Audi Q5 vs. Q7: which is better?
Our Audi Q5 vs. Q7 review highlights the best bits of both models so you can see which suits your needs
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Audi Q5 vs. Q7
The Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 are ideal answers to the world’s current obsession with luxury SUVs. The best part is that these ones are large, practical, and gorgeously styled.
If you’re on the market for an SUV and can’t decide between these spacious used Audi options, let us give you a rundown of the highlights in each model in our Audi Q5 vs. Q7 review.
Audi Q5 vs. Q7: styling
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Both the Q5 and Q7 are easy on the eye and take on the premium Audi styling and features like that menacing grille and lashings of chrome details.
The Q7 was updated in 2020 with a flashy facelift that included an even wider grille, reshaped headlights, and redesigned taillights.
The Q5 is one of the brand’s best-selling options and looks definitely have something to do with that. It’s more compact than the three-row, seven-seater Q7, but still has a menacing road presence and a chunky feel.
Some reviews say that the Q5 and Q7 models are more laidback and don’t feature the exciting designs of their rivals, such as the Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Cayenne, and BMW X3. These Audis, however, prioritise a timeless, classic style that will feel luxurious for years to come.
Audi Q5 vs. Q7: what are they like to drive?
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Both the Q5 and Q7 are easy and comfortable to drive, despite being on the larger side. They don’t let the extra bulk hold them back and feel well-adjusted to their stature.
The smaller Q5 performs well around town and on the motorway, with the Q5 really excelling on the latter. The visibility afforded by the ride height is perfect for navigating busy urban areas, but the solid petrol, diesel and hybrid engine options make light work of longer road trips.
The Q7 is available with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines too. You might find the diesel options better for shifting this SUV, as they easily handle both short and long trips.
If you want size and speed, opt for the SQ7 TFSI Quattro model, and get 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds – seriously impressive.
Audi Q5 vs. Q7: interior and technology
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The standard editions of the Q5 and Q7 are both very similar – you get Audi’s Digital Cockpit, three-zone automatic climate control heated seats, and large infotainment screens.
In the Q7, further standard features in the Sport model include keyless entry, buckets of power sockets, and LED ambient lighting.
The latest Q5 model gets a new, larger infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an impressive sat-nav setup.
The overall styling of each interior is very ‘Audi’. If you’re experienced with the brand, then you’ll know to expect high-quality materials, elegance, and a sporty edge.
You can add even more features to each model by choosing higher trim levels and additional packages. Choosing a used Audi Q5 or Q7 model is a great way to get a higher spec and extra features for a lower price than when buying brand-new.
Audi Q5 vs. Q7: bootspace and practicality
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An Audi SUV is a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s practical but still premium, especially if you have the need for a good-sized boot and a few extra seats.
The Audi Q7 has seven seats to offer, with a set of two at the back that can be folded down. Doing this extends the 295-litre boot to 865 litres.
If you choose a plug-in hybrid Q7 model, you’ll drop to a still-generous 650-litre boot to make room for the extra battery tech.
The Q5 also has an extendable boot. It starts as a spacious 550-litre space, but you can push the rear seats forward and get 610 litres instead.
Both models also offer ample head and legroom, with plenty of storage spots, nets and door bins throughout.
Read our in-depth car reviews:
Audi Q5 vs. Q7: safety and reliability
Both the Audi Q5 and the Audi Q7 were awarded five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings on their most recent tests, meaning these are vehicles that will keep you secure on the roads.
The Q7 was awarded a 92% rating for adult occupants and 86% for children, while the Q5 received a similar 93% adult rating and 86% for child occupants.
In the Q5, safety features include the forward collision warning system with blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning.
The Q7 has similar tech, like rear cross-traffic alert and options for a surround-view camera system.
Both models also get ISOFIX points for the safe fitting of child seats into the car.
When it comes to reliability, they’ve both scored well on consumer surveys and get positive reviews.
It's worth noting that premium models like Audis can be more expensive to insure as the parts can be pricier to purchase. This does mean that you're getting high-quality repairs that should last longer.
Dimensions:
Audi Q5
Length: 4689mm
Width: 1893mm
Height: 1660mm
Boot space: 510 to 610-litres
Audi Q7
Length: 5063mm
Width: 1968mm
Height: 1741mm
Boot space: 292 to 865-litres
Verdict: Audi Q5 vs. Audi Q7: which should you buy?
While both the Q5 and Q7 are practical SUVs with a lot to offer, you might find one more suitable depending on your needs.
For a more compact option that’s still spacious enough for busy families but isn’t quite as hefty as the seven-seater Q7, the Q5 might be the one for you.
It feels comfortable to drive and there’s a variety of engines, so there will likely be something that suits your needs.
Other options for a smaller SUV include the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Jaguar F-Pace.
The Q7 might be better if you can make use of those extra backseats or like the idea of essentially converting into a small van.
You’ll unlikely find a better ‘best of both worlds’ than a premium Audi that can drop its seats and lug large loads.
You might also be tempted by the Volvo XC90 or the alternative Audi – the Q8.