If fuel cost matters most
Audi Q7 with up to 28 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Audi Q7 vs Ford Explorer
Audi Q7 and Ford Explorer answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Q7 is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the Q7 reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Audi Q7 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2005 - present | 1990 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 500 hp | 400 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 28 MPG | 25 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | NR | NR |
| Open recalls (2016/2020) | 1 | 33 |
| Latest dimensions | 5063 × 1970 × 1741 mm | 5049 × 2004 × 1775 mm |
| Average curb weight | 2226 kg (4907 lbs) | 2117 kg (4667 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Gasoline, Diesel, Mild Hybrid Gasoline | Petrol, Hybrid |
If power matters most
Audi Q7 with a verified peak of 500 hp.
If safety is the filter
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Audi Q7Audi Q7 (Type 4M) 45 TFSI quattro | Ford ExplorerExplorer VI (U625) 2.3L EcoBoost AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Gasoline | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | Inline-4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1984 cc) | 2.3L (2261 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 420 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 6.9 s | 6.0 s |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | 8-Speed Tiptronic (ZF 8HP) | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | — |
| Drivetrain | quattro Pe | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 19.0 MPG | 20.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 25.0 MPG | 27.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 21.0 MPG | 23.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | — | — |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 5063 mm | 5049 mm |
| Width | 1970 mm | 2004 mm |
| Height | 1741 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2994 mm | 3025 mm |
| Curb Weight | 2165 kg | 1970 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 5 / 7 | 5 / 7 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Q7 or the Explorer?
Audi Q7 wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 28 MPG, versus 25 MPG for the Ford Explorer.
Which has more horsepower, the Q7 or the Explorer?
Audi Q7 reaches the higher verified peak at 500 hp, compared with 400 hp for the Ford Explorer.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.