The market abounds with so many superb midsize luxury SUVs that there are almost too many. Audi, Volkswagen’s luxury brand, offers two excellent entries in the segment: the Q7 and the Q8. Both Audi SUVs are worth checking out if you want a new midsize luxury SUV.

Where to start your search

If you’re looking for a midsize luxury SUV, perusing best-of lists from reputable sources is a wise idea. A good place to start is Kelley Blue Book’s “Best Luxury Midsize SUVs of 2023.” Well known for its automotive valuations, KBB also publishes car reviews and analyses to inform and educate consumers.

KBB’s “Best Luxury Midsize SUVs of 2023” offers reviews of 10 of the best on the market. The list includes the usual suspects, like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. Indeed, three Mercedes models make the cut.

Others are the Genesis GV80, claiming the top spot. The Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 also appear.

But if safety and dependability are top of mind when considering a midsize luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 or Q8 fit the bill.

What makes the 2023 Audi Q7 a top luxury SUV?

Coming in at number four on KBB’s list is the 2023 Q7, starting at just over $60,000. This seven-seat Audi SUV includes standard all-wheel drive and a 261-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid drivetrain, a 329-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, or a 500-hp twin-turbocharged V8. The last comes with adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering, making for an even smoother driving experience.

The well-appointed interior provides heated leather seats for all riders, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 8.6-inch digital vehicle control display, available in every trim. A hands-free power tailgate and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard features. Opting for the range-topping SQ7 brings not only the V8 engine but also a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument display, remote parking assistance, and dual-pane side glass.

The Q7 wouldn’t be an Audi without Volkswagen’s emphasis on safety. Every model has automatic emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, optional systems such as lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control cost extra.

What’s great about the 2023 Audi Q8?

If you like fastbacks, you’ll probably love the 2023 Audi Q8, which ranks ninth out of the 10 models on KBB’s list. Like the Q7, every Q8 comes with AWD. But the fastback is a five-seater, which might not be a concern if you prioritize sportiness and styling over passenger capacity. And starting at just under $73,000, the Q8 delivers plenty of both.

The fastback is an attractive vehicle, more so than many rivals. Also, like the Q7, the Q8 offers three powertrain options. The Q7’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is the standard option. But there’s also the Q7’s 550-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 option and, for the Q8 RS, a 591-hp version of the 4.0-liter V8. All three handle, accelerate, brake, and corner reasonably well, with steering notably precise and responsive.

Inside, Audi’s attention to craftsmanship is evident. The interior is refined, with premium materials and detailed styling offering luxury and comfort in equal measure. The Q8 also has the same infotainment and instrument cluster setup as the Q7. Higher trim levels get a 17-speaker premium sound system, quad-zone automatic climate control, and headlights that project animated patterns when the Q8 is parked. And a 360-degree surround-view camera and adaptive air suspension ease tricky maneuvering situations.

Overall, the 2023 Q7 and Q8 are stylish, well-crafted Audi SUVs offering some of the segment’s best performance and features. That’s why they’re not only on Kelley Blue Book’s list but also ranked highly in many other automotive publications.