Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is a mainstay of three-row luxury SUVs. It's quiet, comfortable and versatile. We like it so much that we've consistently ranked it our No. 1 model for this kind of SUV. It's quite likely the 2022 Audi Q7 will maintain that status since it receives a handful of updates that include converting some previous options into standard features.

Rear side-impact airbags, previously an option, are now included on all Q7s. So is multi-color ambient cabin lighting, an enhanced tire pressure monitoring system, and heated and power-folding side mirrors that have a memory function that saves the driver's preferred setting.

The Q7's Premium Plus trim gets more driver assistance features as standard, including lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist (adds self-steering when moving in slow traffic). Finally, the popular Black Optic package, which adds darkened wheels and exterior trim, is available for the entry-level 45 trim level.

Even though this Q7 generation is getting on in its years (it was last redesigned in 2017), it holds its own against newer rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Genesis GV80 and Lincoln Aviator.

Which Q7 does MatoCar recommend?

The entry-level Premium trim is loaded with a solid list of standard features, plus a few optional extras if you want additional goodies. If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg, the Premium is a good way to go. That said, the Premium Plus is also worth a look, especially since it doesn't cost much more than the Premium, and its options list is a bit more comprehensive. Either way, we recommend the 55 TFSI engine — its improved power output makes a difference when you have the Q7 loaded with people and cargo.

The 2022 Audi Q7 is a midsize three-row SUV available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. All Q7s come with three rows of seating and all-wheel drive. Audi offers two engines in the Q7: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (248 hp, 273 lb-ft) in 45 TFSI models or a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (335 hp, 369 lb-ft) paired to a 48-volt mild hybrid system, found in 55 TFSI trims. Both powertrains are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

If you're interested in something a little sportier, check out the Q7's relatives: the V8-powered SQ7, the two-row coupe-style Q8 and SQ8, and high-performance RS Q8. All are reviewed separately.

Premium The base-level Premium trim comes fairly well equipped. The four-cylinder engine is standard, and the V6 engine is optional. Standard features include:

19-inch wheels
LED headlights
Panoramic sunroof
Power-folding and heated mirrors
Auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors
Digital instrument cluster
Keyless entry and ignition
Hands-free liftgate
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Power-folding third row
Leather upholstery
10-speaker audio system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto smartphone integration
Audi MMI infotainment system with dual touchscreens
Navigation system

Standard safety features and driver aids include:

Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

The Q7 Premium is available with a few option packages, including:

Convenience package

Heated steering wheel
Signal booster for connected phone
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Q7 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Towing package

Seven-pin connector
Tow hitch

Premium Plus Like the Premium model, the Q7 Premium Plus comes standard with the four-cylinder engine and has the V6 as an option. The Premium Plus also includes all of the Premium's features, adding:

Convenience package
20-inch wheels (with 55 TFSI engine)
Illuminated doorsills
Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Q7 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

Options for the Premium Plus include:

Executive package

Ambient interior lighting
Four-zone automatic climate control
Leather armrests (with 55 TFSI engine)
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Rear sunshades

Black optic package

20-inch black-painted wheels (with 45 TFSI engine)
21-inch black-painted wheels (with 55 TFSI engine)
Black exterior trim

Towing package
Matrix LED headlights

Prestige The top-level Prestige trim comes standard with the turbocharged V6 engine as well as all of the Premium Plus' features. Other standard equipment includes:

Executive package
Matrix LED headlights
Adaptive air suspension (can adjust the vehicle's ride height)
Sound-reducing side windows
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Soft-closing doors

Other significant options for the Q7 include:

Black Optic package
Towing package
Laser headlights
Luxury package

Faux suede headliner
Massaging front seats
Upgraded leather upholstery

All-wheel steering (for more nimble turning)
22-inch wheels

Shoppers looking for even greater personalization can ask their dealer about the Audi Exclusive program. It allows prospective buyers to choose from a list of exclusive exterior paint colors, unique interior stitching colors and different wood trim, for a hefty fee.