The 2018 Audi Q7 stands as a testament to safety and robust engineering in the luxury SUV market. Prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts often prioritize safety when considering a vehicle, and the Audi Q7 from 2018 models onward has consistently demonstrated high safety standards in rigorous crash testing. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2018 Audi Q7, providing a detailed analysis based on evaluations to help you make an informed decision.
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a narrow object like a tree or utility pole. For the driver-side small overlap front test, the 2017 Audi Q7 (relevant to the 2018 model year as they share the same design) achieved a “Good” rating, the highest possible.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | A |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The structural integrity of the 2018 Audi Q7 held up exceptionally well during the driver-side small overlap test. Measurements indicated minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment, ensuring the driver’s survival space was maintained.
The crash test dummy’s position after the impact confirmed that the survival space for the driver was remarkably well-preserved. This is a critical factor in minimizing potential injuries in a real-world accident scenario.
The frontal and side curtain airbags deployed effectively, working in coordination to protect the driver’s head from contacting жесткие structures or external objects that could cause injury.
However, forces on the dummy’s left lower leg were slightly elevated, indicating a moderate risk of injury in this specific area.
Technical measurements from the driver-side small overlap test provide granular data on occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury measures.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEN1604 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Footrest (cm) | 5 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Left toepan (cm) | 4 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Brake pedal (cm) | 4 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Parking brake (cm) | |
| Lower occupant compartment – Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Steering column | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 3 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Upper dash (cm) | 3 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Lower instrument panel (cm) | 2 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEN1604 |
| Head – HIC-15 | 225 |
| Head – Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Neck – Extension bending moment (Nm) | 8 |
| Neck – Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 30 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 5.5 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.1 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 5 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | 4 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.57 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.70 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) – Left | 4.2 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) – Right | 0.3 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | 121 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | 127 |
Overall, the 2018 Audi Q7 demonstrated robust driver protection in the small overlap front crash test, earning a “Good” rating, although with a minor note on lower leg injury risk.
Small Overlap Front: Passenger-Side Performance
The passenger-side small overlap front test evaluates the safety of the front passenger in a similar collision scenario. The 2018 Audi Q7 also excelled in this test, receiving a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/thigh | G |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Both passenger and driver injury measures were rated “Good” across all categories, highlighting the consistent safety performance of the 2018 Audi Q7 for all front occupants.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTP1809 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 3 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Footrest (cm) | 7 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Right toepan (cm) | 6 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Center toepan (cm) | 3 |
| Lower occupant compartment – Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Center dash (cm) | 2 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 1 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Upper dash (cm) | 3 |
| Upper occupant compartment – Right lower dash (cm) | 3 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTP1809 |
| Head – HIC-15 | 141 |
| Head – Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Neck – Extension bending moment (Nm) | 9 |
| Neck – Maximum Nij | 0.11 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.1 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 3 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.41 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.30 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) – Left | 1.5 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) – Right | 2.3 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | no data |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | 77 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTP1809 |
| Head – HIC-15 | 125 |
| Head – Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 0.6 |
| Neck – Extension bending moment (Nm) | 5 |
| Neck – Maximum Nij | 0.16 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 27 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.0 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.1 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | no data |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.29 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.14 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) – Left | 2.0 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) – Right | 0.6 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | 53 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | no data |
The 2018 Audi Q7’s performance in the passenger-side small overlap test reinforces its commitment to passenger safety, achieving top “Good” ratings across all assessed metrics.
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test Results
In the moderate overlap front test, which involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end, the 2018 Audi Q7 again secured a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The structure and safety cage of the 2018 Q7 maintained integrity, and all driver injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating excellent protection in this common type of frontal collision.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1601 |
| Footwell intrusion – Footrest (cm) | 1 |
| Footwell intrusion – Left (cm) | 0 |
| Footwell intrusion – Center (cm) | 1 |
| Footwell intrusion – Right (cm) | 1 |
| Footwell intrusion – Brake pedal (cm) | 1 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Left (cm) | 0 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Right (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement – Upward (cm) | 0 |
| Steering column movement – Rearward (cm) | -7 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1601 |
| Head – HIC-15 | 174 |
| Head – Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Neck – Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 |
| Neck – Maximum Nij | 0.23 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 31 |
| Legs – Femur force – left (kN) | 0.5 |
| Legs – Femur force – right (kN) | 0.3 |
| Legs – Knee displacement – left (mm) | 7 |
| Legs – Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.57 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.60 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.9 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 1.5 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | 64 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | 43 |
The 2018 Audi Q7’s performance in the moderate overlap front test underscores its robust frontal crash protection capabilities.
Side Impact: Original Test Assessment
The side impact test simulates a collision between a vehicle and another vehicle or object striking the side. The 2018 Audi Q7 achieved a “Good” rating in the original side impact test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures were rated “Good” across all categories, demonstrating comprehensive side impact protection.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact (Original Test)
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | VTS1601 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -27.5 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1601 |
| Head HIC-15 | 65 |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck – Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder – Lateral deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Shoulder – Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Torso – Average deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.74 |
| Torso – Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.23 |
| Pelvis – Iliac force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Pelvis – Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Pelvis – Combined force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Left femur – L-M force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Left femur – L-M moment (Nm) | 46 |
| Left femur – A-P moment (Nm) | -18 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1601 |
| Head HIC-15 | 54 |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Neck – Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder – Lateral deflection (mm) | 19 |
| Shoulder – Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Torso – Average deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.31 |
| Torso – Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.19 |
| Pelvis – Iliac force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Pelvis – Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.2 |
| Pelvis – Combined force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Left femur – L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Left femur – L-M moment (Nm) | 105 |
| Left femur – A-P moment (Nm) | 14 |
The original side impact test results affirm the 2018 Audi Q7’s strong side-collision safety performance for both front and rear occupants.
Side Impact: Updated Test (Side 2.0)
The updated side impact test (Side 2.0) introduces a more severe impact scenario. While the test data is from a 2023 Audi Q7, the rating applies to 2017-25 models including the 2018 Q7, indicating consistent design and safety enhancements. In this more stringent test, the overall rating remained “Good”.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | A |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
While driver pelvis protection was rated “Acceptable” in the updated test, all other driver and rear passenger injury measures remained at “Good,” highlighting continued strong performance even under tougher conditions.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact (Updated Test)
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS2313 |
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -26.5 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS2313 |
| Head – HIC-15 | 86 |
| Head – Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck – Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder – Lateral deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Shoulder – Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection (mm) | 24 |
| Torso – Average deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.08 |
| Torso – Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.22 |
| Pelvis – Combined force (kN) | 4.2 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS2313 |
| Head – HIC-15 | 40 |
| Head – Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck – Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck – Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder – Lateral deflection (mm) | 11 |
| Shoulder – Lateral force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso – Average deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Torso – Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.91 |
| Torso – Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.48 |
| Pelvis – Combined force (kN) | 3.6 |
The 2018 Audi Q7 continues to provide excellent side-impact safety, even when evaluated with the more rigorous updated testing standards.
Roof Strength Evaluation
The roof strength test measures a vehicle’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover accident. The 2018 Audi Q7 achieved a “Good” rating, with an impressive strength-to-weight ratio of 5.00.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,946 lbs |
| Peak force | 24,749 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.00 |
This high strength-to-weight ratio indicates that the roof of the 2018 Audi Q7 is exceptionally strong relative to its weight, providing significant protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Assessment
Evaluations of head restraints and seats are crucial for preventing neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2018 Audi Q7’s power leather seats received a “Good” overall rating for dynamic performance and seat/head restraint geometry.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
The geometry and dynamic performance of the 2018 Audi Q7’s seats and head restraints are designed to effectively minimize whiplash and related injuries in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Seat type | Power leather seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry – Backset (mm) | 22 |
| Geometry – Distance below top of head (mm) | 6 |
| Seat design parameters – Pass/fail | Pass |
| Seat design parameters – Max T1 acceleration (g) | 10.9 |
| Seat design parameters – Head contact time (ms) | 61 |
| Seat design parameters – Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces – Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Neck forces – Max neck tension (N) | 223 |
The technical measurements confirm the effective design of the 2018 Audi Q7’s head restraints and seats in mitigating potential neck injuries.
Headlight Ratings
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime driving safety. The 2018 Audi Q7’s headlight ratings vary depending on trim level and package.
Trim level(s): Premium Plus & Prestige with Vision and Driver Assistance packages
These trims, equipped with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams, along with high-beam assist, received a “Marginal” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | M |
While equipped with advanced features, the headlight system in these trims showed room for improvement in providing optimal visibility, particularly on curves.
Trim level(s): Premium Plus with Vision package & Prestige trim
These trims, also with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams but without high-beam assist, received a “Poor” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | P |
The absence of high-beam assist in these trims resulted in a “Poor” rating, indicating that headlight performance is a factor to consider based on the specific trim and options of a 2018 Audi Q7.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Assessment
Front crash prevention systems are increasingly important for avoiding accidents. The 2018 Audi Q7 offers two front crash prevention system variations.
Standard Audi Pre Sense City
The standard Audi Pre Sense City system received a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward collision warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph test | Collision avoided |
| 25 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 23 mph |
This standard system effectively avoids collisions at lower speeds and significantly reduces impact speed at higher speeds, showcasing excellent preventative capabilities.
Optional Audi Pre Sense Front (Driver Assistance Package)
The optional Audi Pre Sense Front system, part of the Driver Assistance Package, also received a “Superior” rating.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward collision warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph test | Collision avoided |
| 25 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 21 mph |
Both systems provide superior front crash prevention, enhancing the overall safety of the 2018 Audi Q7 by actively working to mitigate or avoid frontal collisions.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Evaluation
Child seat anchor systems (LATCH) are crucial for safe and easy installation of child restraints. The 2018 Audi Q7 received a “Good+” rating for LATCH ease of use, with extra LATCH positions.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G + extra LATCH positions |
| Vehicle trim | 3.0T Premium |
| Seat type | leather |
The 2018 Audi Q7 offers 5 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware, making it exceptionally child-friendly and versatile for families.
Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 | Good |
| 2 | Good |
| 3 | Good |
| 4 | Good |
| 6 | Good |
All LATCH positions in the 2018 Audi Q7 are rated “Good” for ease of use, providing secure and convenient child seat installation across multiple rear seating locations.
Technical Measurements – Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Seat position 21
| Lower anchor A |
|—|
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 93 |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 93 |
| Tether anchor |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | Yes |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
Seat position 22
| Lower anchor A |
|—|
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 84 |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 61 |
| Tether anchor |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | No |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
Seat position 23
| Lower anchor A |
|—|
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 93 |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 90 |
| Tether anchor |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | Yes |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
Seat position 31
| Lower anchor A |
|—|
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 84 |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 95 |
| Tether anchor |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | Yes |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
Seat position 33
| Lower anchor A |
|—|
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 90 |
| Lower anchor B |
| Open access rated | Yes |
| Depth | Visible |
| Force (lbs) | 0 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 83 |
| Tether anchor |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | No |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
The 2018 Audi Q7 excels in providing easy-to-use and highly rated LATCH systems across multiple seating positions, making it a top choice for families prioritizing child passenger safety.
Conclusion: 2018 Audi Q7 – A Safe and Reliable Choice
Overall, 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” ratings for front crash prevention systems, the 2018 Q7 stands out as a safe and reliable luxury SUV. While headlight ratings vary by trim, the core safety features and structural integrity of the 2018 Audi Q7 provide significant peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. For those prioritizing safety in their vehicle choice, the 2018 Audi Q7 is a compelling option.
