2012 & 2011 Audi SUV Reviews & Ratings

German luxury automaker Audi hasn't always been known for its luxury SUV and Crossover models, but as the market drives more consumers toward family-friendly vehicles, Audi has jumped on the opportunity of creating models within these market segments. For the 2012 year, Audi is still offering its two 2011 model luxury SUVs, the Audi Q7 and the Audi Q5. The Q5 is also listed as a luxury Crossover vehicle. One great aspect about both of these vehicles is their perfect balance between sporty looks and features and luxurious ones as well. Whether you're a family yearning for roomy, sporty comfort, or a businessperson who desires a comfortable drive to your 9-5 and off-road capabilities for hiking on the weekend, these Audi SUVs and Crossover are sure to be a perfect fit.

The 2011 Audi Q7 Luxury SUV is a mammoth of a vehicle that holds up to seven passengers. It comes in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with the premium variant starting at only $46,250. It also comes in an S-Line variant, which starts at $59,950 and includes many upgraded sport and power features, as well as a TDI variant, which includes Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The most expensive variant is the Q7 TDI Prestige, which has a starting price of $63,950 and comes with an amazing list of technology, comfort, and power features. The standard 3.0T Audi Q7 also has more features than one could count, including leather, heated, powered seats, the Audi Parking System, iPod, iPhone, and Bluetooth integration, and LED taillights. The Q7 was originally showcased in 2005 at the Geneva Auto Show, and it first hit production lines in 2007 as Audi's largest SUV, and it competes with such vehicles as the Ford Flex and the Infiniti QX56. A hybrid model of the Q7 was in the works at one time, and a prototype even appeared at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, but the plan was abandoned due to the low value of the U.S. dollar at that time and a desire to place emphasis on the hybrid Q5 development.

The 2011 Audi Q5 Luxury SUV is a compact SUV/crossover that was first introduced in 2009. It was the second model with the "Q" naming, following the Q7. The Q5 is constructed using the new Audi MLP platform, which originated in the 2007 Audi A5 coupe. The Q5 comes in 2.0T Premium and Premium Plus trims, as well as 3.2 Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Pricing ranges from $35,600 to $50k, and features for the base version include three-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, and wood decorative inlay, and all-season tires. The five-passenger SUV comes with AWD standard and competes with such vehicles as the BMW X3, the Infiniti EX35, the Cadillac SRX, and the Mercedes-Benz GLK350. Audi reported several years ago that it would launch the luxury Q5 as a hybrid model, but its nickel metal batteries, didn't stack up, and the plan was abandoned due to poor crash test results. In 2009, the German automaker announced it was again working on hybrid development for the crossover SUV.