Should You Take the Audi Q7 Off Road?
The Audi Q7 performs well on casual terrain, but it won’t impress the dedicated trail-trekker.
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
With 273 lb-ft of torque, standard AWD, and 9.4 inches of ground clearance, the Audi Q7 can handle most off-roadingenvironments—but don't expect to climb any boulders.
Off-road vehicles are the perfect invitation to explore, whether you’re conquering sculpted terrain or swinging donuts in muddy meadows. But the wilderness can be risky, especially without the right tools. Your vehicle might say off-road, but is it really up for the trail?
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
, is here to answer that question. We’ve created a full guide to the Audi Q7’s wilder capabilities. We’ll cover essential stats about ground clearance, engine power, and angles. We'll also show off a few popular competitors.
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Can the Audi Q7 go off-road?
Yes, but it’s not breaking any records. The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV: sleek and stylish, efficient and fun, and exceptionally powerful. Strength isn’t everything, though.
A big selling point for off-roaders is Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which delivers additional torque in steep or slippery situations. So while the Audi Q7 may appear domestic, it also performs well in off-road and severe weather conditions.
Whether you're willing to take this $57,500 powerhouse on muddy, rugged, and unpredictable terrain—well, that’s a personal preference.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance, or the distance from your vehicle’s undercarriage to the bottom of its wheels, is essential for off-road driving. High clearance protects your vehicle from rough terrain and irregular surfaces. In short: You’re not taking a low-rider out to the Sierra.
You can, however, take the Audi Q7, thanks to its 9.4 inches of ground clearance. That’s right in the sweet spot for off-road driving, which ranges between 8.8 and 10.8 inches.
With the Audi Q7’s high ground clearance, you’re free to experiment with natural, bumpy terrain. The Audi Q7 is still a road-first vehicle, however. It’s lower than rough-and-tumble competitors like the
Jeep Wrangler
, which features 9.7 inches of groundclearance.Torque
Calling the Audi Q7 "powerful" may be the understatement of the century. This luxury SUV packs a 261-hp V4 engine or an optional turbocharged V6.
For the base model, 273 lb-ft of torque max out at 1600 RPM. This is a great figure for off-road novices. Vehicles with low-end torque—in other words, high torque at low RPM—offer solid control, giving you that extra boost on steep inclines.
The turbocharged V6 features 568 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 7000 lbs. That’s enough torque to make any seasoned off-roader blush.
Tires
The Audi Q7 has four P245/70R16 tires, no spares included. In reality, these are street tires—designed to last long and perform well on smooth roads.
If you’re looking for an off-road upgrade, consider
all-terrain
(A/T) tires. A/T tires won’t outlive your standard set, but they provide additional grip and security on natural landscapes.Drivetrain
All-wheel drive isessential for off-roading. Luckily, the Audi Q7 comes standard with an all-wheel drivetrain. AWD also offers extra stability and control when returning to the beaten path.
Angles
When hitting the trails, you must know your approach and departure angles. What in the
Molokai Forest
do I mean by that? Let me explain:- Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
- Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
Sadly, this is where the Audi Q7 loses a bit of its off-road gusto. It has a 23.6-degree approach angle and a 21.7-degree departure angle. That’s not ideal for moderate-to-severely rough surfaces, so you won’t find the Audi Q7 climbing any boulders.
Still, these angles are enough to protect your vehicle from small dips and inclines.
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Start earning nowOff-road rating: Rough and ready
Looking for a simple score, are we? Don’t fret. We’ve ranked the Audi Q7’s off-road potential using
Jerry’s
super-official DIRT rating system. See the table below:Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
The Audi Q7 is a fine off-road vehicle, easily earning our R rating thanks to its torque, traction, and drivetrain. The model's less-impressive approach and departure angles prevent the SUV from achieving a T rating, however.
Don’t let that put a wrench in your plans, though. The Audi Q7 is a superb vehicle for casual off-road settings. It’s also an efficient, fun-to-drive daily car.
The best off-road alternatives to the Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a standout choice among luxury SUVs, but it’s not without competition. Maybe you’re looking for a little extra power, more luxury features, or an electric model. Or perhaps you’ve realized the Audi Q7 isn’t quite your speed.
We get it—there are plenty of capable outdoor SUVs both on and off the road. Here are the top trailblazing alternatives to the Audi Q7.
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | $50,900 | For about $5,000 cheaper, you can get an equally powerful and (I dare say) stylish off-road SUV. What the XC90 lacks in traction control systems, it makes up for in a powerful 250-hp, four-cylinder engine. It’s not as speedy as the turbocharged Q7, but it’s still a fun ride. | |
Best eco-friendly alternative | $74,900 | For a pretty penny, this 335-hp hybrid can be yours. Its off-road capabilities are similar to the hybrid version of the Q7. With a full tank (and charge), you’ll have a huge range to explore parts unknown. | |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | $58,900 | With a 335-hp, 3.0-liter, straight 6 engine, the BMW X5 packs some serious punch. But I know what you’re thinking: “How does that make for better road performance?” The secret is BMW’s X-drive mode, which offers an advanced traction control system. |
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Luxury off-road vehicles are an expensive investment, and like any investment, you’re going to want insurance. Driving off-road comes with unique risks and obstacles. All of which your insurance company will consider when giving you a quote.
That’s where
Jerry
comes in. As a licensed insurance broker
and a comparison shopping genius, Jerry can compare rates from over 55 top insurers in just 45 seconds to find the quotes that fit your needs.And that’s not even the best part! The average jerry user saves $800+ a year on car insurance. That’s enough to mod out your trail-trekker with stylish and functional upgrades. (If that’s your thing.)
What are you waiting for? Join the over 2 million drivers saving on car insurance with Jerry!
“I thought my previous insurance rate was fair given the model of car I drive, but afterJerrygave me quotes, I realized I could pay only $84 a month for the same coverage through Plymouth Rock. I plan to shop for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Jill I.
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