If you’re looking for a luxury crossover that has all the high-end amenities and plenty of power and fuel economy, you’ve found it in the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI. Fans of the Q7 will immediately recognize the overall look and feel, but the TDI – that’s the diesel version for those that don’t know – delivers even more in terms of handling, performance and giving you more time away from the pump.
Key Features
The V6 direct-injected diesel engine is a key element in the performance of this SUV, but when you add in third row seating, all-wheel drive and an automatic eight-speed transmission, you have a crossover that simply makes sense. With a host of standard features and tons of performance-enhancing add-on packages available, there’s plenty to like in the latest Q7.
New for 2012
Not much has changed for the 2012 model year, with the exception of the standard automatic eight-speed transmission that seriously delivers a boost in performance and economy.
What We Like
We love the performance both on city streets and when off-roading. The adaptive six-mode air suspension ensures a smooth ride no matter what the terrain, and the 21-inch alloy wheels make for an aggressive yet luxurious stance. The well-appointed interior keeps up to seven passengers comfy throughout the ride as well.
What Concerns Us
The only major drawback with the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI is the same as with many other seven-passenger vehicles. While the first two rows offer exceptional comfort, the third row is a bit on the small side, making it better for kids than full size adults. There are also numerous switches and buttons that seem somewhat redundant when compared with the user inputs already in place.
Available Models
The 2012 Audi Q7 TDI is available with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 that offers 225 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy on this 5,291 pound behemoth is a whopping 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, which makes it a rather economical option if less time and money at the pump appeals to you.
Major Recalls
There have been no major recalls issued for the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI.
Common Issues
A number of complaints were submitted due to the repeated failure of the high pressure fuel pump. While these complaints led to an investigation, it was subsequently closed when it showed there was no proof that the vehicle would stall and cause a safety issue when the failure occurred.
