Audi Q5 vs. Q7

• The Audi Q5 offers a compact luxury experience with efficient powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option, catering to those seeking agility and fuel economy in a smaller package.
• The Audi Q7, with its larger size, accommodates up to seven passengers, providing a more spacious interior and higher towing capacity, suited for families needing extra space and power.
• Choosing between the Q5 and Q7 depends on personal needs: the Q5 for efficiency and maneuverability or the Q7 for space and enhanced luxury features, both embodying Audi's commitment to quality and performance.

Besides size and exterior design, the Audi Q5 and Q7 share similar platforms. The table below demonstrates the key differences between these two luxury SUVs: 

Additional Audi SUVs include the Q3, Q4 e-tron, Q8, and the Q8 e-tron.  

Audi offers the Q5 and Q7 in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige: 

Audi also offers the Q5 and Q7 in S variants (the SQ5 and SQ7). These performance-oriented models are priced significantly higher. 

The Audi Q5 seating capacity numbers five and the model features a wheelbase of 111 inches. At 184.3 inches long, the Q5 is 84.2 inches wide and 65.5 inches tall. Second-row legroom measures 38 inches. 

The midsize Q7 is slightly longer, with a wheelbase of 117.9 inches and an overall length of nearly 200 inches to accommodate three rows. At 87.1 inches wide, it’s also 68.5 inches tall. Seven passengers fit inside, where rear legroom is 38.8 inches, just 0.8 inches more than the Q5’s rear seat legroom. 

The maximum cargo capacity on the 2024 Audi Q5 measures 54.1 cubic feet. The 2024 Q7 offers up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Q5 includes a front temperature-controlled cup holder (standard on Prestige models) that keeps beverages hot or cold, depending on the contents. Additional features include LED interior lights, leather seating that’s heated up-front, and an auto-dim rearview mirror. 

The Q7 also features luxurious elements, from standard features such as heated leather front and rear seats to sunshades for the rear doors and tailgate. Ventilated front seats come in handy during the summer and in warmer climates. Additional features available on the Q7 include ambient LED lighting, a wireless charger, and an auto-dim rearview mirror. 

Walking up to the Audi Q5 and Q7, you’re bound to see the family resemblance. Dynamic body lines flow from arched headlights back to the rounded hindquarters, while characteristic inserts capture light near the lower portion of the body. Audi’s four rings dominate a grille that fills the entirety of the front fascia, with a thin hood line accenting the extended wheel arches. 

The Audi Q5 and Q7 can tow up to 4,400 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine under the hood and when properly equipped. When properly equipped, the Q7 can tow up to 7,700 pounds with the 3.0-liter engine. Contact your local Audi dealership to learn about towing packages and similar offerings. 

The 2024 Audi Q5 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. You can also purchase the Q5 with a more powerful version of the same engine, with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque available. Audi also offers a plug-in hybrid that mates the 2.0-liter engine to an electric motor for 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

Whereas the Audi Q5 utilizes a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Q7 relies on an eight-speed transmission. The Q7 takes the more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter drivetrain from above (with similar specs) as its base engine, with an optional 3.0-liter six-cylinder available. This larger, more powerful engine features 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

Among 2024 Audi Q5 models, the base engine remains the most fuel-efficient. With 23 city and 29 highway miles-per-gallon (MPG), this model achieves 26 MPG combined. The S line and Sportback S line variants achieve 22 city and 28 highway MPG for 24 combined MPG. 

Alternatively, the Q7 achieves nearly identical ratings with the four- and six-cylinder engines it houses beneath its hood. The four-cylinder engine produces 19 city and 25 highway MPG, for 21 MPG combined. The six-cylinder engine posts similar numbers, only losing one MPG on the highway but resulting in the same combined MPG. 

Audi fits the Q5 and Q7 with a wealth of technological advancements, from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. Prestige models on both SUV platforms incorporate a heads-up display (HUD). The Q5 features an available panoramic sunroof, a top-view camera system, navigation, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Advanced features on the Q7 include wireless phone charging, adaptive air suspension, a heated steering wheel, and power soft-closing doors. 

When it comes to safety features, the Q5 and Q7 receive a generous list from Audi. Standard safety features include Traction Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Audi Active Lane Assist, Stop & Go Function, Audi Side Assist, Night Vision Assistant, and Audi Pre Sense. Additional safety features include Turn Assist, Collision Avoidance Assist, and Vehicle Exit Assist. 

The IIHS ranked the 2023 Audi Q5 a Top Safety Pick. The 2024 model earned “Good” ratings in all categories except two, where it scored “Marginal” in the “Moderate overlap front: updated test” and “Acceptable” in the “Side: updated test.” The base Q5 and Sportback models earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 

The 2023 Audi Q7 ranked as a Top Safety Pick+, while the 2024 model received “Good” ratings in all categories from the IIHS. The NHTSA also awarded it five out of five stars for the overall safety rating. Only one recall has been reported on the 2024 Audi Q7. 

When it comes to first-time mom cars, the all-wheel drive (AWD) Audi Q5 ranks high among mothers looking for more than just a durable SUV. This particular model offers singles and growing families a chance to experience creature comforts while driving to and from their regular engagements. Respectable cargo capacity, high fuel-efficiency ratings, and affordable prices make the Audi Q5 popular among many consumer segments. 

The Audi Q7 ranks among the best cars for tall people, especially those looking for more advanced technologies and classy interior appointments. This larger SUV offers more advanced features not found on the Q5 and more cargo space. Those looking for a more powerful family-hauler can also find it in the Q7 and SQ7 models.