The Audi Q7 2017 marked the beginning of a new generation for this luxury SUV, bringing with it not only a fresh design but also a strong focus on safety. As a testament to its safety engineering, the 2017-2020 Audi Q7 models have undergone rigorous testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This article delves into the detailed safety ratings of the Audi Q7 2017, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and safety-conscious drivers.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver’s side, impacts an object. This is a particularly challenging test, designed to assess how well the car’s structure and safety systems protect the driver in such a severe crash scenario.
The 2017 Audi Q7 performed admirably in the driver-side small overlap front test, achieving a “Good” overall rating. Key evaluation points and technical measurements include:
- Structure and Safety Cage: Rated “Good”, indicating that the structural integrity of the Audi Q7 was maintained effectively during the crash.
- Driver Injury Measures: All critical injury measures for the head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh were rated “Good”. The lower leg/foot protection was rated “Acceptable”, indicating a slightly higher risk of injury in this area.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Rated “Good”, signifying that the seatbelts and airbags functioned correctly to control the dummy’s movement and minimize injury risk.
Action shot of the Audi Q7 2017 driver-side small overlap frontal crash test demonstrating vehicle deformation and safety system deployment.
The technical measurements further highlighted the Q7’s robust safety performance. Intrusion into the lower occupant compartment was minimal, with a maximum of 4 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Driver injury measures were also low, with a Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) of 225 and minimal forces on the neck and chest. However, forces on the dummy’s left lower leg indicated a moderate risk of injury in that specific area, reflected in the “Acceptable” rating.
Post-crash dummy position inside the Audi Q7 2017, illustrating well-maintained survival space and effective restraint system.
Frontal and side curtain airbag deployment in the Audi Q7 2017, effectively protecting the driver’s head from impacts.
Assessment of potential lower leg injury risk for the driver in the Audi Q7 2017 small overlap crash test.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
Extending the small overlap assessment to the passenger side, the IIHS also evaluated the Audi Q7’s performance in protecting front-seat passengers. For the passenger-side small overlap test, ratings are based on tests conducted by Volkswagen/Audi and assessed by the Institute.
The 2017-2020 Audi Q7 again earned a “Good” overall rating for passenger-side protection in the small overlap front crash test. This consistent “Good” rating across both driver and passenger sides underscores the vehicle’s comprehensive frontal crash protection.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good”
- Passenger Injury Measures: All passenger injury measures, including head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot, were rated “Good”.
- Passenger Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: “Good”
- Driver Injury Measures: Importantly, driver injury measures in the passenger-side test were also rated “Good” across all categories, indicating consistent protection for both front occupants.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: “Good”
Technical measurements for the passenger-side test showed similar levels of occupant compartment intrusion as the driver-side test, with a maximum of 3 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Passenger and driver injury measures were also low, indicating a low risk of significant injuries in a passenger-side small overlap frontal crash.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front crash test represents a more traditional frontal crash scenario, where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. This test evaluates the vehicle’s overall frontal crashworthiness.
The Audi Q7 2017 achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test, further solidifying its strong frontal impact protection. This rating is applicable to 2017-2025 models and also extends to the Audi Q8, which shares structural similarities with the Q7.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good”
- Driver Injury Measures: All driver injury measures, including head/neck, chest, and leg/foot (both left and right), were rated “Good”.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: “Good”
Technical measurements in this test showed minimal footwell intrusion and steering column movement, further demonstrating the structural integrity of the Audi Q7 in a moderate frontal impact. Driver injury measures remained low, confirming a low risk of serious injuries in this type of crash.
Side Crash Test: Original and Updated Tests
Side impacts pose a significant risk of injury, and the IIHS conducts side crash tests to evaluate vehicle protection in these scenarios. The Audi Q7 2017 has been evaluated under both the original and updated side crash test protocols.
In the original side crash test, applicable to 2017-2023 models, the Audi Q7 earned a “Good” overall rating.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good”
- Driver Injury Measures: All driver injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) were rated “Good”.
- Driver Head Protection: “Good”
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures: Similarly, all rear passenger injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) were rated “Good”.
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: “Good”
The updated side crash test, known as Side 2.0, features a more severe impact and evaluates a broader range of potential injuries. The 2017-2025 Audi Q7, tested under this updated protocol using a 2023 model, still achieved a “Good” overall rating, demonstrating continued strong side impact protection.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Structure and Safety Cage: “Good”
- Driver Injury Measures: Driver injury measures for head/neck and torso remained “Good”, while pelvis protection was rated “Acceptable”.
- Driver Head Protection: “Good”
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures: All rear passenger injury measures (head/neck, torso, pelvis) were rated “Good”.
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: “Good”
While the pelvis protection for the driver in the updated side test was “Acceptable”, the overall “Good” rating and strong performance in other areas indicate robust side impact safety for the Audi Q7 2017 and subsequent models.
Roof Strength
Roof strength is an important factor in rollover crashes. The IIHS roof strength test measures how much force a roof can withstand before collapsing.
The Audi Q7 2017 received a “Good” rating for roof strength, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.00. This means the roof could withstand a force five times the vehicle’s weight, indicating excellent protection in rollover scenarios.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Strength-to-weight ratio: 5.00
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, and effective head restraints and seats can significantly reduce this risk.
The Audi Q7 2017’s power leather seats and head restraints were rated “Good” for dynamic performance and geometry. This indicates that the seats and head restraints are well-designed to protect against whiplash in rear impacts.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good”
- Dynamic Rating: “Good”
- Seat/Head Restraint Geometry: “Good”
Headlights
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime driving safety. The IIHS evaluates headlight systems for visibility and glare.
The Audi Q7 2017 headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level and optional packages.
For the Premium Plus trim with Vision and Driver Assistance packages, and Prestige trim with Driver Assistance package, equipped with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams and high-beam assist, the overall headlight rating was “Marginal”.
For the Premium Plus trim with Vision package, and Prestige trim, equipped with the same LED projector/reflector setup but without high-beam assist, the overall rating was “Poor”.
Both headlight variations showed inadequate low-beam visibility on straightaways and curves. While high beams offered better straightaway visibility, curve visibility remained inadequate. The high-beam assist feature in the first variation provided some compensation, resulting in a “Marginal” rating compared to the “Poor” rating without this feature.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce or even prevent frontal collisions. The IIHS tests vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention systems at 12 mph and 25 mph.
The Audi Q7 2017 offers two front crash prevention systems:
- Standard Audi Pre Sense City: Rated “Superior”. In testing, this system avoided collisions at 12 mph and reduced impact speed by 23 mph in the 25 mph test. It also meets forward collision warning requirements.
- Optional Audi Pre Sense Front (Driver Assistance Package): Also rated “Superior”. This system avoided collisions at 12 mph and reduced impact speed by 21 mph in the 25 mph test, and also meets forward collision warning requirements.
Both systems demonstrated excellent front crash prevention capabilities, earning “Superior” ratings.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, also known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), make it easier to properly install child safety seats. The IIHS evaluates the ease of use of LATCH systems.
The Audi Q7 2017 received a “Good+” rating for its LATCH system, indicating it has “Good” rated LATCH and extra LATCH positions. The Q7 boasts 5 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware, making it exceptionally child-seat-friendly.
- Overall Evaluation: “Good + Extra LATCH positions”
The LATCH anchors were noted as easy to find, not too deep in the seat, and easy to maneuver around, simplifying child seat installation.
Conclusion
The 2017 Audi Q7 demonstrates exceptional safety performance across a wide range of crash tests and safety evaluations. Earning “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength, the Audi Q7 2017 provides robust occupant protection. Its “Superior” rated front crash prevention systems and “Good+” LATCH system further enhance its safety credentials. While headlight performance was rated “Marginal” or “Poor” depending on trim, the overall safety profile of the Audi Q7 2017 is undeniably strong, making it a top consideration for safety-conscious SUV buyers.
