the 3.0 Supercharge engine with 8 speed auto. Pickup is very smooth. Mileage is OK. It does better than my 2005 X5 3.0i. It feels very heavy and during braking, I need to step heavier to stop it. I took it to the snow and it was fun driving at 70mph and passing other cars with chain. It is a excellent family car.”
Consumer Scores For Best Audi Q7 Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Audi Q7 | 3.6 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 72 / 100 |
| 2022 Audi Q7 | 3.6 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 72 / 100 |
| 2020 Audi Q7 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 76 / 100 |
| 2011 Audi Q7 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 73 / 100 |
Related: 5 Most Common Problems With Audi Q7 (Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Audi Q7?
2017 Audi Q7
According to NHTSA data, the 2017 Audi Q7 is the most problematic model to date.
The most severe and frequently reported issue was engine coolant leaking.
The loss of coolant would mean that the engine would be prone to overheating, which will damage engine components such as the head gasket, cylinder head, and even the engine block itself.
According to numerous reports, a failed water pump was the primary culprit that led to coolant leakage.
If caught early, repair bills were around the $1500 mark, however continued driving could lead to complete engine failure.
There were also a high number of complaints due to defective side marker lights, there was a recall for this however some owners affected by the problem were not covered by the recall.
The 2017 Q7 had a total of 15 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 154 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Squealing from brakes
- Coolant leaking
- Catastrophic engine failure
- Car stalled in traffic
2007 Audi Q7
The 2007 Q7 was the debut model year and it is the second most problematic model to date according to auto industry data.
Many owners reported that water leaked into the vehicle via the sunroof seals.
In most cases, water found its way into the electronics of the car causing a number of electrical faults.
Here is what one unhappy owner had to say:
“The sunroof not only leaks from the drain tubes but also around the seal, also causing the water to drain into the electrical compartment which causes the same issue even after the drain tubes are repaired. You can find this issue listed all over the internet help sites as well as youtube. This is a very common issue with this model vehicle, and is a design flaw that Audi is refusing to fix and passing on the cost to the consumer.”
One owner stated that the roof repair cost him $4,500.
This model was also recalled due to fuel leakages in the engine compartment – owners reported smelling gas in the vehicle.
The 2007 Q7 had a total of 10 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 120 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Engine will not start
- Smell of gas
- Sunroof leaks
- Brake problems
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) malfunctioning
2018 Audi Q7
The 2018 Q7 had a number of complaints for coolant leaking issues due to a failed water pump, although this was not on the same scale as the 2017 model year.
There were also complaints from owners due to the sunroof exploding for no apparent reason.
Here is what they had to say:
“Sunroof exploded. No trauma to the sunroof it just popped and glass shattered going down interstate.”
“Sunroof spontaneously exploding while driving straight on a highway.”
There were a handful of complaints relating to the camera system too, owners reported that it was unpredictable and would display random camera modes.
The 2018 Q7 had a total of 6 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 75 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Tire tread shredding
- Flaking and peeling on outside edge of tires
- Squealing brakes
2014 and 2015 Audi Q7
There have been complaints filed via the NHTSA for the 2014 and 2015 Q7 due to stalling problems.
Here is one owners report:
“Car periodically stalls on accelerating from a stop, even though engine is up to normal operating temperature. Car will get to approx 10-15 mph, then stall, with a complete loss of power. Must push gas pedal all the way to the floor to overcome the stall, then the car leaps forward, spinning the tires. This has happened several times in the past few weeks. Am very concerned whenever I start up at an intersection, as I don’t know when this situation will occur. I think this is a safety issue which should be corrected.”
Despite visits to dealerships, owners were often left without a resolution.
Water pump failure was also reported by a number of owners.
The 2014 Q7 had a total of 5 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 48 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The 2015 Q7 had a total of 7 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 47 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Loses power when accelerating
- Goes to limp mode
- Premature brake wear
- Water pump needs replacement
Related: How Long Do Audi Q7 Last? (Solved & Explained)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi Q7 | – | – |
| 2022 Audi Q7 | – | 4 |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | 0 | 27 |
| 2020 Audi Q7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | 3 | 34 |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | 6 | 75 |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | 15 | 154 |
| 2015 Audi Q7 | 7 | 47 |
| 2014 Audi Q7 | 5 | 48 |
| 2013 Audi Q7 | 3 | 38 |
| 2012 Audi Q7 | 2 | 34 |
| 2011 Audi Q7 | 3 | 19 |
| 2010 Audi Q7 | 1 | 34 |
| 2009 Audi Q7 | 4 | 31 |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 6 | 40 |
| 2007 Audi Q7 | 10 | 120 |
What Problems Do Audi Q7 Have?
- Coolant leaking
- Waterpump failure
- Squealing from brakes
- Tire tread shredding
- Car stalled in traffic
- Flaking and peeling on outside edge of tires
- Keys automatically lock car
- Downhill descent control problems
- Engine will not start
- Brake problems
- Sunroof drains clogged
- Gas cap door does not open
- Power mirror does not work
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Audi Q7?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 8.6 | $56,150 – $80,900 | City: 16 – 20 /Highway: 21 – 27 |
| BMW X5 | 8.5 | $61,600 – $108,900 | City: NA /Highway: NA |
| Porsche Cayenne | 8.5 | $72,200 – $188,700 | City: 14 – 19 /Highway: 19 – 23 |
| Genesis GV80 | 8.4 | $55,800 – $70,850 | City: 18 – 20 /Highway: 23 – 24 |
| Lincoln Aviator | 8.4 | $53,340 – $89,280 | City: 17 – 18 /Highway: 24 – 26 |
| Lincoln Nautilus | 8.4 | $44,825 – $67,245 | City: 19 – 21 /Highway: 25 – 26 |
| Audi Q7 | 8.3 | $57,500 – $88,500 | City: 15 – 20 /Highway: 21 – 25 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport | 8.3 | $83,000 – $121,500 | City: 16 – 19 /Highway: 21 – 26 |
| Volvo XC90 | 8.2 | $56,000 – $79,900 | City: 20 – 22 /Highway: 26 – 28 |
| Audi Q8 | 8.1 | $72,800 – $125,800 | City: 13 – 18 /Highway: 20 – 23 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Velar | 8.0 | $60,300 – $79,200 | City: 19 – 20 /Highway: 25 – 26 |
| Land Rover Discovery | 7.9 | $58,400 – $77,800 | City: 19 /Highway: 22 – 25 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: Audi Q7 in Snow & Winter Driving (Explained)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/q7
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/audi/q7
https://www.edmunds.com/audi/q7/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/audi/q7
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Audi/Q7/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/audi/q7/
