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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 25 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 415 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $49,528–$58,318 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Audi Q7 at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Reliability at 6.6/10 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.9/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.9/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $49,528–$58,318, 17 MPG, seating 7, the Audi Q7 sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Audi Q7 is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 →
The 2018 Audi Q7 ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $49,528 starting price is about 37% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Audi Q7 scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.1 — and starts roughly $5,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.4/10 | $62,212 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $62,212 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.4/10 | $60,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $58,588 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $56,776 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $54,964 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $53,152 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $51,340 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $49,528 | |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $47,716 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $45,904 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $44,092 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Fuel injection system / Fuel rail 16/01/2019 · 19V035000 | 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. |
|---|---|
| Structure / Body / Roof and pillars 27/10/2020 · 20V658000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash. |
| Steering 16/03/2020 · 20V149000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2018 Audi Q7's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Audi Q7 starts at $49,528 and ranges up to $58,318 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.