2021 Audi Q7

From Edmunds:   The Q7 competes right in the heart of the luxury SUV segment. It's similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, but both are more expensive and lack the Q7's standard third row of seating and standard all-wheel drive. The Volvo XC90 is a compelling SUV too, though we don't think it drives quite as well as the Q7. Think you want a Q7? Check out the categories of our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation.   The Audi Q7 has been at the top of its segment since this generation debuted in 2017. The Q7 impresses with a lush interior, smooth performance and a comprehensive set of tech features. The only things keeping it from universal acclaim are the cumbersome infotainment interface and tight third-row seating. Rated for you by America's best test team. Performance 8.5/10 How does the Q7 drive? In our testing, the V6-powered Q7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, making the Q7 one of the quicker non-performance vehicles in its class. Acceleration from a stop or on the freeway is smooth, rapid and drama-free. That said, if the transmission is in Comfort mode, throttle response feels a little sluggish unless you really boot the accelerator. The Q7's turning circle feels a little too wide. That aside, the rest of its dynamic attributes are commendable. Braking is smooth, shifts are barely perceptible, and a lack of body roll gives you the confidence to attack corners at a decent clip. Comfort 8.0/10 How comfortable is the Q7? The Q7 is one of the most comfortable vehicles in its class. There's very little road or wind noise, and the available four-zone climate control system is adept at dispersing air throughout the first and second rows. There are no third-row vents, so those passengers will have to play nice with second-row occupants for proper air flow. Seat heating and ventilation functions aren't overly powerful, but they get the job done. The front seats are cushy and supportive for the long haul, but it's odd that they adjust only eight ways, even in the top-trim Prestige spec. Give us an extendable thigh cushion, at least! The Q7's standard suspension gives you a balanced and smooth ride. Oddly, the optional air suspension upgrade has a slightly busier ride than we'd like. Interior 8.0/10 Hows the interior? How tech-savvy are you? If the answer is ''not very,'' the Audi's two-touchscreen infotainment interface may confound you. Despite the many methods of user input, the dense system and menu structure can pose usability challenges, simply because they take a lot of your attention to operate effectively. Other parts of the Q7's interior are more appealing. The seating position gives you an expansive view out of the front as well as to the sides and rear. The first and second rows are roomy, though the third row is strictly kids-only. And while getting into the third row can be a little tricky due to the seat mechanism, the front and rear doors offer unimpeded access to those rows. Technology 8.5/10 Hows the tech? Aside from the dual touchscreen's potential usability issues, the Q7's interface is sharp, attractive and quick to respond to user inputs. The navigation system has a nifty handwriting function so you don't have to hunt for individual letters, and it even understood our chicken scratch with no problem. There were four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet and a charging pad in our test Q7. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard, though we witnessed a few bugs in the former. Voice controls aren't as good as Mercedes' MBUX system, but they aren't far off. The Q7's advanced driving safety aids work well, and most of them come standard. Storage 7.5/10 Hows the storage? Cargo capacity ranges from 14.2 cubic feet (behind the third row) to a max of 69.6 cubic feet with all rows folded. These are average figures for the class. The optional air suspension can raise or lower the rear end, which aids in cargo loading and unloading. T