Audi Q7, SQ7: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
Most significant changes: Additional standard safety technology; extra comfort and convenience features become standard; newly optional appearance bits
Price change: $0-$1,500 for Q7; $300-$1,500 for SQ7
Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022? Despite potentially hefty price increases, the added standard safety features seem worth the premium for a 2022 SQ7. The Q7 adds its new driver-assist tech to a mid-level trim, so choosing a 2021 or 2022 will depend more on which trim Q7 buyers want (though it still seems worth the increase).
On sale: Now
The three-row Q7 and sportier SQ7, Audi’s largest traditional SUVs, roll into the 2022 model year with a variety of safety updates, as well as changes to available appearance enhancements, though the overall looks and powertrain options of both SUVs carry over from 2021.
Related: 2022 Audi E-Tron S and E-Tron S Sportback: More Money, More Power, Less Range
Modest Upgrades
The 2022 Q7 remains powered by either a 248-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (45 TSFI) or a 335-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 (55 TSFI). Most newly standard features for the 2022 model year are relatively minor comfort and convenience items: heated, power-folding mirrors; ambient interior lighting; and a direct tire pressure monitoring system. For safety, additional rear-side airbags are now standard, while the mid-level Premium Plus trim for both the 45 TSFI and 55 TSFI add standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and lane-keeping assist with emergency assist. Four-cylinder 2022 Q7s can also be equipped with the Black Optic appearance package.
The more-powerful SQ7, with its 500-hp, turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, makes those same advanced safety and driver-assist features standard across all variants. Red-painted brake calipers are now a standalone option, but also available as part of the S Sport Package as in 2021.
Pricing Changes
All Q7 and SQ7 trims, except for one, see a pricing increase for 2022 ranging from $300 to $1,500. All prices below include a $1,095 destination fee.
- 2022 Q7 45 TSFI Premium: $56,895 ($850 increase)
- 2022 Q7 45 TSFI Premium Plus: $59,795 ($1,500 increase)
- 2022 Q7 55 TSFI Premium: $62,295 ($400 increase)
- 2022 Q7 55 TSFI Premium Plus: $65,895 ($1,000 increase)
- 2022 Q7 55 TSFI Prestige: $73,095 (No increase)
- 2022 SQ7 Premium Plus: $87,595 ($1,500 total increase)
- 2022 SQ7 Prestige: $92,595 ($300 total increase)
More From Cars.com:
- 2021 Audi RS Q8: 3 Ways It’s Worthy of the Badge
- 2021 Audi SQ5: 5 Things We Like and 3 Things We Don’t
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2021 Audi SQ8?
- 2021 Audi SQ5 Review: Not as Racy as It Looks, and That’s OK
- Which Cars Have Panoramic Moonroofs or Sunroofs?
Which Should You Buy?
The 2022 Q7 and SQ7 are available now, and add standard or available safety, convenience and driver assistance features that seem worth the somewhat hefty price increases. If you’re a buyer unconcerned about having adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, however, a 2021 might be the way to go. Availability and any discounts (or lack thereof) are likely to influence the choice, as well.
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
