Larger SUVs are becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Audi has been perfecting the formula for a few generations in the luxury car sector, and the current Q5 and Q7 models are some of the best in their sector.
It makes sense to compare the two models as the most practical SUVs Audi currently makes. For many of you, the Q5 is the more familiar and popular car, but the latest Q7 is one of Audi’s hidden gems. So in 2023, is the Q5 the best option, or is it time to look at its larger cousin?
The Audi Q5 and Q7
We’ll compare the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 across several categories to find out where each car is best:
– Practicality
– Performance / Engines
– Driving experience
– Quality / Technology
– Value For Money
Across each category, I’ll talk you through the good and bad points for each model, and finally what my opinion is. At the end of the article, you’ll have all the info you need to decide which model is right for you.
Let’s start!
Practicality
How do these cars compare both in road presence and interior space? Below we have the important stats to compare how practical each car is:
| Audi Q5 | Audi Q7 | |
| Wheelbase (in) | 111 | 117.9 |
| Full Length (in) | 184.3 | 199.3 |
| Height (in) | 65.3 | 68.5 |
| Width (in) | 84.2 | 87.1 |
| Weight (lb) | 4,079 | 5,082 |
| Interior Headroom (in) | 39.3 | 39.9 |
| Front Legroom (in) | 40.9 | 41.7 |
| Rear Legroom (in) | 38 | 38.8 |
| Cargo Volume (cubic ft) | 25.8 | 35.7 |
These stats are based on the entry-level models, the Q5 40 and the Q7 45. In comparison, the higher-spec versions of each model have the same dimensions with more weight.
The interior space and storage is the first comparison we can make and a win for the Q7. The rear cargo space in the Q7 is nearly 40% larger than the Q5. On top of that, headroom and legroom are more generous in the Q7 for front and rear passengers, although both vehicles have plenty of interior space.
This is expected, though, because the Q7 is a significantly larger vehicle. At nearly 200 inches long and over 5,000lbs, it’s unmistakably a large SUV. For some owners, that extra space will be worthwhile, but the Q5 will be a better choice for many of you.
Performance / Engines:
So far, we’ve covered the practicality of both cars, and the Q5 and Q7 had some impressive stats. But how do they line up when we take a look at their engine choice and overall performance?
Audi Q5
The Q5 range is Audi’s most varied SUV. Starting at the entry-level 40 spec, you get a reasonable 201bhp, which will be enough for most owners. The standout is probably the 55 spec hybrid, with a healthy 362 bhp, although the increased weight drops performance slightly.
| Power (bhp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 (s) | MPG (Highway / Urban) | |
| Audi Q5 40 TFSI | 201 | 236 | 6.8 | 29 / 23 |
| Audi Q5 45 TFSI | 261 | 273 | 5.7 | 28 / 23 |
| Audi Q5 55 Hybrid | 362 | 369 | 5 | N/A |
| Audi SQ5 | 349 | 369 | 4.7 | 24 / 21 |
The big disappointment here is the performance version, the SQ5. Audi has missed an opportunity in a market where you can buy a BMW X5 with 600 bhp. I understand it’s not a full ‘RS’ spec version, but more owners than ever want a performance SUV, and I would love to see Audi deliver here.
The fuel economy across the range is strong here. Audi hasn’t released full details on the hybrid Q5 55, but the standard engines all have solid combined MPG. These are heavy cars, so it’s a credit to Audi that you can hope for around 25 mpg average on standard models, which is better than the equivalent Mercedes models.
Audi Q7
The Q7 range comes with three choices of engine, the 45, 55, and SQ7 versions. With the increased weight of the Q7, the entry-level engine puts out a modest 248 bhp and 273 lb-ft of torque, giving you the same 0-60 performance as the Q5 40. No hybrid option exists, but the Q7 55 spec gets a large power upgrade.
| Power (bhp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 (s) | MPG (Highway / Urban) | |
| Audi Q7 45 TFSI | 248 | 273 | 6.9 | 25 / 20 |
| Audi Q7 55 TFSI | 335 | 369 | 5.7 | 23 / 18 |
| Audi SQ7 | 500 | 568 | 4.3 | 21 / 15 |
Where Audi has room to improve on the SQ5, they have delivered with the SQ7. At 500 bhp and a 0-60 time of just 4.3 seconds, this is the performance I would hope for in an S model. Again, there is no full RS version, but nobody can complain that the SQ7 isn’t packing enough performance.
As you’d expect, fuel economy across the range isn’t the Q7’s strong point. Despite this, you can average over 20mpg in the standard models, and the SQ7 economy isn’t that bad. The Q7 isn’t designed to be a city car, so most miles will probably be on the highway, improving those fuel economy numbers slightly.
Driving experience:
Both the Q5 and Q7 are traditional SUVs, and the main focus for these cars has never been the driving experience. Everyday driving and comfort are the priorities here, so how do these cars line up?
Audi Q5
If you push the Q5, you’ll be surprised at how well it handles its weight and how sporty it feels. The base Q5 models feel tighter than most of its rivals, especially the BMW X3. It’s not going to match the likes of the Porsche Macan through the corners, but most drivers will get enough enjoyment out of the Q5.
Move up to the SQ5 version; as you’d expect, handling gets much better. You can choose different driving modes to affect the steering, gearbox, and suspension. Like the standard model, it’s not the best in its class, but the Q5 hasn’t been designed as a sport-focused model and does the best it can.
For everyday driving, the Q5 is excellent. The hybrid version is the quietest, but all models benefit from Audi’s smart design to reduce plenty of outside noise. Even on highways, it’s a peaceful and enjoyable place to be. City driving is also good for a large SUV, thanks to many driver assistance options.
Off-road, the Q5 is fairly limited. All models come with the exceptional Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but the standard tires aren’t suitable for anything other than dirt roads. Another concern for me would be ground clearance, so if you plan to take your Q5 off the tarmac, ensure the surface is flat enough and you have suitable tires.
Audi Q7
You might think that a 5,000 lb, 7-seat SUV isn’t going to bring much driving enjoyment. And most times you would be right, with some exceptions. The Q7 is one of those exceptions, and it’s far better to drive than it should be.
It won’t keep up with smaller SUVs in the corners, but the handling in the Q7 is almost the best in its class. This is a large vehicle, but it feels close to the Q5. For a manufacturer where performance isn’t the primary focus, the Q7 can hold its own against the likes of the BMW X7 and Porsche Cayenne.
For everyday driving, the car is incredibly comfortable. You get air suspension as standard on all models, with some adjustable options on the higher specs. Highway driving is effortless, and even in the city, the Q7 manages reasonably well with uneven surfaces and tight corners.
The off-road experience in the Q7 is similar to the Q5. The Quattro system is excellent, but the Q7 has limited options for serious off-roading. You can handle dirt and snow reasonably well in the Q7, but it’s no Range Rover.
Quality / Technology
In recent years, Audi has gained a reputation for some of the best interiors in the automotive industry. Thankfully, that trend continues with the current Q5 and Q7. Both cars are packed with technology, both standard, and part of optional packages.
Interior quality across the model range is excellent too. The design of recent Audi interiors has been divisive – I’m not a fan of their touchscreen-heavy layout – but you can’t argue with the quality of materials and the feel of the cabins.
The Q5 and Q7 are two of Audi’s highest-rated vehicles, so quality and technology are expected to be high, but which car wins here?
Audi Q5
Interior technology in the Q5 includes everything you need as a driver, although some features are only available as optional extras. The entry-level 40 spec includes a center touchscreen and physical dials in the cockpit. Upgrade to the Premium Plus or Prestige options will get you Audi’s digital cockpit, one of the best on the market. You’ll also get access to the Heads Up Display system, which is worth the price alone.
Other options include the usual mixture of driving and parking assistance and an upgraded sound system. The Q5 interior layout still features physical buttons for the temperature control, which I prefer, although it makes the Q5 feel slightly dated compared to other Audi’s.
Material quality in the Q5 is up there with its rivals, although the choice of materials is slightly limited. You only have four choices of seat & dashboard color, and all of the options are fairly underwhelming. Most owners will be happy with these choices, but it would have been good to see some more variety to match BMW and Mercedes here.
Audi Q7
The Q7 interior steps things up a level. As standard, you get Audi’s virtual cockpit and a dual center touchscreen to control all vehicle functions. The interior immediately feels more premium than the Q5, although the touchscreens can take some adjusting. There is also a wider range of optional extras, including a few of the best features Audi offers.
One aspect of the Q7 that disappointed me was the Heads Up Display. It’s a great system, but it’s only available on the highest spec 55 version, which feels like a poor decision from Audi on a luxury vehicle. Apart from that, standard options are plentiful here.
The choice of materials in the Q7 won’t leave you disappointed either. There are standard and premium selections, although at nearly $7,000 for some combinations, it’s on the expensive side if you want the best interior. Like the Q5, I would have preferred to see more variety in the combinations.
Value For Money
We’ve looked at the practicality, performance, and equipment in both the Audi Q5 and the Q7, but any comparison is incomplete without the costs. If you’re looking at owning either of these, what kind of value for money are you getting?
| Starting MSRP | With Full Options | |
| Audi Q5 40 TFSI | $43,300 | $59,445 |
| Audi Q5 45 TFSI | $45,800 | $63,245 |
| Audi Q5 55 Hybrid | $55,400 | $72,945 |
| Audi SQ5 | $55,800 | $76,795 |
| Audi Q7 45 TFSI | $57,500 | $72,145 |
| Audi Q7 55 TFSI | $62,500 | $91,495 |
| Audi SQ7 | $88,500 | $119,095 |
The main question here will probably be, ‘Is a Q7 worth the extra money?’ and it’s a difficult choice in my opinion. If we look at the entry-level models, the Q5 40 and the A7 45, the starting price difference is around $12,500 – that’s a lot of money, especially when the Q5 is already an expensive car.
In fact, you could almost buy a fully upgraded Q5 for the cost of a basic Q7. It’s not a completely fair comparison because, as we saw in the quality section, you get many more features as standard on the Q7. It is still an interesting question – a fully upgraded Q5 or standard Q7? If it was my money at that price range, I think the best option is the Q5 45 with some optional extras, which would take the price up to around $65,000.
Moving up to the higher specs, it’s a different situation. As expected, the hybrid Q5 is pricey, and as a petrolhead, I would always go with the SQ5 for that money, but both are good options. On the Q7 side, you can easily spec the Q7 55 up to $80,000 with a few options, and with that car’s performance stats, I think that is the choice I would make at that price range.
A final mention should be to the SQ7. At nearly $120,000 a fully specced SQ7 has almost everything you could want in a car, and it holds its own against all rivals. It might seem like an incredible amount to spend on an Audi, but I don’t think you’ll find a better luxury, family-focused SUV at that price point.
Summary
We’ve completed our comparison on the Audi Q5 and Q7, showing where each car holds the advantage:
- For practicality, the Q7 wins this with significantly more interior space
- Performance is disappointing in the Q5 range below the SQ5, so the Q7 takes this too
- The driving experience in both cars is excellent – my vote goes to the Q5 for a slightly sportier feel
- Interior quality and technology are very similar – I prefer the Q5 layout, but the quality in the Q7 is superior
Overall, this comparison comes down to what budget you have, and if the upgrades between the Q5 and Q7 are worth it. Out of the small number of Q5 owners I know, all of them are happy with the car and wouldn’t upgrade, but for some of you, the seven-seater Q7 will be the best option.
If you want to find out how other SUVs compare or more information on Audi, check out the links below:
