Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Audi Q7
The 2016 Audi Q7 is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.2/10, while Safety at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.9/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $45,904–$53,330, 15 MPG, seating 7, the Audi Q7 sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Its value score of 8.2/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Audi Q7 sits in the middle of the field. Until its safety scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2016 Audi Q7 ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $45,904 starting price is about 27% above the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Q7 Year Should You Buy?
Across the Q7 model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Audi Q7 (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
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.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2016 Audi Q7 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Audi Q7
Is the 2016 Audi Q7 reliable?
We rate the 2016 Audi Q7's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi Q7 have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Audi Q7 worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #2010 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Audi Q7 cost?
The 2016 Audi Q7 starts at $45,904 and ranges up to $53,330 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Q7 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 Q7 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.4/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2016 Audi Q7 have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Audi Q7 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Audi Q7
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More Audi Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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