Model research hub
Audi Q7
MotorTrend says the 2026 Audi Q7 marks this generation's tenth year on the market, but a few timely mid-cycle updates have kept it relevant, and calls it the German automaker's largest SUV and the only Audi model capable of carrying seven passengers. Kelley Blue Book says the 2026 Q7 ranges in power from the 45 TFSI Premium with 261 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds, priced from $63,295, to the S line 55 TFSI Prestige with 335 horsepower, priced from $78,395, across 8 trims. V8 power can be had in the related Audi SQ7, which Car and Driver reviews separately.
A decade on the market
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Audi Q7 marks this generation's tenth year on the market, but a few timely mid-cycle updates have kept it relevant, and that the Q7 is the German automaker's largest SUV, and the only model capable of carrying seven passengers.
Power and pricing across trims
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Q7 ranges in power from the 45 TFSI Premium with 261 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds to the S line 55 TFSI Prestige with 335 horsepower, and that the lineup spans 8 different trims from a base MSRP of $63,295 for the 45 TFSI Premium to $78,395 for the S line 55 TFSI Prestige.
The V8 alternative
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says V-8 power can be had in the Audi SQ7, which it reviews separately from the Q7.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the 2026 Audi Q7 have?
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says it ranges from 261 hp on the 45 TFSI Premium to 335 hp on the S line 55 TFSI Prestige.
How many people can the Audi Q7 seat?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says seven, calling it the only Audi model capable of carrying seven passengers.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Audi Q7 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (45) or 3.0L turbo V6 (55), rated at 261 / 335 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2026 Audi Q7 is published to tow is 4,400 lb (45 TFSI) or 7,700 lb (55 TFSI).
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Q7.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Audi Q7
Q7 45 uses the 261-hp turbo four while Q7 55 uses the 335-hp turbo V6; all three trims can be paired with either engine, so equipment and powertrain vary independently.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Audi Q7 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Audi Q7 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Audi Q7 | 2025 record → | |
| 2024 Audi Q7 | 2024 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Audi Q7.
The Audi Q7 is a 2- and 3-row E-segment SUV made by the German manufacturer Audi, unveiled in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production of the Q7 began in November 2005 at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. The Q7 was the first SUV sold by Audi and went on sale in 2006.
- Safety
- Despite its multiple airbags and safety electronics, such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), the Q7 scored four stars out of five () in the Euro NCAP crash test for adult occupant protection. According to Audi, this was caused by a design error, and has since been fixed in cars manufactured after the test which should allegedly lead to five stars.
Source: Audi Q7 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Audi Q7 at a glance
- Production
- November 2005–present
- Class
- E-segment SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (quattro)
Audi Q7 generations
The Audi Q7 has been redesigned in 2015, gaps of 10 years, an average of 10.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation, Typ 4M) began in 2015.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | Typ 4L | 2005–2015 | The Q7 (internally designated Typ 4L) utilizes a modified version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. |
| Second generation | Typ 4M | 2015–present | The second generation Audi Q7 was unveiled in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Audi Q7 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (4 campaigns across the latest model years)
- December 2025, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply… Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- November 2025, Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt… Consequence: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- April 2024, Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7… Consequence: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Audi Q7, most often about unknown or other (5), electrical system (4), forward collision avoidance (4).
Year by year
The Audi Q7 across 11 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Audi Q7 | 20–22 | $3,650–$4,000 | 2 | 1 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Audi Q7 | 20–22 | $3,500–$3,900 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Audi Q7 | 21 | $3,700 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Audi Q7 | 20–21 | $3,700–$3,900 | 2 | 3 | 5 stars | |
| 2022 Audi Q7 | 20–22 | $3,500–$3,900 | 2 | 3 | ||
| 2021 Audi Q7 | 20–21 | $3,700–$3,900 | 2 | 9 | 71 | |
| 2020 Audi Q7 | 18–21 | $3,700–$4,300 | 2 | 5 | 26 | |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | 21 | $3,700 | 2 | 4 | 61 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | 21 | $3,700 | 2 | 3 | 141 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | 21–22 | $3,500–$3,700 | 2 | 7 | 318 | |
| 2015 Audi Q7 | 18–22 | $4,050–$4,300 | 2 | 2 | 44 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Audi Q7, one model year at a time.
| Step | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | Labels: Q7 quattro | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | Labels: Q7 | Labels: Q7 quattro | |
| 2023 to 2024 | 20.5 to 21.0 | Labels: Q7 quattro | Labels: Q7 |
| 2022 to 2023 | 21.0 to 20.5 | Labels: Q7 | Labels: Q7 quattro |
| 2021 to 2022 | 20.5 to 21.0 | Labels: Q7 quattro | Labels: Q7 |
| 2020 to 2021 | 19.5 to 20.5 | ||
| 2019 to 2020 | 21.0 to 19.5 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI |
| 2017 to 2018 | 21.5 to 21.0 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI |
| 2015 to 2017 | 20.0 to 21.5 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI, 3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI | Engines: 3L 6-cyl, 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Fuels: Diesel |
Buying used
What the Audi Q7 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2025 | 2 | seat belts (front); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2024 | 3 | air bags (side/window); air bags (sensor); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2023 | 3 | air bags (side/window); air bags (sensor); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2022 | 3 | back over prevention (sensing system); equipment (electrical) | None |
| 2021 | 9 | electrical system; air bags (air bag/restraint control module); suspension (rear); 6 more | None |
| 2020 | 5 | structure (body); air bags (air bag/restraint control module); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); 2 more | None |
| 2019 | 4 | suspension (front); air bags (side/window); steering; 1 more | None |
| 2018 | 3 | fuel system, gasoline (fuel injection system); steering; structure (body) | None |
| 2017 | 7 | air bags (frontal); seats (mid/rear assembly); electrical system (software); 4 more | None |
| 2015 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); equipment (other) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| exterior lighting | 156 | 23% | 2017 (133) |
| engine | 141 | 21% | 2017 (60) |
| electrical system | 135 | 20% | 2017 (53) |
| unknown or other | 81 | 12% | 2017 (30) |
| suspension | 58 | 8% | 2017 (32) |
| steering | 36 | 5% | 2017 (19) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Audi Q7 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 TFSI Premium | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 261 | 273 | 4,949 | 4,400 | 22 | $63,295 |
| 45 TFSI Premium Plus | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 261 | 273 | 4,949 | 4,400 | 22 | $67,095 |
| 55 TFSI Premium | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 369 | 5,049 | 7,700 | 20 | $68,895 |
| S line 55 TFSI Premium | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 369 | – | 7,700 | 20 | $69,395 |
| 55 TFSI Premium Plus | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 369 | 5,049 | 7,700 | 20 | $74,495 |
| S line 55 TFSI Premium Plus | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 369 | – | 7,700 | 20 | $74,695 |
| 55 TFSI Prestige | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 369 | 5,137 | – | 20 | $78,195 |
| S line 55 TFSI Prestige | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 369 | – | 7,700 | 20 | $78,395 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Audi Q7 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 261–335 | 4,949–5,137 | 4,400–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2025 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 261–335 | 4,949–5,137 | 4,400–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2024 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 261–335 | – | 4,400–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2023 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 248–335 | – | 4,400–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2022 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 248 | – | 4,400–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2021 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 248 | 4,795–5,071 | 4,400–7,700 | 19.8–22.5 |
| 2020 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 248–335 | 4,784–5,082 | 4,400–7,700 | 19.8–22.5 |
| 2019 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (Supercharged) | 248–329 | 4,729–4,927 | 4,400–7,700 | 22.5 |
| 2018 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / V6, Sprchrgd, 3.0L | 252–333 | 4,696–4,938 | 4,400 | 22.5 |
| 2017 | 5 | V6, Sprchrgd, 3.0L / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 252–333 | 4,696–4,938 | 4,400 | 22.5 |
| 2015 | 6 | V6, Sprchrgd, 3.0L / V6, Turbo Dsl, 3.0L | 240–333 | 5,192–5,412 | 6,600 | 26.4 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Model-year recall record
Audi Q7: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2026 Audi Q7 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.6).
- 2016 Audi Q7 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.6).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2021 Audi Q7 : 9 recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system and backup camera.
- 2017 Audi Q7 : 7 recalls on file, most commonly affecting steering and fuel system.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | backup camera |
| 2025 | 2 | 15 | seat belts, backup camera |
| 2024 | 3 | 1 | airbags, backup camera |
| 2023 | 3 | not available | airbags, backup camera |
| 2022 | 3 | not available | backup camera, equipment |
| 2021 | 9 | 71 | electrical system, backup camera, seat belts, tires |
| 2020 | 5 | 26 | structure, airbags, fuel system, forward collision system |
| 2019 | 4 | 61 | suspension, structure, steering, airbags |
| 2018 | 3 | 141 | fuel system, structure, steering |
| 2017 | 7 | 318 | steering, fuel system, seats, seat belts |
| 2016 | 1 | 2 | fuel system |
| 2015 | 2 | 44 | fuel system, equipment |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi Q7 model years 2022, 2023, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Audi Q7?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2026, 2016 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2021, 2017 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Audi Q7 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2021 Audi Q7 has 9 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system, backup camera, seat belts; The 2017 Audi Q7 has 7 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting steering, fuel system, seats. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Audi Q7 model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2026 Audi Q7 has 1 recall on file; The 2016 Audi Q7 has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.6. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Audi Q7 by model year?
2026: backup camera. 2025: seat belts, backup camera. 2024: airbags, backup camera. 2023: airbags, backup camera. 2022: backup camera, equipment. 2021: electrical system, backup camera, seat belts, tires.
Q05Why do some Audi Q7 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi Q7 model years 2022, 2023, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical.
2021 Audi Q7 owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering.
2017 Audi Q7 owners specifically: see Brakes, tires and steering and Engine and cooling and Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this Audi Q7 is most often compared with.
Nearest Audi models
Other Audi models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Q7 come in?
The 2026 Audi Q7 (midsize luxury SUV) comes in 3 trims: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige.
Q02What are the 2026 Q7 trims?
The 2026 Audi Q7 trims are Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige, listed from the entry Premium up to the top Prestige.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Q7 use?
The 2026 Audi Q7 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (45) or 3.0L turbo V6 (55), rated at 261 / 335 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 Q7 have?
The 2026 Audi Q7 is rated at 261 / 335 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder (45) or 3.0L turbo V6 (55)).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Q7?
The 2026 Audi Q7 is offered with Standard AWD.