Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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The supercharged V-6 is mostly a quiet hummer, but when you give it the boot, it sounds the business, emitting the same husky rumble of the S4 only a bit more muted.
'acceleration is brisk' in TDI
This engine (dubbed 3.0T, despite the fact that it has a supercharger, not a turbocharger) has an energetic nature that the burly V8 never had.
City streets are a breeze, and the freeway is relaxing to drive whether you're coasting with traffic or rushing to the airport.
The low-output V6 is just that – less – but it proved adequate enough to get us up to triple-digit speeds on the autobahn with minimal fuss.
PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The supercharged V-6 is mostly a quiet hummer, but when you give it the boot, it sounds the business, emitting the same husky rumble of the S4 only a bit more muted.
Car and Driver
'acceleration is brisk' in TDI
Automobile
This engine (dubbed 3.0T, despite the fact that it has a supercharger, not a turbocharger) has an energetic nature that the burly V8 never had.
Edmunds
City streets are a breeze, and the freeway is relaxing to drive whether you're coasting with traffic or rushing to the airport.
MSN Autos
The low-output V6 is just that – less – but it proved adequate enough to get us up to triple-digit speeds on the autobahn with minimal fuss.
Autoblog
Three powertrains all deliver good performance in the Audi Q7, but we have a favorite that's probably also on many green-car shoppers' must-drive lists.
Every Q7 is powered by a V-6, but gas versions get supercharging and two different output levels from the same 3.0 liters of displacement. The base version produces 280 horsepower, which Audi says will push that Q7 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, thanks to a new eight-speed automatic. A more powerful version with 333 horsepower effectively replaces the Q7's old V-8 option; it's good for a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it has the same gas-mileage ratings as the less powerful version. With either, the strong acceleration comes with an engine note that sounds just a bit graunchier than the old V-8 and its silky-smooth notes. We've driven the powertrain in other Audis, but not yet in the Q7--we'll report back when we've spent some time behind the wheel.
On a parallel track is Audi's 3.0-liter diesel V-6. It twists out 225 hp but a huge 406 pound-feet of torque, which helps keep acceleration within range of the gas versions. Audi says it's good for 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, while fuel economy gets a boost to 17/25 mpg. It doesn't have the quicker throttle response of the V-6s, but highway passing power is strong and there's very little noise to let on that it's a diesel. With its fuel economy, a driving range of 600 miles per tank of fuel is within easy reach.When ride and handling are factored in, the Q7's more nimble feel and standard all-wheel drive pitch it even more into the crossover camp. Its power steering has ideal effort and weight--a highly unusual trait in an SUV--and it even has more feedback than you'll find in some passenger cars. The Q7 is fitted with an independent suspension, which teams up with adjustable air shocks for capable and comfortable handling. In Comfort, the Q7 glides over freeway bumps; in Dynamic mode, it's a surprisingly eager carver, though much stiffer in resisting bumps and grinds that might be better left on mute.
Conclusion
Take the TDI--it delivers good performance and great fuel economy that matches up well with the Q7's easygoing handling.
