The 2018 Audi Q7 stands out as a luxury SUV that prioritizes safety, earning top scores in rigorous crash tests. This comprehensive review breaks down the safety performance of the 2018 Q7, drawing from detailed reports to provide you with a clear understanding of its crashworthiness and safety features. Whether you’re a potential buyer or simply interested in vehicle safety, this analysis will offer valuable insights into how the 2018 Audi Q7 protects its occupants in various collision scenarios.
In-Depth Look at 2018 Audi Q7 Crash Test Performance
The safety evaluations for the Audi Q7 encompass a range of crash simulations, each designed to assess different aspects of vehicle safety. These tests provide a comprehensive overview of how the Q7 performs in real-world accident scenarios.
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side Assessment
The driver-side small overlap front test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. This is a particularly challenging test, as it concentrates crash forces on a limited area.
2018 Audi Q7 Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Rating: Good
The 2018 Audi Q7 achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. Key findings include:
- Structure and Safety Cage: Rated “Good,” indicating the structural integrity of the Q7 held up well in this demanding test.
- Driver Injury Measures: Across all critical areas—head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh—the injury measures were rated “Good,” signifying a low risk of significant injuries.
- Lower Leg/Foot: Rated “Acceptable,” suggesting a moderate risk of injury to the driver’s lower leg and foot area.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Rated “Good,” confirming that the restraint systems effectively controlled the dummy’s movement during the crash, minimizing potential injuries.
The technical measurements from this test further illustrate the Q7’s robust performance. Occupant compartment intrusion was minimal, with maximum intrusion at the lower hinge pillar reaching only 4 cm. Driver injury measures were also favorable, with a low HIC-15 (Head Injury Criterion) score of 225 and no head contact with hard surfaces.
Small Overlap Front: Passenger-Side Assessment
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but evaluates protection for the front passenger.
2018 Audi Q7 Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Rating: Good
The 2018 Audi Q7 also earned a “Good” rating for passenger-side small overlap performance. This indicates consistent safety for both the driver and front passenger in this type of frontal collision. All evaluation criteria, including structure, safety cage, passenger injury measures, and passenger restraints, were rated “Good”. Driver injury measures, recorded from the passenger-side test, were also all rated “Good”, demonstrating overall balanced front occupant protection.
Technical data reveals minimal occupant compartment intrusion on the passenger side, with the maximum lower hinge pillar intrusion at just 3 cm. Passenger injury measures were low, with a HIC-15 of 141 and no head contact. Driver injury measures recorded in this passenger-side test were also minimal.
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test Evaluation
The moderate overlap front test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacting a barrier.
2018 Audi Q7 Moderate Overlap Front Rating: Good
In the moderate overlap front test, the 2018 Audi Q7 again achieved a “Good” overall rating. Both driver injury measures and driver restraints were rated “Good”, along with the structure and safety cage. Specifically, leg and foot protection for both the left and right sides were rated “Good”.
Measurements showed minimal footwell intrusion and rearward movement of the instrument panel and steering column. Driver injury metrics were low, with a HIC-15 of 174 and minimal chest compression.
Side Impact: Original and Updated Test Performance
Side impact crashes are a significant concern, and the 2018 Audi Q7 underwent both original and updated side impact tests.
2018 Audi Q7 Side Impact Ratings: Good (Original and Updated Tests)
The 2018 Audi Q7 excelled in both the original and updated side impact tests, earning “Good” ratings in both.
- Original Side Test: All aspects, including structure, safety cage, driver injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg), driver head protection, rear passenger injury measures, and rear passenger head protection, were rated “Good”.
- Updated Side Test: The 2018-2025 Audi Q7 (tested with a 2023 model for the updated test) continued to achieve a “Good” overall rating in the updated, more stringent side impact test. While driver pelvis protection was rated “Acceptable” in the updated test, all other driver and rear passenger injury measures and protection aspects remained “Good”.
Technical measurements from both side tests indicate minimal B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment. Driver and passenger injury measures were consistently low across both tests.
Roof Strength Evaluation
Roof strength is crucial in rollover accidents.
2018 Audi Q7 Roof Strength Rating: Good
The 2018 Audi Q7 demonstrated robust roof strength, earning a “Good” rating. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.00, the Q7’s roof can withstand forces five times its own weight, providing significant protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints and Seats Assessment
Effective head restraints and seats are essential in preventing whiplash and other injuries in rear-end collisions.
2018 Audi Q7 Head Restraints & Seats Rating: Good
The 2018 Audi Q7’s power leather seats and head restraints received a “Good” rating for dynamic performance and geometry. Measurements confirmed effective backset and head restraint height, contributing to good protection in rear impacts.
Headlight System Performance
Headlight effectiveness plays a critical role in accident prevention, particularly at night.
2018 Audi Q7 Headlight Ratings: Marginal to Poor (Depending on Trim)
The 2018 Audi Q7’s headlight ratings vary based on trim level:
- Premium Plus and Prestige trims with Vision and Driver Assistance packages: Equipped with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams with high-beam assist, these headlights received a “Marginal” overall rating.
- Premium Plus trim with Vision package and Prestige trim (without Driver Assistance package): Featuring the same LED projector and reflector setup but without high-beam assist, these headlights received a “Poor” overall rating.
Visibility with low beams was inadequate on straightaways and curves in both headlight variations. High beams offered better straightaway visibility but were still limited on curves. The availability of high-beam assist improved the “Marginal” rated headlights’ performance.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Systems
Crash prevention technology is increasingly important in modern vehicles.
2018 Audi Q7 Front Crash Prevention Rating: Superior
The 2018 Audi Q7 offers two front crash prevention systems, both earning a “Superior” rating:
- Standard Audi Pre Sense City: This system avoided collisions in 12 mph tests and reduced impact speed by 23 mph in 25 mph tests.
- Optional Audi Pre Sense Front (Driver Assistance Package): This system also avoided collisions at 12 mph and reduced impact speed by 21 mph in 25 mph tests.
Both systems meet forward collision warning requirements and demonstrate effective automatic emergency braking capabilities.
Child Seat Anchor (LATCH) System
Ease of use and effectiveness of child seat anchors are vital for child passenger safety.
2018 Audi Q7 LATCH System Rating: Good + Extra LATCH Positions
The 2018 Audi Q7 boasts a “Good+” rating for its LATCH system, indicating it meets ease-of-use criteria and offers extra LATCH positions. It has 5 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware, making it highly versatile for families with multiple child seats. All LATCH positions were rated as easy to find and use, with appropriate anchor depth and force requirements.
Conclusion: 2018 Audi Q7 – A Safe and Secure SUV
The 2018 Audi Q7 demonstrates exceptional safety performance across a wide range of crash tests and safety evaluations. With “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness categories and “Superior” front crash prevention systems, the 2018 Q7 prioritizes occupant protection. While headlight performance is trim-dependent and ranges from “Marginal” to “Poor”, the overall safety profile of the 2018 Audi Q7 is undeniably strong, making it a top contender for safety-conscious SUV buyers. This analysis underscores the 2018 Audi Q7’s commitment to safety, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
