Those who believed that style and function could only exist separately in cars were proven wrong when the Audi Q7 came onto the scene. This looker of a vehicle seamlessly blends modern luxury with day-to-day practicality.
Its spacious interiors exude unmatched comfort while its features provide support for the entire family. One look at its advanced technology will have you feeling like this car just might jump into hyperspace.
But before you get sold too much on it, just know that it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Some of the Audi Q7’s variants leave much to be desired, but fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve done the research for you and we’ve listed down the Audi Q7 model years that’ll be the best addition to your garage and the ones we’re willing to erase from memory.
What are the best and worst Audi Q7 model years?
The best Audi Q7 model years to buy are 2007, 2010, 2017, 2020, and 2023, while the worst ones are 2014 and 2015.
The best and worst Audi Q7 models were chosen based on expert and consumer ratings, reliability reviews, notable features, and complaints from owners.
The Audi Q7 has been a leading midsize luxury sports utility vehicle since its introduction in 2006. Today, its second generation consistently ranks high as the best in its segment, alongside competitors like the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5.
Just like any other vehicle, the Audi Q7 has seen its fair share of highs and lows. From its early days up to its more recent configurations, this car has had an interesting run over the years.
It started off strong with its first-generation models, specifically 2007 and 2010, which are still in the running as some of the brand’s best years. The second generation also found its footing with the widely-praised 2017, 2020, and 2023 model years.
But the Audi Q7’s future wasn’t as clear towards the end of the first generation, particularly with the 2014 and 2015 models. The brand missed with updates that just weren’t clicking with its audience (that were resolved later on).
From what we’ve heard, Audi is eyeing a 2026 release for the Q7’s third generation, which is expected to be released during the first half of the year.
With the basics laid out, we can now do a deep dive into what makes these particular Audi Q7 model years stand out from the rest.
What are the best Audi Q7 model years?
The best Audi Q7 model years would be 2007, 2010, 2017, 2020, and 2023. These years received good consumer/expert ratings and were praised for their reliability and advanced features.
2023 Audi Q7
Despite being one of the more recent model years, the 2023 Audi Q7 is already being labeled as the ultimate luxury family SUV. It’s got heaps of features and fantastic performance that make it a great choice that’ll last you and your loved ones for years.
J.D. Power gave it an average reliability rating of 78 out of 100. Kelley Blue Books seems to have loved it more based on its ranking as the 4th best out of the 20 luxury midsize SUVs of 2023.
It’s got powerful engine options that give it a smooth performance on the road. There have also been no notable repair issues with this model year apart from regular maintenance needs.
Many owners love its advanced driver assistance technology, especially when it comes to parking. It has a parking assist feature which you can enable via phone that automatically steers the car into a parallel or perpendicular space.
All of these positive attributes make it one of the strongest vehicles in the Audi Q7’s second-generation lineup.
2020 Audi Q7
The 2020 Audi Q7 brought many beloved updates that became staples for succeeding Q7 model years. It was an exciting mid-cycle refresh that both consumers and experts favored.
The 2020 model was often praised for being futuristic and attractive and it ranked #2 out of 19 luxury midsize SUVs that year. It placed 3rd out of 19 in the Kelley Blue Books list of the same category as well.
Some of the extensive changes include an updated dashboard with a new advanced multimedia system. It now has a sleek dual-touchscreen setup.
Handling was improved, with maneuvering being easier for parking or navigating tight spaces. Performance was also smoother due to an adjustable air suspension system that had five ride height settings.
As with the previous Q7 years, the 2020 model still excels with its safety features, receiving an IIHS rating of 9.6 out of 10.
Owners especially loved that the price increase was reasonable despite there being vast differences between the 2019 and 2020 Q7 models.
2017 Audi Q7
The 2017 Audi Q7 is often overlooked compared to its flashier successors, but this model sure does pack a punch. Its muted exterior design tends to disguise its plush cabin ambiance and high-tech features.
Although RepairPal only gave it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, this was actually the average of most of the vehicles in the same class that year. In fact, the 2017 Audi Q7 was actually picked as the best luxury midsize SUV of 2017 by Car And Driver.
It even earned a 2016 Top Safety Pick + Rating from IIHS. Features such as vehicle and pedestrian collision warnings, as well as emergency brake initiation, helped it achieve this superior rating.
Its engine also has strong power and torque, giving it impressive off-road abilities.
Both experts and consumers were further amazed by the highly customizable virtual cockpit. Drivers can configure which information they want displayed depending on their needs.
2010 Audi Q7
Audi struck the perfect balance with their 2010 Q7 model. Experts and consumers could find no fault with its aesthetics, power, and price point.
Its powerful engine allows it to provide a smooth and quiet ride for its passengers. For a car with its size, it also handles really well, giving the driver more control.
Fuel consumption is also pretty economical for its class and its year, with an average of 19 mpg.
Just like all the other Q7 model years, its comfortable and luxurious interiors can fit up to seven people in 3 rows. However, the 2010 Q7 has better cargo space than most, with 72.5 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down.
It ranked 4th out of 19 in that year’s list of best 2010 luxury midsize SUVs, and it got a reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Kelly Blue Book. It also received a safety rating of 5 stars from the NHTSA crash tests, making it a solid choice for drivers.
2007 Audi Q7
Even though it was one of the first few Q7 vehicles, the 2007 model is still a favorite among Audi car owners. Until now, it still is one of the best model years to drive.
The 2007 Audi Q7 received a consumer rating of 4.4 out of 5 from Edmunds, and a Kelley Blue Book quality rating of 4.5 out of 5.
This car drives well, thanks to its powerful engine and superb handling. Despite its weight, it also has one of the smoothest accelerations in its class.
We were also impressed by its annual maintenance cost of $723, based on data from RepairPal. This is much more affordable compared to some of its competitors in the same segment.
As one of the earlier models, it does run into the occasional problem. However, some owners claim to have their 2007 Q7 driving smoothly even after more than a decade of owning them.
Ultimately, the 2007 Audi Q7 is still remembered fondly and often recommended in the Audi community.
What are the worst Audi Q7 model years?
The worst Audi Q7 model years would be 2014 and 2015. Although these are still generally reliable, these models receive the lowest consumer/expert ratings compared to other Q7s and the most number of complaints from owners.
2015 Audi Q7
Towards the tail end of the first generation of Q7 cars, Audi seemingly hit a wall when it came to innovation. The 2015 Audi Q7 had a whole host of problems that had many owners scratching their heads.
Its interiors were still very comfortable due to the high-quality materials used, but that was about it. Its performance was lacking, consequently placing it #15 out of 16 cars in the 2015 luxury midsize SUV category.
Several issues were reported in units that clocked in less than 50,000 miles, such as squeaky brakes. Other noises were also present, including a rattling sunroof, creating an uneasy ride for owners.
Its fuel economy was disappointing compared to other Q7s, with only 16 mpg.
Owners also noticed that its tires seemed to wear out more quickly than previous model years and it lacked the steering control that those had. Some models had malfunctioning infotainment systems, which were quite expensive to repair.
With all of this in mind, there’s no wonder why J.D. Power only gave it a fair reliability rating of 66 out of 100.
2014 Audi Q7
As the blueprint for the 2015 model, it’s surprising that the 2014 Audi Q7 has fewer issues than its successor, but not by much. The 2014 model year had a few redeeming qualities that owners appreciated.
The 2024 Audi Q7 had a visually pleasing exterior design and high-tech features that initially had consumers and experts excited. But upon release, its performance was considered a letdown.
Just like the 2015 Audi Q7, it placed second to last in the 2014 Luxury midsize SUV category with a ranking of #19 out of 20. It also has a similar poor fuel economy of only 16 mpg.
Brake issues would pop up before the 15,000-mile mark. Owners often complain about having to replace the brake pads and rotors much more frequently compared to other model years.
Some 2014 Audi Q7s also experience a rattling noise while starting up, which has been discovered as a faulty timing chain tensioner. In most cases, a replacement is needed.
Overall, J.D. Power gave it a reliability rating of 69 out of 100. It got extra points compared to the 2015 model year because of its stellar safety features that consistently scored high among different expert ratings.
Audi Q7 Best and Worst Years Per Generation
| Generation/Model Years | Best Years | Worst Years |
| 1st Generation (4L)(2005 to 2015) | 2007, 2010 | 2014, 2015 |
| 2nd Generation (4M)(2016 to 2025) | 2017, 2020, 2023 | 2022 |
Consumer/Expert Ratings for All Audi Q7 Years
| Audi Q7 Model Year | KBB Consumer Rating | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Car and Driver Rating | J.D. Power Consumer Rating |
| 2025 | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 | 9/10 | 71/100 |
| 2024 | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 | 8/10 | 71/100 |
| 2023 | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 | 8/10 | 78/100 |
| 2022 | 4.3/5 | 8.1/10 | 8/10 | 72/100 |
| 2021 | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 | 8/10 | 74/100 |
| 2020 | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 | 8/10 | N/A |
| 2019 | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 | 10/10 | 77/100 |
| 2018 | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 | 10/10 | 79/100 |
| 2017 | 4.3/5 | 3.7/5 | 10/10 | 79/100 |
| 2016 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2015 | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 | N/A | 74/100 |
| 2014 | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A | 76/100 |
| 2013 | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A | 76/100 |
| 2012 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | N/A | 76/100 |
| 2011 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | N/A | 73/100 |
| 2010 | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 | N/A | 83/100 |
| 2009 | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 | N/A | 78/100 |
| 2008 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | N/A | 77/100 |
| 2007 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | N/A | 75/100 |
| 2006 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What are the common problems of an Audi Q7?
Common Audi Q7 problems include occasional engine misfires, knock sensor issues, sunroof problems, and rear axle alignment. These problems are more common in first-generation Audi Q7 models.
Engine Misfires
It’s not rare for vehicles to misfire, but the 2007 to 2011 Audi Q7 model years seem to experience them more frequently than others.
Owners report that these models typically start misfiring during acceleration. The vehicle would start shuddering or jerking, which would end with most owners stopping and having to get their car towed.
The most common culprits seem to be ignition coil failures or faulty spark plugs. Addressing these in an Audi Q7 is mostly straightforward and usually costs around $150 to $400.
However, more severe causes, such as a blown head gasket, can cost upwards of $800, making it an expensive problem for Audi Q7 owners.
Knock Sensor Issues
Knock sensors are undeniably important in protecting the engine from damage. So several Audi Q7 owners were justifiably upset when a check engine light came on in their car, indicating problems with their knock sensor.
Reports of faulty knock sensors mostly came from owners of the 2007 to 2012 Audi Q7 models. Fortunately, most of them experienced this while their car was still under warranty so they were able to have it fixed easily and at no cost.
Some owners state that all it took to repair were minor adjustments and resets, while others claim that theirs had to be replaced. RepairPal states that the cost of the latter would fall somewhere between $511 and $663 if not covered by warranty.
Whichever type of repair is needed, it’s an issue that has to be taken seriously to ensure the safety of you and your car.
Sunroof Problems
One of the Audi Q7’s most luxurious features is its large, glass panoramic sunroof. Although it’s not standard, it comes as an option for many models, including the 2007 and 2008 years.
Its main purpose was to let more light in and help passengers better enjoy the scenery. However, plenty of early first-generation model owners have reported leak issues with their sunroofs.
It’s been discovered that the cause of this is usually a blockage in the sun roof’s drains.
Because of these leaks, Audi Q7s experience problems such as wet floor mats or damaged infotainment systems. With the risk of water and other electrical components mixing, owners are advised to go to their dealer promptly for repairs.
Although it’s somewhat affordable to get a leaky sunroof fixed (usually costing less than $100), it’s a common enough problem that most Audi dealers will fix it under an extended warranty.
Rear Axle Alignment
In 2022, Audi issued a recall for over 32,000 of their vehicles concerning an alignment problem with the rear axles. The Audi Q7’s 2021 model year was included in the list of recalls.
However, not all 2021 models were affected as it depended on the production cycle. All concerned owners were notified via email.
It was found that the uneven rear axles caused unequal wear on the rear tires, as well as a misaligned steering wheel. In more severe cases, drivers noticed safety risks such as the car pulling to one side while accelerating or braking.
To repair this, Audi dealers will inspect the rear axles of recalled vehicles and adjust their alignment. They’ll also replace any prematurely worn tires without any cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
