What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Ford Explorer and Audi Q7 stand out as two of the most popular options.
- The Q7 offers a more luxurious interior, more standard and available safety features, and a more powerful engine.
- 3-liter engine has better fuel efficiency than the Audi Q7, returning an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to the Q7’s 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Ford Explorer and Audi Q7 stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a long list of features. But how do they compare in terms of performance, comfort, and overall value? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Ford Explorer and Audi Q7 to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency:
The Ford Explorer offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine that generates 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and come standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option.
The Audi Q7, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s also equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Audi Q7, meanwhile, gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort:
Both the Ford Explorer and Audi Q7 offer spacious interiors with seating for up to seven passengers. The Explorer has slightly more cargo space behind the third row of seats, with 18.2 cubic feet compared to the Q7’s 14.2 cubic feet. With the second and third rows folded down, the Explorer offers 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Q7 offers 71.6 cubic feet.
In terms of comfort, both vehicles offer a range of features to keep passengers comfortable on long journeys. These include heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Q7, however, offers a few more luxury features, such as massaging front seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Technology and Safety Features:
The Ford Explorer and Audi Q7 are both equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. Standard features on both vehicles include a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
The Explorer offers a few more standard safety features than the Q7, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. However, the Q7 offers a wider range of available safety features, including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system.
Price and Value:
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $36,675, while the Audi Q7 starts at $56,900. This significant price difference is reflected in the vehicles’ features and overall quality. The Q7 offers a more luxurious interior, more standard and available safety features, and a more powerful engine.
Which One Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision between the Ford Explorer and Audi Q7 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and affordable family SUV with good fuel efficiency, the Explorer is a great choice. If you’re willing to pay more for a more luxurious and feature-rich SUV, the Q7 is the better option.
The Verdict:
Both the Ford Explorer and Audi Q7 are excellent choices for families looking for a spacious and versatile SUV. The Explorer offers great value for money, while the Q7 provides a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and your individual needs and preferences.
What People Want to Know
1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency?
The Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine has better fuel efficiency than the Audi Q7, returning an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to the Q7’s 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
2. Which vehicle has more cargo space?
The Ford Explorer has more cargo space than the Audi Q7, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 87.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down compared to the Q7’s 14.2 cubic feet and 71.6 cubic feet, respectively.
3. Which vehicle has more standard safety features?
The Ford Explorer has more standard safety features than the Audi Q7, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.