2019 Audi Q7 SUV

The 2015 Audi Q7 receives three new options packages (Offroad Style Plus, Sport Style Plus, Luxury) and a few minor trim changes, including the deletion of the optional rear seat entertainment system. Another year has come and gone, yet the aging 2015 Audi Q7 continues to stay the course. To be fair, there are still some things to like about the 2015 Audi Q7. The interior really is quite nice, with high-quality surfaces and excellent build quality. A big part of what earned the Audi Q7 an Edmunds "B" rating involves its comfortable and quiet interior. As far as engines go, the optional TDI diesel-powered V6 delivers an impressive 28 mpg on the highway, along with a healthy wallop of torque for passing or hill climbing. The Q7 is also surprisingly nimble for such a large vehicle, inspiring confidence where some other three-row luxury SUVs would feel bulky and out of sorts. But if you desire a vehicle that prioritizes interior space and versatility, Audi's big crossover comes up short. Ample exterior dimensions notwithstanding, the Q7 has a rather cramped third-row seat, and there's not nearly as much cargo space as you'd expect.

Also, the Q7's other engine besides the diesel is a gasoline-powered supercharged V6 (offered in two states of tune), and it's not a fuel-sipper, eking out a modest 22 mpg highway. That would be more forgivable if the acceleration were class-leading, but it's just average. Notable Q7 competitors include the 2015 Acura MDX, which represents a better value with its roomy cargo area, feature-rich interior and efficient gasoline V6. The 2015 Land Rover LR4 may be a gas hog, but it compensates with spacious seating for seven, plenty of cargo room and true off-road ability. The 2015 BMW X5 offers superior performance and handling, while the somewhat pricier 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class boasts a wide range of engines, generous three-row accommodations and the biggest cargo hold of the bunch. The 2015 Audi Q7 is a nice SUV, no doubt, but it's no longer a top choice in its class. The 2015 Audi Q7 is a full-size, seven-passenger luxury SUV offered in six trim levels: 3.0T Premium, TDI Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, TDI Premium Plus, 3.0T S line Prestige and TDI Prestige.

The 3.0T models come with the gasoline V6 engine (with extra output for the 3.0T S line Prestige), while the TDI models get the diesel V6. The TDI Premium gets the same standard equipment, with the addition of 19-inch wheels. The TDI Prestige goes without the sporty exterior flourishes (they're optional), but is otherwise similarly equipped. Some of the standard features on the upper trim levels are available on the lower trims as options. The Offroad Style Plus package (Premium Plus only) includes different 20-inch wheels, front and rear skid plates, rugged-looking fender flares and bumpers and "black optic" exterior trim. The Sport Style Plus package (Prestige only) is similar to the Offroad Style Plus package, but substitutes 21-inch wheels and different fender flares and bumpers. Additional options for Prestige models include an adaptive air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system and a Luxury package (synthetic suede headliner and extended leather trim).

Optional on all trims are rear side airbags, a Towing package and a Cold Weather package, which adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Powering the 2015 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium and 3.0T Premium Plus is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0T S line Prestige's version of this engine cranks out 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. In Edmunds performance testing, a 3.0T Premium went from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds -- an average time for this segment. EPA-estimated fuel economy for both versions of the 3.0T is an unimpressive 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway). The Audi Q7 TDI is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 that produces 240 hp and a robust 406 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy clocks in at a laudable 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway). During Edmunds performance testing, a 2015 Audi Q7 TDI went from zero to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, which is a bit slower than average for the class.