What Is Audi’s Best Midsize SUV?
Q7 or Q8: which is the best midsize Audi SUV?
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Alita Dark
Audi has two midsize SUVs in their lineup—the three-row Q7 and the two-row Q8. While the Q7 wins when it comes to passenger and cargo space, the Q8 will appeal to those who want to drive on the sportier side of the street.
You can’t throw a rock these days without hitting a half dozen small SUVs as it seems to be the automotive design du jour. But there are still some options for people who want a luxury SUV that’s big enough, but not too big. Enter the midsized Audi SUVs! You have a two-row and a three-row option, and both models deliver on signature Audi opulence. (Also, you shouldn’t actually throw rocks at small SUVs. It makes people cranky.)
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Does Audi have a midsize SUV?
What makes a midsize SUV?
When it comes to SUVs, size classifications are irritatingly mushy. What one source calls a midsize SUV another will call a compact and so on. While most automakers recognize four sizes of SUV (subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size), the EPA only has two SUV categories—small and standard. So the vague and unsatisfying answer is that a midsize SUV falls between a compact and a full-size one.
But if the Q7 is the biggest Audi out there, why isn’t it considered full-sized? Well, there are a lot of other non-Audi SUVs out there that are much bigger. And in fact, there are only a few inches of difference between the Q7 and the Q8. Annoyed yet? Yeah, we warned you. Let’s move on.
MORE: How to pick an Audi car seat
Q7 vs. Q8: which is the best midsize Audi SUV?
At a passing glance, it might be easy to mistake the Audi Q7 and Q8 for one another—and there are many similarities. Both have Audi-level luxury in spades, and both offer levels of opulence that you get only with a premium brand. But when you look closer, you’ll quickly realize that there are far more differences between the two than just a single digit.
Let’s take a look at each one and see what we see.
2023 Audi Q7
MSRP range: $58,200 to $75,195
MPG: 19/25/22 city/highway/combined
Seating for: 7 passengers
As the biggest member of the family and the only model to offer three rows of seating, this will be the Audi of choice for large families. It’s big but not too big and has passenger and cargo capacities that are comparable to most rivals.
Buyers will have the option of two zesty engines to choose from but will need to opt for the larger 335 horsepower V6 (and the Towing Package) if they want to unlock the full 7,700-pound towing capacity. The smaller 261 horsepower engine is no slouch, though, and still delivers plenty of get-up-and-go. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is Audi’s signature quattro® all-wheel drive. An optional air suspension is available for the ultimate smooth ride experience, and all-wheel steering means you’ll be the nimblest family vehicle in the school pickup line.
As a luxury brand with a hefty price tag, you would expect premium touches and all the bells and whistles, and Audi does not disappoint. The interior is lush and comfortable, with top-of-the-line materials used throughout. Three trim levels are available, and standard features are generous from the get-go with things getting increasingly opulent as you move up the trim levels.
The third row is pretty tight, but that’s more often the case than not with three-row SUVs. One abundant thing is the technology, both on the driver assistance side and in the infotainment arena. But as lavish as the features are, the cabin design is beautifully minimalist with a thoughtful, intuitive layout. Edmunds deemed the 2023 Q7 “one of the best luxury three-row SUVs you can buy,” and if you need a luxurious family hauler with a nice dash of sportiness, this might be the one for you!
Benefits:
- Features are generous at all trim levels
- Exceptional material and build quality
- Lots of standard and optional safety features
- Easy to handle and fun to drive
- Smooth, comfortable ride
Drawbacks:
- Cramped third row
- Divisive infotainment system—people seem to love it or hate it
- Not the best when it comes to cargo space
2023 Audi Q8
MSRP range: $71,800 to $83,895
MPG: 18/23/20 city/highway/combined
Seating for: 5 passengers
If the Q7 is the sensible sibling, then the Q8 is the one that’s a little sassier—and cooler. Although a digit higher in the naming sequence, the Q8 is smaller in size and can only accommodate five people in its two rows of seating.
But what you sacrifice in cargo and passenger space you make up for in sheer performance and driving power. The Q8 comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine that’s offered in the upgraded powertrain on the Q7, and quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on the Q8 as well.
The Q8 is fun to drive and delivers the same levels of quality and comfort that you find in the Q7. But the smaller, sportier body style comes at the expense of cargo and passenger space, which may or may not be a dealbreaker for you.
As a sidenote, Audi offers two other variations on the Q8 that most reviewers treat separately, but Audi places them all in the same grouping. These are the Audi SQ8 and the Audi RS Q8, which are both five-seaters and have essentially the same body style. But these two are capable of a blistering 500 and 591 horsepower, respectively—and come with six-figure price tags to match.
Benefits:
- Exceedingly comfortable
- Premium interior materials
- Standard features are ample and desirable
Drawbacks:
- Sacrifices space for style and sportiness
- Steep price tag
- Has the same contentious infotainment system as the Q7
- Far less practical than the Q7
2023 Audi Q7 vs. 2023 Audi Q8 comparison
2023 Audi Q7 | 2022 Audi Q8 | |
|---|---|---|
Starting MSRP | $58,200 | $71,800 |
Seating capacity | Seven | Five |
Fuel economy | 22 combined mpg | 20 combined mpg |
Base engine | 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder (261-hp, 273 lb-ft of torque) | 3.0-liter V6 (335-hp, 369 lb-ft of torque) |
Total cargo volume | 69.6 cubic feet | 60.6 cubic feet |
Maximum towing capacity (properly equipped) | 7,700 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
NHTSA safety rating | Not rated | Not rated |
Ratings | 72/100 (J.D. Power), 8/10 (Car and Driver) | 75/100 (J.D. Power), 7.5/10 (Car and Driver) |
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The bottom line
Unless you really feel the need to be the Cool Kid (and no judgment if you do), the Audi Q7 is the better choice. It offers more space for less money, and if you want a more powerful engine like the Q8, you can have it in the Q7. While not quite as sexy as the Q8, the Q7 is still ridiculously comfortable and just sporty enough to keep a smile on your face.
Best midsize SUV competitors
If the Q7 or Q8 isn’t quite scratching your itch for a luxury midsize SUV, the good news is there are several other stellar options as well. Here are a few to consider:
- 2022Porsche Cayenne($70,350 starting MSRP): This two-row SUV can tow as much as the Q7 and Q8 and is one of the most fun SUVs to drive out there.
- 2022BMW X5($61,595 starting MSRP): Also a two-row affair, the X5 offers BMW’s signature driving experience in SUV form.
- 2023Volvo XC 90($57,095 starting MSRP): There’s a third row here, but it’s for kids only. However, adults will enjoy the exemplary design and Volvo’s renowned safety record.
MORE: The best Audi cars in GTA
How to save on Audi insurance
Interior space and the MSRP aren’t the only things that are larger with a midsize SUV—your
car insurance
costs are likely to be a bit higher as well. And when it’s a luxury brand like Audi, that generally means more expense coverage as well. But when you shop with super app
Jerry
, you’ll get the coverage you need for your beautiful new Audi at a price that will fit your budget. Download the app and give it a try—the average Jerry shopper enjoys savings of more than $800 a year! “WOW.Jerryhas been so easy to use. I called a representative when I wanted some clarification, and they walked me through the entire process of finding a new rate for full coverage on my luxury vehicle.” —Beth G.
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