2019 Audi Q7 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The 2019 Audi Q7 is a mid-sized, crossover SUV. It comes in a four-door configuration with a rear hatch. The Audi Q7 offers seating for up to seven people. Performance and handling in this crossover are way above average. It provides a sporty, athletic feel as you drive. This is a luxury crossover with a cozy, high-tech interior. Don't let the luxury moniker fool you though, this is a utility vehicle through and through. It can tow more than just about anything else in its class. The Audi Q7 can even venture off-road too.
What's New For 2019?
This crossover just got a complete makeover in 2017. The 2019 Audi Q7 thus remains largely the same as the 2018 model. There are a few new options here and there. The trim levels are basically the same, but there are minor changes to the features you get out of each package. Other than those trivial changes, it's the same vehicle as last year's model.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Audi Q7 – The Pros
1. Great Engine Performance
You get the choice of two power trains with the Audi Q7. The 45 TFSI is a 2.0 liter, turbocharged engine. It cranks out 248 hp. The bigger 55 TFSI is also a turbocharged engine but with a displacement of 3.0 liters. This upgraded model makes 329 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque at around 2,900-5,300 rpm. This engine provides amazing acceleration that can get you from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
2. Athletic Handling
All-wheel steering and all-wheel drive work together to make the 2019 Audi Q7 handle very well. It's one of the sportiest feeling crossovers in this class. Steering is tight and accurate. This crossover really hugs those curves. Combined with the excellent acceleration, this is a fun vehicle to drive. Braking power is strong yet smooth. The suspension system is fantastic and the car always feels stable during sharp turns.
3. Standard All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive is a standard feature of every Audi Q7 model. This makes the car excellent for rain or snow. It's an all-weather vehicle that can even tackle tough, off-road terrain. Not everyone will want to take this luxury crossover off the beaten path. If you should decide to, however, it's nice to know that the Audi is more than capable of handling it.
4. A Lot of Cargo Space
Let's face it, cargo space is why many will choose an SUV. The 2019 Audi Q7 provides plenty of space for whatever goods you need to haul around. It's versatile too, allowing you to configure the seats for even more space. With all seats in use, you get around 14.8 cubic-feet of space. That's more than enough for your average grocery run. When properly configured, you can get an impressive 71.6 cubic-feet of cargo space.
5. Three-Row Versatility
Not all crossovers of this size offer three rows of seats. Some have optional third-row seat packages. The Audi Q7 comes with three rows as a standard feature on all models. You can seat up to seven passengers in this vehicle. That makes it great for a large family or anyone with a lot of friends they like to cruise with. You can fold down the seats in a number of configurations for a lot of versatility too.
6. High-Tech Features
The 2019 Audi Q7 is packed with a lot of modern, high-tech features. You get a large touchscreen for the infotainment system. You also get a touch pad just above the shifter within easy reach of your right hand. You can make selections here, even writing in commands with your finger. There are voice-command options here too for hands-free use. A navigation system is built in to help you find your way. Audi has its own smartphone interface that is compatible with any smart device. Everything is integrated into one easy to use unit.
7. A Comfortable and Quiet Ride Quality
The ride quality in the Audi is fantastic. The engine operates smoothly and quietly. You'll seldom feel vibrations from the frame or bumps in the road. This is in large part due to the fantastic suspension system. Good sound proofing keeps the road noise at bay. The stability of the vehicle and good handling mean you'll never feel body roll as you take tight corners either.
8. A Beautiful, Cozy Interior
The 2019 Audi Q7 has one of the best interiors of any vehicle in its class. Audi is known for their interior quality, and it really shows in the Q7. The infotainment system and gauge cluster are beautifully designed. Everything is easy to see and reach when you need to. There are a lot of expensive-looking accents and flourishes throughout the cabin. The upholstery quality is second to none. The seats are extremely comfortable in the first two rows.
9. Outstanding Towing Capacity
The Audi Q7 has one of the best towing capacities in its class. The strong frame, powerful engine and massive amounts of torque help to make this possible. When properly outfitted, it can tow up to a whopping 7,700 lbs. An available towing package includes a trailer hitch receiver. This is also pre-wired for a brake controller. If you need to haul a boat or trailer around, the Audi Q7 has you covered.
10. Modern Safety Features
If you're selecting a vehicle to haul around a lot of passengers in, you'll want it to be a safe one. Fortunately, the 2019 Audi Q7 is loaded with available safety features. A full suite of driver-assist programs is available. Some of the features include a parking assist, traffic-jam assist, an active lane assist, and adaptive cruise control. Sensors in the front of the vehicle can detect vehicles or pedestrians even at a speed of 52 mph. If an imminent collision is detected, the driver will be warned and an emergency-braking system will be implemented. The Q7 also comes with a good amount of standard safety equipment such as six airbags.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Audi Q7 – The Cons
1. It Gets Pricey With the Best Options
The base price for an Audi Q7 is very reasonable when compared to the competition. Unfortunately, the cost can go up quickly once you start adding on some of the best options. There are a lot of great features, but they'll cost you. Selecting a higher trim level to start with helps out a little bit here, but you still may want some extra stuff.
2. The Third Row is a Bit Snug
The 2019 Audi Q7 offers plenty of seats for your passengers. It has a lot of room for the front and middle rows and still packs in a good amount of cargo space. Unfortunately, the third row can be a bit cramped. This will be especially true if you have larger adults sitting back there for extended periods of time. That row is best for petite adults or children.
3. The Exterior is Kind of Plain
Audi has taken a minimalist approach with the exterior design for the Q7. It has a classy appearance with elegant touches here and there, particularly in the grill and for the headlights. Mostly, though, it's just kind of plain. Even the color choices are very basic. You get eight choices, but they're all shades of black, white, gray or metallic colors like gold and silver. The most daring choice is a metallic blue. The car looks great, but it doesn't stand out in a crowd. Some drivers may actually prefer this though.
How the 2019 Audi Q7 Stacks up to the Competition
The 2019 Audi Q7 faces some stiff competition from the likes of the BMW X5, the Lincoln MKX and the Mercedes GLS-Class. Each of these vehicles is a luxury, crossover SUV of roughly the same size. All are high-quality vehicles with a lot to offer.
The BMW X5 comes equipped with a turbocharged, inline-6 engine. It cranks out 335 hp. That's just a tad more than the top engine for the Audi Q7. It makes around 329 hp. Acceleration is about the same on both vehicles. It may be just a bit faster in the BMW X5. The Audi still offers better overall performance with better steering and handling. It has a nicer interior too. The BMW offers an optional third-row package. The Audi comes standard with three rows of seats.
Lincoln's MKX offers similar horsepower and torque as the Audi Q7. It may cost a bit less too when you add in a lot of optional features. The Audi once again has a better interior. It's better built on the inside and offers a more comfortable ride. If you need your crossover to tow, the Audi's numbers blow the Lincoln out of the water. Both vehicles can seat the same amount of passengers. The Audi Q7 has much better fuel economy.
The Mercedes GLS-Class can seat up to seven people just like the Audi Q7. The Mercedes offers more cargo space. The Audi is smaller and way more maneuverable. Steering and handling are better in the Audi. The Audi comes in at a much better price point and still offers a more luxurious interior. The interior is just more comfortable in the Audi. Once again, the Audi wins the battle of the pumps with better fuel economy. The Q7 is the better overall value here.
In Conclusion
If you need a luxury, crossover SUV, the 2019 Audi Q7 is a real winner. You won't be disappointed with it on any level. The negatives are really minor when compared to all of the positives of the Audi Q7. It's comfortable to ride in one and downright fun to drive them. Its power, performance and handling are hard to beat for this class of vehicles. If you need a luxury vehicle that can also tow, this is your best bet. That makes it the perfect vehicle for long road trips in addition to being an excellent daily driver.
