Yes, you can believe your eyes. You may have seen an Audi Q7 or the electric e-Tron SUV hanging with the Jeeps and trucks on off-roading trails. Even though Audi is known for manufacturing luxury cars, they have proven themselves with capable 4×4 models. But how do they stack up against the competition?

How Capable Are The Audi Q7 and e-Tron? 

The Audi Q7 may not be able to crawl over rocks, but it can handle muddy dips along trails and other off-roading conditions just fine. The comfort provided by this SUV is said to float over road irregularities with ease. 

While the Q7 isn’t the largest SUV on the lot, it can comfortably fit a family of seven. We say family because the seats in the third row are a little small. It’s definitely where the kids or family dog needs to sit. However, the Q7 does have an impressive amount of cargo space to haul your family’s luggage.  

The Q7 comes with the ability to tow up to 7,700 pounds if you choose the optional tow package. It’s able to haul mids-size campers with ease, but you may need to consider a different vehicle if you need to pull heavier items. 

By having ample engine power and a braking system to get your rear out of gear, people have placed faith and confidence in the Q7’s hauling abilities. You can choose between two engines in the Q7, including the 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four or 333-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. Both of which offer fast acceleration and power. 

When it comes to stopping, the Q7 can slow down for 70 MPH in about 115 feet. So, the power to get over steep inclines and stop on the trail is there. 

Despite having a more massive frame, the Q7’s 28” tires distribute the weight well for a smooth ride. This SUV is comfortable on asphalt, dirt roads, and gravel. 

Now the Q7 does sit pretty low, but it can be lifted when needed thanks to the adaptive air suspension. Raising your Audi Q7 provides a ground clearance of 9.6 inches and an approach angle of 23.6 degrees. 

It would be helpful to have better undercarriage protection as some drivers have complained of wires being cut or other damage. Another familiar complainant includes issues with the navigation screen and tech that often have to be restarted. 

The Audi E-Tron 

Audi’s electric SUV is powered by a 95-kilowatt hour battery and two electric engines that allow you to traverse areas that only other gasoline-powered vehicles can go. It also has a 4,000 lb towing compacity. 

The E-Tron is slightly smaller than the Q7, but still has plenty of legroom for adults and a substantial amount of cargo space for trips. 

The Audi E-Tron was taken to the desert to test its skills and confidently traversed over dunes and rocky terrain with precision, power, and silence. This SUV is equipped with dual paned windows, a 50/50 weight distribution, and regenerative braking to provide this smooth, quiet ride. 

On pavement, the E-Tron has about 400 horsepower. While off-roading with a 1.4” lift in off-roading mode, the E-Tron’s speed is controlled by its traction control system, the system determines how fast each wheel should turn with sensors that calculate 10,000 times per second. 

You can confidently trust your E-Tron to take you camping or to work with comfort, advanced tech, and style without the fear of running out of gas. However, you may need a charger. Highway chargers will be built about 70 miles apart, with the ability to charge 80% of the battery in half an hour. Until then, don’t stray too far.