DecodedCars2018 Audi Q7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 2.0 Tfsi Quattro, 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 252–333 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 198.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,696–4,938 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints144 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 37 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Audi Q7 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,696 lb (4dr SUV 2.0 Tfsi Quattro).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 12% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Lightest version 243 lb lighter
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Q7 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Bratislava, Slovakia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Q7 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 2.0 Tfsi Quattro | 198.8 in | 77.6 in | 68.5 in | 117.7 in | 66.1 / 66.5 in | 4,696 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 198.8 in | 77.6 in | 68.5 in | 117.7 in | 66.1 / 66.5 in | 4,938 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 415 |
| Q7 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 419 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q7 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.7% |
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q7 (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (3)
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Oct 27, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V658000 · 94,144 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.
Steering · Mar 16, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V149000 · 229 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · 74,881 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Not every 2018 Audi Q7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Audi Q7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 39 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Exterior Lighting — 21 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Suspension — 17 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Audi Q7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q7 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 17 |
| 2024 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
| 2022 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2021 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 9 | 75 |
| 2020 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 29 |
| 2019 Q7 | 21 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 63 |
| 2017 Q7 | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 322 |
| 2015 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 46 |
| 2014 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 42 |
| 2013 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →