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For 2023, Audi added more standard safety technology, driver assistance features, and convenience upgrades across much of the lineup. Many models gained adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, upgraded LED headlights, and expanded driver assistance packages. Audi also expanded its electric SUV lineup with the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, giving families more EV options in the brand’s SUV lineup.
- Every single rear seat has lower anchors and tether anchors: the Q7 includes three sets of lower anchors and three tether anchors in the second row, plus two sets of lower anchors and two tether anchors in the third row, which gives you so many setup options.
- The second-row seats slide independently: all three second-row seats are on their own tracks, so you can adjust each seat individually depending on your car seat setup or third-row passenger needs.
- The lower anchors are incredibly easy to access: Audi made the anchor covers completely removable, and the anchors themselves are fully exposed, which makes installations so much easier.
- There’s a ton of second-row legroom: even with my brother, who is 6’6”, sitting in front of a rear-facing seat, I still had plenty of room for my car seats behind him.
- Three-across setups actually feel realistic here: I tested a Nuna PIPA Lite RX and a Clek Foonf, and there was still a surprising amount of room left in the second row.
- The third row is usable, but definitely tight: I could fit back there with the second row moved up, but I would not want to regularly put adults in the third row.
- Third-row access takes a little effort: the second-row seat folds and slides forward, but it is not the smoothest setup I’ve used, especially one-handed while managing kids.
- The Q7 drives way smaller than it feels: it is not a huge SUV from the outside, but Audi did a really impressive job maximizing interior flexibility for families.
The Exterior
The Q7 Looks Sleek Without Feeling Overdone
From the side profile, I really like the shape of the Q7. It has a smooth, streamlined look without trying too hard, and the proportions feel balanced.
A few exterior details that stood out to me:
- Updated LED taillights: the lighting animation when you lock and unlock the car is such a fun detail
- Chrome trim throughout the exterior: around the windows, roof rails, and lower body gives it a more upscale look
- Quattro badging: subtle but sporty
- Clean side profile: it feels sleek without looking bulky
- Not overly tall: easier for kids to climb into than some larger full-size SUVs
The Front End Is Busy, But The Overall Shape Works
I will say, there is kind of a lot happening on the front end. The grille, chrome accents, headlights, and lower trim pieces all compete a little bit for attention. It is probably not my favorite angle of the car.
That said, I still really like the overall body style, especially after Audi refreshed it for 2020. The updated exterior gives the Q7 a much more current look compared to older models.
It Looks Smaller Than Most Three-Row SUVs
One thing that surprised me right away is that I would not immediately peg the Q7 as a standard third-row SUV just by looking at it. It feels more midsize in person, which I think a lot of families will appreciate if they do not want to drive something huge every day.
The tradeoff, of course, is that the third row itself ends up being tighter than some competitors.
First Row
Audi did a great job making the technology feel intuitive, and overall I actually found the cabin very easy to use while driving.
The seats are also incredibly comfortable. They have more of a sporty feel with good lumbar support, and I was pleasantly surprised by the visibility because I expected the sloped roofline to make the cabin feel tighter than it actually does.
The Dual Screens Are Surprisingly User Friendly
I normally have mixed feelings about dual-screen setups, but I actually really liked the one in the Q7. The top screen handles infotainment while the lower screen focuses mostly on climate controls and shortcut buttons, which makes everything easier to find while driving.
A few first-row tech features I really liked:
- Digital dashboard: feels very modern and easy to read
- Surround-view camera: includes a 3D camera angle that is super helpful in parking lots
- Built-in navigation drawing pad: you can literally write the address with your finger
- Welcome sound feature: the car plays a sound when you get in, which honestly just feels fun and luxury
- Bang & Olufsen sound system: one of the best sound systems available if music matters to you
Visibility Feels Better Than You’d Expect
Because of the shape of the Q7, I expected visibility to feel tighter from the driver’s seat, but it actually feels really open. The windshield is large, the side windows are generous, and overall it feels easy to see out of.
That makes a huge difference in a three-row SUV that still feels manageable to drive every day.
The Storage Situation Is A Little Mixed
There are a few things I really liked about the storage setup and a few things I definitely did not.
- Deep door cubbies: plenty of room for larger water bottles
- Wireless charging available: helpful for keeping cords under control
- Simple interior materials: easier to clean with kids
- Tiny center console: honestly shocked by how small it is for a family SUV
- Cupholders are tight: my normal water bottle barely fit
For a family vehicle, I definitely wish the Q7 gave you a little more center console storage space for all the random mom things that pile up throughout the day.
Second Row
The second row of the Audi Q7 is honestly one of the best car seat setups I’ve tested in a midsize luxury SUV. Audi did an incredible job maximizing flexibility here, and for families trying to fit multiple car seats, this setup gives you so many options.
Every Second-Row Seat Has Lower Anchors And Top Tether Anchors
One of the biggest things that impressed me is that every second-row seat gets both lower anchors and top tether anchors. That means all three seats across the second row can support a full car seat installation setup.
That is extremely rare, especially in a midsize luxury SUV.
Audi also made the lower anchors incredibly easy to access. The anchor covers completely pop off, and the anchors themselves are fully exposed, which makes installation much easier than digging around between seat cushions.
All Three Second-Row Seats Slide Independently
Another huge win for families is that each second-row seat sits on its own track. That means you can move each seat independently depending on your car seat setup or how much third-row legroom you need.
I tested:
- Nuna PIPA Lite RX
- Clek Foonf
And even with those installed, there was still a surprising amount of flexibility and space left in the second row.
Rear-Facing Car Seats Still Leave Plenty Of Legroom
I was honestly shocked by how much room there was in the second row. My brother, who is 6’6”, sat comfortably in front of a rear-facing seat, and I still had plenty of room behind him for the car seat installation.
For a vehicle that does not look huge from the outside, Audi really maximized the cabin space well.
Third-Row Access Works, But It Is Tight
The second-row seat folds and slides forward to access the third row, but it definitely takes a little effort. I would not call it the smoothest third-row access setup I’ve tested, especially trying to do it one-handed while managing kids.
The third row itself is also tight, so I think most families will primarily use it for kids rather than adults.
Third Row
The third row in the 2022 Audi Q7 is definitely tighter than some larger three-row SUVs, but Audi did a really impressive job maximizing flexibility for families within a smaller overall footprint. If you primarily need occasional third-row seating for kids, I actually think the setup works pretty well.
The Third Row Includes Lower Anchors And Top Tether Anchors
One thing I really appreciate is that Audi did not treat the third row as an afterthought for car seats. The Q7 includes two sets of lower anchors and two top tether anchors in the third row, which gives families a lot more flexibility than most midsize SUVs.
That means you can realistically spread car seats across all three rows if needed, which is a huge advantage for larger families.
The Third Row Works Best For Kids
I was able to sit back there myself, but it definitely felt tight, especially with the second row positioned normally. To make it manageable, I had to slide the second-row seats forward quite a bit.
The Q7 does not look huge from the outside, so honestly, the tight third row was not surprising to me. Audi clearly prioritized keeping the SUV easier to drive and park rather than making it oversized.
Third-Row Access Takes A Little Patience
The second-row seats fold and slide forward for third-row access, but I would not call the process particularly smooth or easy one-handed.
Once back there, you do get:
- Cupholders
- A dedicated two-seat third row
But there are no USB ports or ceiling vents in the third row on this model, which I do think families will notice on longer drives.
Trunk
The trunk space in the 2022 Audi Q7 feels pretty typical for a midsize luxury SUV with a standard third row. It is not huge behind the third row, but Audi did a nice job making the cargo area functional and easy to use for everyday family life.
The Third Row Takes Up Most Of The Cargo Space
With the third row upright, the Q7 has 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind it.
I forgot my stroller during filming, but just looking at the space, I do not think something like an Uppababy Vista would fit comfortably behind the third row. During the tour, I compared the space to about two large boxes of diapers, which honestly gives a pretty accurate sense of the size.
Compared to larger three-row SUVs like the Volkswagen Atlas or Chevrolet Traverse, the Q7 definitely gives up some cargo space in exchange for the smaller exterior footprint and easier drivability.
Folding The Third Row Makes The Q7 Much More Functional
Once the third row is folded down, the cargo space jumps to 35.7 cubic feet, which feels much more practical for strollers, sports gear, groceries, or travel days.
The third-row seats are power folding, which I appreciate, but you do have to hold the button the entire time while the seats move. Personally, I wish Audi had made the process fully automatic because when you are juggling kids, bags, and groceries, every extra second matters.
The Q7 Prioritizes Easy Driving Over Maximum Cargo Space
One thing I kept coming back to during this review is that the Q7 simply does not feel huge from the outside. That is part of what makes it easier to drive and park compared to larger three-row SUVs.
Safety
The 2023 Audi Q7 Earned Top Ratings In Multiple IIHS Crashworthiness Tests
The 2021 Audi Q7 received “Good” ratings in the following Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crashworthiness categories:
- Small overlap front: driver-side
- Small overlap front: passenger-side
- Moderate overlap front
- Side impact tests
- Roof strength
- Head restraints & seats
The Q7 also received a “G+” rating for LATCH ease of use.
Front Seat Belt Pretensioners Are Included In The Q7
The 2021 Audi Q7 includes automatic belt tensioner functions for both the:
- Driver seat belt
- Front passenger seat belt
These functions can be turned on or off through the vehicle settings.
Driver Assistance Features Became More Widely Available For 2021
For 2021, Audi expanded the availability of several driver assistance features across the Q7 lineup, including:
- Audi side assist
- Pre sense rear
- Pre sense front
- Top-view camera system with Virtual 360 view
- Adaptive cruise assist including active lane assist
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