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By Colin Ryan
Updated August 08, 2022
The 2023 Audi Q7 luxury 3-row midsize SUV provides upscale transport for seven lucky people. Comfort and tech levels are high, all-wheel drive is standard throughout, and that renowned Audi style keeps the Q7 desirable. Prices start at $57,500.
Some rivals are newer and cheaper, but the 2023 Q7 remains a serious contender in the midsize luxury SUV class. That’s because Audi has done things right and given the Q7 attributes that can appeal to many people.
As well as the unmistakable style and indisputable quality, the Q7 can even tempt enthusiasts with its turbocharged V6 and V8 engines. This is an ideal luxury vehicle for well-off families.
There are only three versions of the 2023 Audi Q7 luxury 3-row SUV. The model with the 45 TSFI drivetrain starts the proceedings with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $57,500, plus a destination charge. It’s available in Premium and Premium Plus trim.
Offered in all three trim levels, which includes Prestige, the 55 TSFI variant begins at $63,100. The higher-performance SQ7 dispenses with the lowest trim level and starts at $88.5K. An SQ7 in Prestige trim and a lavish amount of options could easily reach $105K.
Even so, the 2023 Q7 is not overpriced compared with its German rivals. A 2-row BMW X5 with all-wheel drive starts at $64K, and a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 4Matic is more like $59K minus a third seating row.
The Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, and Lincoln Aviator — all with three rows as standard — provide keener starting prices in the low $50K range. The Genesis GV80 is closer to $55.5K, but has a lot of standard equipment.
Before buying a new Q7 or new SQ7, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area paid for theirs. The Lexus RX and Acura have the strongest resale values in this class, with the Audi Q7 faring at least as well as the X5 and GLE-Class.
School runs, grocery trips, and general forays around suburbia are handled competently enough by the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the 45 TSFI drivetrain. The ride quality is smooth, but not loose. And there’s the reassurance of all-wheel drive in every 2023 Q7 luxury SUV.
Comfort and power levels both increase in the 55 TSFI version. A turbocharged V6 delivers 329 horsepower, and the top Prestige model adds an adaptive air suspension. This trim is also eligible for all-wheel steering, adding extra agility and maneuverability.
The 2023 SQ7 comes standard with a sport-tuned version of that adaptive air suspension, as well as all-wheel steering. Not many family vehicles offer a 500-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8, but the SQ7 might work out cheaper than regular visits to Disneyland, yet still provide thrilling rides.
Heated front seats, accommodations for seven, and leather seating surfaces are all standard in a cabin that’s well designed, incredibly tidy, full of first-rate materials, and tingling with technology.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen at the top of the center console deals with the infotainment system, while an 8.6-inch touchscreen set just below handles various vehicle functions like climate control. And the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is another standard feature in the 2023 Q7 luxury midsize SUV.
This year sees the addition of simulated leather covering for the dashboard, while Premium Plus trim adds it to the armrests and center console.
Legroom for the second row measures 38.8 inches — easy to live with. The third row is a tight 29.2 inches. It’s the kids’ zone. Cargo space goes from 14.2 to 69.6 cubic feet. Not that great in the context of this midsize 3-row SUV class, but at least the second and third rows fold almost flat.
Audi’s restrained styling philosophy has a two-fold benefit with the 2023 Q7. Usually, midsize 3-row SUVs aren’t noticeably aerodynamic, but the Q7 has a drag coefficient of 0.32 — that’s better than the BMW X5.
The other upside is that, for a 7-seater SUV, the Q7 is arguably good-looking. It enhances its style with additions like aluminum roof rails, animated light sequences for the turn signals, plus the option of laser-based headlights for a larger and brighter pool of light thrown out in front of the vehicle. Matrix-design LED headlights (made up of many small LEDs) become standard in the upper Premium Plus trim of the 45 TSFI version.
The base model has 19-inch alloy wheels. For the first time, the SQ7 offers 22-inch alloys, with a choice of two designs, both wearing summer performance tires. A Black Optic package for the entire range brings a black finish for various exterior elements.
New colors this year — all metallic — are Waitomo Blue, Tamarind Brown, and Satellite Silver.
1. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cable-free smartphone integration is standard across the 2023 Q7 range, so a passenger sitting somewhere other than up front can still connect with the infotainment system if desired.
2. Hands-Free Tailgate Operation
Along with a powered tailgate as standard, every 2023 Q7 includes hands-free operation. Because anyone who needs a 7-seater SUV will probably have their hands full with something.
3. Virtual Cockpit
With the ability to show a range of information, including navigation and maps, this 12.3-inch digital driver information display is a most welcome standard feature in every new Q7 luxury SUV.
4. Audi Phone Box
Available as an option in Premium trim as part of a Convenience package, standard elsewhere, the Audi Phone Box pulls double duty as a phone signal booster and wireless phone charger.
5. Remote Parking Assist Plus
This is a new addition to the top Prestige trims of the 55 TSFI and SQ7 variants. It’s a self-parking function for parallel and perpendicular spaces. The driver can choose to stay in the Q7 or jump out and let the system work its magic.
6. Dual-Pane Side Glass
Another new feature this year, available in the 55 TSFI and the SQ7. It’s optional in Premium Plus trim and standard in Prestige trim as part of an Executive package that also includes rear shades, heated rear seats, and heated/ventilated front seats. Dual-pane glass helps reduce tire and wind noise.
All 2023 Q7 and 2023 SQ7 luxury SUVs have all-wheel drive as standard (known along Audi’s corridors as quattro) along with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
An upgraded 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine goes into the 45 TSFI drivetrain. It’s turbocharged to produce 261 horsepower, replacing a 248-horsepower unit. We expect it to average around 21 mpg.
The 55 TSFI version brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 329 horsepower. And the SQ7 sits at the top of the Q7 hierarchy with a twin-turbocharged V8 making 500 horsepower.
The 45 TSFI is capable of towing 4,400 pounds. The 55 TSFI and SQ7 are both rated to tow a maximum of 7,700 pounds.
Each engine requires premium gasoline.
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (45 TSFI)
261 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19 mpg/25 mpg
3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (55 TSFI)
329 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/22 mpg
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (SQ7)
500 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
568 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Front Head Room | 39.9 inches | ||
---|---|---|---|
Front Leg Room | 41.7 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 7 | ||
Overall Length | 199.3 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 inches | ||
Turning Diameter | 41.0 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 117.9 inches | ||
Width with mirrors | 87.1 inches |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Panorama Moon Roof | Available | ||
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | Available | ||
Roof Rails | Available | ||
LED Headlights | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
City | 19 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 25 mpg | ||
Combined | 21 mpg |
Drivetrain | AWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
8 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Premium | ||
Hill Descent Control | Available |
Horsepower | 248 hp | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 273 foot pounds | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | ||
0 to 60 | 6.7 seconds | ||
Top Speed | 130 mph |
Basic | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 12 years / Unlimited miles |
Audi Pre Sense Basic and Pre Sense Front
Pre Sense Basic prepares the 2023 Q7 for an impending collision by closing any windows and sunroof that might be open, and pre-tensioning the seat belts. Pre Sense Front is forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. They’re both standard in every new Audi Q7 luxury SUV.
Audi Side Assist with Pre Sense Rear
Side Assist is Audi’s way of describing blind-spot monitoring. Pre Sense Rear is like Pre Sense Basic, only looking out for dangers approaching from behind. These features are also standard across the 2023 Q7 range.
Intersection Assist
Available only in the Prestige trims of the 55 TSFI and SQ7 variants, this feature works in situations like turning left against the flow of traffic, keeping a virtual eye out for any hazards the driver might have missed.
New 2023 Audi Q7 | New 2023 Lexus RX | Used 2023 BMW X5 | Used 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $60,270 | $48,950 | $50,990 | $59,998 | |
KBB.com Rating | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.3 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.4 | 3.7 | |
Fuel Economy | City 19/Hwy 25/Comb 21 MPG | City 22/Hwy 29/Comb 25 MPG | City 21/Hwy 25/Comb 23 MPG | City 20/Hwy 25/Comb 22 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Safety Rating | N/A | N/A | 4.0 | 5.0 | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 | |
Basic Warranty | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | |
Horsepower | 248 HP | 275 @ 6000 RPM | 335 @ 5500 RPM | 362 @ 5500 RPM | |
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
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The 2023 Q7 luxury midsize SUV starts at $57,500 and goes up to $93,800 for the top trim of the SQ7. This is before destination charges and options.
An enjoyable driving experience, high-quality interior, and Audi style make the 2023 Q7 a fine choice among luxury midsize 3-row SUVs.
The 2023 Q7 is built at a factory in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.