Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi Q7 SUV - Reliability & safety

The Audi Q7 is loaded with cutting-edge safety technology

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.7 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Reliability & safety Rating

4.0 out of 5

When tested by Euro NCAP in late 2019, the Q7 performed strongly, scoring a five-star safety rating. The Q7’s reliability, though, is less straightforward, thanks to fiendishly complicated electrical systems, with an arsenal of cameras, sensors and powerful computer processors built into the car. Only time will tell whether they can remain glitch-free for the lifetime of the car, but there have been reports of teething problems with certain systems on recent Audi models that should have been ironed out by now.

Audi Q7 reliability

Audi didn’t perform too well in our Driver Power 2022 satisfaction survey, though. Although too few Q7 owners participated for it to be individually rated, the Audi brand finished 22nd out of 29 carmakers. Audi owners are generally pleased with the engines, gearboxes and interior design of their cars, although many question the value for money that they offer. Audi's overall score was further dragged down by low scores for practicality, although it's hard to imagine Q7 owners complaining of restricted boot space.

Safety

In late 2019, the Q7 underwent Euro NCAP crash testing and was awarded the maximum five stars. The car scored 92% and 88% for adult and child occupant protection respectively. It also scored well in the safety assist category, scoring 72% overall thanks to an array of standard safety tech.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That safety tech should take some of the stress out of driving while also keeping you and your passengers out of harm's way. Standard equipment includes rear parking sensors, cruise control, an adjustable speed limiter and an automatic braking function at low speeds.

Optional systems include autonomous parking assistance and active lane-keeping assistance. The Q7 offers six ISOFIX mounts on all models, which is brilliant news for people with young families. One impressive piece of optional technology is the four-wheel steering, which gives the Q7 a tighter turning circle than the Audi A4.

Euro NCAP awarded the Audi Q7 the maximum five-star crash-test score, as well as 94% and 88% respectively for adult and child occupant protection.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    45 TDI Quattro Sport 5dr Tiptronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £58,685

Most Economical

  • Name
    55 TFSI e Quattro Sport 5dr Tiptronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £68,280

Fastest

  • Name
    SQ7 TFSI Quattro 5dr Tiptronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £79,060

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024