The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Great road manners
- Conservative styling
- Potent 6-cylinder engines
- Modern tech
- Abundant safety features
Dislikes
- Cramped third row
- Poor fuel economy
- Limited configurations
- No complimentary maintenance
Buying tip
features & specs
Clean styling, user-friendly tech features, and potent turbo powertrains make the 2025 Audi Q7 worth a look.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Audi Q7? What does it compare to?
As Audi’s largest SUV, the Q7 three-row SUV faces off against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Genesis GV80, and BMW X5.
Is the 2025 Audi Q7 a good SUV?
Yes. The 2025 Audi Q7 is a well-rounded three-row SUV with great driving dynamics, plenty of tech, and a better value than most competitors. It earns a TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 Audi Q7?
The 2025 Audi Q7 enjoys a styling refresh that brings updated front and rear fascias, updated front and rear lighting options, more exterior colors, new wheel designs, and fresh interior trim choices. An update to Audi’s infotainment system also gives Q7 drivers more connectivity options.
The styling updates dress up the Q7’s conservative, clean lines without transforming the SUV’s classic profile. It’s still one of the more timeless models in a segment where bold and brash are the norm. Audi avoids common gimmicks and what may seem like excess actually serves a purpose. The pair of touchscreens, for example, means some lesser-used features and settings are relegated to the smaller display, out of the way.
The Q7 is available with a choice of three powertrains, and all-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup. The base “45” model kicks off with a mild-hybrid turbo-4 good for 261 hp, which is adequate. The “55” model gets a turbocharged V-6 with 335 hp, which is a much better fit, especially considering it’s not exorbitantly more expensive. This version has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, too. In top SQ7 form, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine delivers 500 hp, though even just a few options will push this version over six figures. Consider the available adaptive air suspension setup, which helps models with bigger wheels ride a little more smoothly. Fuel economy is low across the lineup even with the mild-hybrid setup, topping out at 21 mpg combined for the base trim.
The spacious cabin is a highlight, with plenty of room for five adults in the first two rows; leave the rearmost row for kids. The Q7 also provides good cargo capacity and standard leather seating, which sets it apart from competitors that use the synthetic stuff in base trims.
The outgoing Q7 boasted a NHTSA five-star overall rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. We expect that to carry over. Audi equips the Q7 with plenty of standard safety tech across the lineup, though you’ll pay extra for a surround-view camera system on the entry-level model.
How much does the 2025 Audi Q7 cost?
The Audi Q7 starts at $61,695, including a $1,195 destination fee. That buys plenty of SUV, including leather-trimmed upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a power-folding third row and power tailgate, and 19-inch wheels. With the optional “55” V-6 engine, the Q7 starts at $66,995 and is a well-sorted, proper luxury vehicle.
Where is the 2025 Audi Q7 made?
Audi builds the Q7 in Slovakia.
2025 Audi Q7 Styling
The Audi Q7’s crisp, clean lines should age gracefully.
Is the Audi Q7 a good-looking car?
Yes. While the conservative profile and sheetmetal aren’t as bold as competitors, the Q7’s restraint stands out in its own way. The classy exterior design and upmarket cabin each score a point, for a 7.
The Q7 is typical Audi, with a bold shield grille surrounded by restrained brightwork leading into a minimalist side profile, with big taillights rounding out the rear. SQ7 models get exclusive styling, but still not quite as ornate as competitors. The 2025 update allows for optional digital daytime running lights, and optional taillights with customizable light signatures. The exterior refresh simplifies the overall look, while adding new choices. Front and rear bumpers get updated with a reworked front lower spoiler and rear diffuser. The grille looks taller thanks to vertical inlays that differ between Q7 and SQ7 versions, and the front air intakes are now body-colored. On SQ7 models, aluminum-look trim provides differentiation, along with edgier trim on the rear diffuser and front spoiler. Meanwhile, some front bumper, door, and diffuser trim are available with the choice of different finishes. Consider the Black optic package, which gives black trim on the front, rear, and sides, along with Anthracite Gray on the Audi ring badging and dark chrome exhaust tips. With this package, the base “45” wears 20-inch wheels, which grow to 21-inchers on “55” models and a choice of exclusive 21-inch or optional 22-inch wheels on the SQ7. Model names are now laser-etched in the B-pillar. Sakhir Gold Metallic, Ascari Blue Metallic, and Chili Red Metallic join the exterior color palette, along with a range of new wheel designs.
Matrix-design LED headlights with daytime running lights now come standard, while the “55” and SQ7 are offered with HD Matrix-design front lighting with a laser-beam pattern that enhances visibility. The SQ7 is now available with headlights and taillights with a choice of four light signatures.
The Q7 features seating for seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. The cabin design itself is relatively dated, but a trio of displays keeps the look both practical and modern. Leather upholstery comes standard and for 2025, there’s a fresher palette of colors and materials, kicking off with standard contrast gray stitching on the base “45” model. An Executive package offers up dual-pane acoustic glass, heated rear seats, cooled front seats, and rear sunshades. The SQ7 now comes standard with a new carbon twill matte trim and an Audi Sport Express Red treatment with red stitching and red seat belts.
2025 Audi Q7 Performance
The 2025 Audi Q7 combines potent turbo engines and great road manners.
Audi’s biggest SUV has a brilliant ride and an all-turbo powertrain lineup that provides good acceleration in every version. It’s a 7.
Is the Audi Q7 4WD?
Yes. The Audi Quattro system provides all-wheel drive across the lineup.
How fast is the Audi Q7?
It’s quicker than you might expect, especially considering the base version’s modest 261-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4. That’s thanks to the mild-hybrid system that accentuates acceleration more than fuel economy. Still, we’d prefer the 3.0-liter turbo V-6, which can sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. There’s some lag off the line, but it ramps up to good passing power.
The top-tier SQ7 can’t keep up with the Mercedes-Benz GLS 63 or BMW B7 Alpina, but its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 features great acceleration, balanced with a well-tuned suspension. The SQ7 can hustle to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.
Steering tuning is direct and accurate, if not particularly communicative. It’s light for city driving and firmer at higher speeds. The adaptive air suspension is highly recommended, particularly for Q7 models with the bigger optional wheels. The SQ7 is available with an S sport package that adds a sport rear differential and an electronic active roll stabilization system. Together, these components put a finer tune on handling, steering, and body roll.
With the available trailer hitch, the Q7 is capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds.
2025 Audi Q7 Comfort & Quality
Audi loads the 2025 Q7’s interior with comfortable seating and plenty of tech.
The Q7 rates a 9 of 10 on our scale for cabin quality. The front and second rows offer plenty of space while the third is passable. Cargo capacity is good, and the trim is lovely throughout.
Some rivals, like a loaded Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, are more decadent, but also much more expensive. Every Q7 features leather trim plus front power-adjustable and heated seats. The options menu tempts with premium leather, massaging seats, and cooled seats. The second row offers almost 40 inches of legroom, space for three adults, and reclining seats, while the third row is best left for kids.
The cargo area can hold 13.6 cubic feet of gear, which opens to 35 and 68.1 cubes with the third and second rows folded, respectively.
2025 Audi Q7 Safety
The Audi Q7 withstands crash tests and has plenty of safety tech.
How safe is the Audi Q7?
It’s a safe choice. The 2025 Audi Q7 SUV earns a NHTSA five-star overall score, and last year’s model earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS that should apply this year. Those crash-test ratings earn it a point each, and it comes with great driver-assist tech and sophisticated safety options. The only point it misses is for its narrow views over the shoulder and at the sides.
The Q7 comes standard with an adaptive cruise control system with limited hands-free driving, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Audi offers options such as a surround-view camera system and a smart traffic sign recognition system that can communicate with some cities’ infrastructures.
2025 Audi Q7 Features
Though the 2025 Audi Q7 has a steep price tag, it brings a lot of bang for the buck.
If you can restrain yourself from adding too many options, the Audi Q7’s high price can still deliver value. It’s an 8, earning points for its great infotainment and standard and optional features.
Audi’s warranty doesn’t include free maintenance, unlike many rivals, and the 4-year/50,000-mile coverage is just average.
The Q7 is available in entry-level Premium, mid-tier Premium Plus, and top-end Prestige trims.The base Q7 “45” starts at $61,695, including a $1,195 destination charge. It includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a central 10.1-inch infotainment display, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen that houses secondary controls. This model also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a power-folding third row, and a power tailgate. The Q7 lineup can now run third-party apps such as YouTube, Spotify, and Amazon Music, downloaded directly to the infotainment system.
Which Audi Q7 should I buy?
The Q7 “55” strikes a good balance at $66,995. This model gets a V-6 engine and is available with a package that includes an upgraded adaptive cruise control system, a surround-view camera system, wireless phone charging, and a heated steering wheel for about $1,100 more. In Premium Plus configuration, you’ll get those features as well as a Bang & Olufsen stereo, an upgraded version of the LED headlights, and the availability of optional heated rear seats, cooled front seats, and rear sunshades.
How much is a fully loaded Audi Q7?
The top SQ7 starts at $91,995, though it can run to about $116,000 in Prestige form with premium leather, upgraded lighting, and soft-close doors.
2025 Audi Q7 Fuel Economy
Despite mild-hybrid tech, the Audi Q7 is a thirsty SUV.
Is the Audi Q7 good on gas?
No. The Q7’s mild-hybrid tech benefits performance off the line more than fuel economy. It’s a 2, based on the volume-selling “45” and “55” versions. The EPA rated the former at 20 mpg city, 26 highway, 22 combined, while the latter fell to 18/23/20 mpg. The SQ7 drops to 14/20/17 mpg.