Looking to choose between the Audi Q5 and Q7? Our detailed comparison covers design, features, performance, safety, pricing, and off-road capabilities to help you make the right decision.
Design and Features
Exterior Dimensions and Styling
When it comes to exterior design, the Audi Q5 and Q7 have distinct personalities. The Q5 is a compact SUV with a sporty vibe, while the Q7 is a full-size SUV with a more luxurious bent. The Q5 measures 183.5 inches in length, 65.3 inches in height, and 74.4 inches in width, making it a great fit for urban dwellers who need a vehicle that can navigate tight city streets. In contrast, the Q7 stretches out to 199.6 inches in length, 68.5 inches in height, and 77.2 inches in width, giving it a more imposing presence on the road.
Both vehicles feature Audi’s signature Singleframe grille, but the Q7’s is more pronounced and angular, while the Q5’s is more curved and streamlined. The Q5’s exterior is also more aggressively styled, with a swooping roofline and flared fenders that give it a more athletic appearance. The Q7, on the other hand, has a more conservative design language, with a focus on elegance and sophistication.
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space, the Q7 has a clear advantage. With a longer wheelbase and more overall length, the Q7 offers more room for passengers and cargo. The Q7 can seat up to seven passengers, depending on the configuration, while the Q5 maxes out at five. The Q7 also offers more cargo space, with 14.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 35.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 69.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Q5, on the other hand, has 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Despite the Q7’s size advantage, the Q5 is no slouch when it comes to interior comfort. Both vehicles feature premium materials, including available leather upholstery and wood trim. The Q5’s interior is also more modern and tech-savvy, with a more minimalist design language and a focus on digital displays and interfaces.
Infotainment and Technology Features
When it comes to infotainment and technology features, both the Q5 and Q7 are well-equipped. The Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen display as standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The Q7 offers a similar feature set, but with a more comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
One area where the Q7 pulls ahead is in its available second-row entertainment system, which features two 10.1-inch screens and a DVD player. The Q5 does offer an available rear-seat entertainment system, but it’s not as comprehensive as the Q7’s offering. Both vehicles feature 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability and Audi’s MMI infotainment system, which is highly praised for its user-friendly interface and intuitive operation.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to getting from point A to point B, the Audi Q5 and Q7 are built to deliver. But how do they stack up against each other in terms of engine options, transmission, and suspension systems? Let’s dive in and find out.
Engine Options and Power Output
Both the Q5 and Q7 offer a range of engine options to cater to different driving styles and preferences. The Q5 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the Q7 boasts a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that churns out 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. But what do these numbers really mean? Simply put, the Q7’s more potent engine means it can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.7 seconds, compared to the Q5’s 6.3 seconds.
Transmission and Drive Modes
When it comes to transmission, both vehicles feature an 8-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic, which provides smooth and seamless shifting. However, the Q7 takes it up a notch with its available adaptive cruise assist, which allows for semi-autonomous driving in heavy traffic. Additionally, both models offer various drive modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Offroad, which can be switched on the fly to adapt to changing road conditions. But what’s the real-world benefit of these drive modes? In essence, they allow you to tailor your driving experience to your mood, the road ahead, or the passengers on board.
Suspension and Steering Systems
A comfortable ride is crucial for any SUV, and both the Q5 and Q7 deliver. The Q5 features a five-link suspension setup with adaptive damping, which provides a smooth ride and agile handling. The Q7, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced adaptive air suspension, which can be raised or lowered depending on the driving mode. But what about steering? The Q5’s electromechanical power steering provides a more direct and responsive feel, while the Q7’s optional adaptive steering system allows for more precise and effortless maneuverability. So, which one is better? Well, that depends on your personal driving style – do you prefer a more aggressive, sporty feel or a more comfortable, laid-back ride?
Safety and Reliability
When it comes to safety and reliability, both the Audi Q5 and Q7 have a lot to offer. But how do they compare? Let’s take a closer look.
Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features
Both the Q5 and Q7 have received top-notch safety ratings from reputable organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Q5, for example, has a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Q7 has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.
But safety ratings are just the beginning. Both vehicles are also equipped with a wide range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Q7, however, takes it a step further with its adaptive cruise control, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume driving in heavy traffic.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
When it comes to maintenance and repair costs, the Q5 and Q7 are relatively similar. Both vehicles have similar maintenance schedules, with recommended servicing every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, the Q7’s larger engine and more complex systems may require slightly more frequent maintenance.
According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for the Q5 is around $500, while the Q7 comes in at around $700. However, it’s worth noting that these figures are based on averages and may vary depending on a range of factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and location.
Reliability and Warranty Comparison
So, which vehicle is more reliable? According to reliability ratings from J.D. Power, the Q5 has a slight edge over the Q7, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 compared to the Q7’s 4.2. However, both vehicles are well above the industry average, making them both reliable choices.
In terms of warranty, both vehicles come with Audi’s standard 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty, as well as a 12-year corrosion perforation warranty. However, the Q7’s more complex systems may require more frequent warranty claims.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to making a purchase, the price tag is often the deciding factor. So, how do the Audi Q5 and Q7 stack up in terms of pricing and value? Let’s dive in and explore the details.
Base Model Prices and Trim Levels
The Audi Q5 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The base model Premium trim starts at around $43,000, while the mid-level Premium Plus trim begins at around $50,000. The top-of-the-line Prestige trim will set you back around $56,000. The Q7, on the other hand, is available in four trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige, and a high-performance SQ7 trim. The base model Premium trim starts at around $50,000, while the top-of-the-line SQ7 trim can cost upwards of $80,000.
Feature Upgrades and Options
Both the Q5 and Q7 offer a range of feature upgrades and options to enhance your driving experience. For example, you can upgrade to a more advanced infotainment system, add a premium sound system, or opt for advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control. You can also choose from a range of interior and exterior design elements, such as premium leather upholstery, wood trim, or sporty wheel designs. These upgrades can add thousands of dollars to the base price, but they can also significantly enhance the overall luxury feel of the vehicle.
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
So, how do the Q5 and Q7 compare in terms of total cost of ownership? According to Kelley Blue Book, the five-year cost of ownership for the Q5 is around $63,000, while the Q7’s five-year cost of ownership is around $73,000. These estimates take into account factors like fuel costs, maintenance and repairs, insurance premiums, and depreciation. While the Q7 may have a higher sticker price, the Q5’s lower operating costs make it a more affordable option in the long run. Ultimately, the choice between the Q5 and Q7 will depend on your individual needs and priorities. Do you want a more compact, fuel-efficient SUV with a lower price tag, or are you willing to splurge on a larger, more luxurious ride with all the bells and whistles?
Off-Road and Towing Capabilities
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone who needs to haul a trailer, you’re probably wondering how the Audi Q5 and Q7 stack up when it comes to off-road and towing capabilities. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty to find out which SUV is better suited for your adventures.
Ground Clearance and Approach Angles
When it comes to off-road exploration, ground clearance is crucial. You want to make sure your vehicle can handle rough terrain without scraping its belly on rocks or logs. The Audi Q7 has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, which is respectable for a luxury SUV. However, the Q5 is not far behind, with a ground clearance of 8.2 inches. While the Q7 has a slightly higher ground clearance, the Q5’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
The approach angle is also important, as it determines how steep an incline your vehicle can tackle. The Q7 has an approach angle of 25.5 degrees, while the Q5 has an approach angle of 23.6 degrees. While neither SUV is designed for extreme rock crawling, the Q7’s slightly higher approach angle gives it an edge when it comes to tackling steep inclines.
Towing Capacity and Trailer Assist
If you need to tow a trailer, you’ll want to know how much weight each SUV can handle. The Audi Q7 has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, making it suitable for towing small to medium-sized trailers. The Q5, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of 4,400 pounds, which is more geared towards towing small trailers or jet skis.
Both SUVs feature Audi’s Trailer Assist system, which makes towing a breeze. This system uses cameras and sensors to help you guide the trailer into place, making the process much less stressful.
All-Wheel Drive Systems and Modes
Both the Q5 and Q7 feature Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which sends power to all four wheels for maximum traction and stability. However, the Q7 takes it a step further with its Adaptive Chassis Package, which features a self-leveling suspension system and adaptive dampers. This system allows the Q7 to adjust its suspension in real-time, giving it even more grip and control on uneven terrain.
The Q5’s Quattro system is more geared towards on-road driving, but it still provides excellent traction and control on light off-road excursions. Both SUVs feature multiple drive modes, including an Off-Road Mode that optimizes the vehicle’s systems for dirt, sand, or snow.
Interior and Cargo Space
When it comes to interior and cargo space, both the Audi Q5 and Q7 have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Q5 is designed to be a compact luxury SUV, while the Q7 is a mid-size SUV with a more spacious interior. So, what can you expect from these two vehicles in terms of seating capacity, cargo volume, and storage options?
Seating Capacity and Configuration
The Audi Q5 is designed to seat five passengers comfortably, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the front and rear seats. The front seats are adjustable, with optional heating and ventilation for added comfort. The rear seats are also adjustable, with a 40/20/40 split-fold configuration that allows you to customize the space to your needs. Meanwhile, the Q7 offers seating for up to seven passengers, with an available third-row seat that can accommodate smaller children or adults on shorter trips. The Q7’s second-row seats are also adjustable, with a 40/20/40 split-fold configuration, while the third-row seats fold flat into the floor to provide more cargo space.
Cargo Volume and Storage Options
In terms of cargo volume, the Audi Q5 offers 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which expands to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Q7, on the other hand, provides a more spacious cargo area, with 14.2 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 35.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet with both the second- and third-row seats folded. Both vehicles offer a variety of storage options, including cupholders, door pockets, and center console storage. However, the Q7’s larger size and more configurable seating arrangement make it a better choice for families or individuals who need to haul large items or multiple passengers.
Foldable Seats and Maximum Capacity
One of the key advantages of the Audi Q5 and Q7 is their ability to adapt to different situations. Both vehicles offer foldable seats that can be easily configured to provide more cargo space or accommodate larger items. The Q5’s rear seats fold flat into the floor, providing a maximum cargo capacity of 53.1 cubic feet. The Q7’s second- and third-row seats also fold flat, providing a maximum cargo capacity of 69.6 cubic feet. Whether you need to haul luggage, sports equipment, or home goods, both vehicles are up to the task. However, if you need to transport large or bulky items on a regular basis, the Q7’s larger size and more configurable seating arrangement make it a better choice.