Yes, I expect Tahoe to win this competition, but here are some comparison numbers:- Length: 204-inch vs 199.6-inch- Width: 80.5-inch vs 77.5-inch- Height: 74.4-inch vs 68.5-inch.- Wheelbase: 116-inch vs 118-inch !!!- Curb Weight: 5602lb vs 4938- Official tow rate: 8600 vs 7700I am comparing this obviously since I do prefer the Q7 as a daily vehicle and I will only own one vehicle for both towing and non-towing. But at the end, I'll not go with anything that is considered dangerous.My understanding is that the longer wheelbase is good, and in this case, the Q7 has longer wheelbase! Heavier weight is good so Tahoe comes out ahead but it is taller so perhaps the center of gravity is lower in the Q7.Further more, the rear overhang on the Tahoe appears to be longer, which is supposed to be bad for towing.I also expect to go over Rockies mountains. Perhaps the super-charged Q7 engine might have an edge here?I'd like to pull a trailer with GWVR of 6000 and length of 25.5ft. No payload issue as we are very light and not much cargo in the vehicle either.No 1/2t pickup please as they don't fit in my garage.Your feedback are much appreciated!

What year for each respective vehicle? What motor? Also, Google search "Audi Service Position" to learn about the service position that's required for some maintenance (possibly replacing alternator, water pump, timing belt(s), etc...). Audi/VWAG products are not as easy to work on as a Suburban, but that wouldn't matter much to an individual that isn't a DIY'er. At one time, I really wanted a VW Toureg. Then I learned about the plethora of special tools it takes to service these vehicles and the requirement to put them into "Service Position" to get at some accessories on the front of the engine for maintenance. Makes sense for a shop, a little harder to do for a DIY'er.

I would not bet that payload isn't an issue, you need to look at that carefully. IMO neither one is a great tow truck, one or both might be adequate but you'll find out for sure in the Rockies.

I believe officially the Q7 does not recommend using a WDH and the receiver limit is lower than 75 pounds. Q7 Supercharged (or diesel if VW is allowed to sell them) would be better for power, plus 8-spd trans.If you can swing a Yukon Denali, that would be my vote. The GM SUVs will likely be far cheaper to own/maintain, and worth a very high percentage when used. GM owns the half ton SUV market at over 3/4!

I thought about getting a Q7 to tow my 6500 pound boat. Until I drove one. I was looking used, and this one was probably 2010ish. I was very unimpressed, both with the interior, as well as the power of the TDI.Brand new might be different. But I would also say that brand new, the GM full size SUVs are hard to beat.

Tahoe vs Q7 - which is a better tow vehicle? | Good Sam Community

justafordguy
Explorer
Jul 01, 2016
SoCalDesertRider wrote:
I prefer the CJ3B over the M38A1, but that's just me. The CJ2A isn't bad. I'm not a big fan of the YJ and XJ, but I do like most iterations of the CJ. Early C/K's are alright too. I've been known to travel with an M1911, and an AR15, but sometimes have an 870 on hand as well, so watch out, if you like to sneak around. I was stopped by the DPS recently, acting as agents of the DOT. Turns out, I was A-OK, according to the LEO. He was fine with my not having a CDL. :)

Hey SoCal, I think you and I must be twins separated at birth. I totally agree with everything you said except I really like my 53 M38A1 better than the CJ3B. ;)

PS: I'd love to see a picture of that 69 EB of yours, I have a 77. :C
BenK
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
More and more non-full sized will be moving over to monocoque (unibody). As they
cost less to design & build...are lower in roof height...and have much more 'car'
like characteristics

Nothing wrong with that and fits the masses, but I'm on the end of that bell curve
and prefer a unibody on ladder frame for my trucks & SUVs

Stated earlier that there are two generations of Q7's and the current one shares
the platform with the Bentley SUV.

Am old enough to remember that pickups were the lowest cost vehicle out there.
Even lower than the compacts...as they were generally purchased by those who
used them for work of some sort. Also remember the base pickup did not have:
A rear bumper
No power windows
No power locks
No AC
No carpets...just a rubber matt
Interior had fiberboard panels
No spare
No Radio
etc

They were at 'curb' weight...

Why asked if they would consider scratching the side from headlamp to
tail-lamp, or crawl over boulder to crash their underbelly, etc

Even the Tahoe isn't and is way far away from my K5 Blazer. Too much
stuff hangs below the axle tubes...that would be banged/scraped up/off

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
The Q7 doesn't appear to be comparable to the Expedition. The Expedition is based on a truck chassis (F150), as are the Tahoe/Yukon (GM 1500 pickup chassis). The Q7 appears to be more comparable to the Explorer, which is car-based now days (used to be based on the Ranger/BroncoII chassis).
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
SoCalDesertRider wrote:
The Q7 doesn't appear to be comparable to the Expedition. The Expedition is based on a truck chassis (F150), as are the Tahoe/Yukon (GM 1500 pickup chassis). The Q7 appears to be more comparable to the Explorer, which is car-based now days (used to be based on the Ranger/BroncoII chassis).

The factory tow rating suggests that it is much more capable than an Explorer.
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
The Q7 doesn't appear to be comparable to the Expedition. The Expedition is based on a truck chassis (F150), as are the Tahoe/Yukon (GM 1500 pickup chassis). The Q7 appears to be more comparable to the Explorer, which is car-based now days (used to be based on the Ranger/BroncoII chassis).
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Wow, $55,000...

$73k as tested. Which probably isn't a lot more than the Tahoe/Yukon.

And for the poster who mentioned the Expedition, I wouldn't put it in the same category until they do a major refresh. For whatever reason, the updates that have gone into the F150 have not found their way into the Expedition, and it is extremely dated compared to its competition.
dshelley
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
Acei. Looking at your needs and your choices, either would probably do fine. While each of us reading your post has our own favorites, I would also include the 2017 Ford Expedition to the list. It will certainly prove to be worth a look and would be an excellent alternative.
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
Wow, $55,000...
wilber1
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
They are very different vehicles. One is truck based (certainly not a bad thing) and the other is intended for someone who needs an SUV but would really like a good sports sedan.

If It would do the job towing and I could afford it, definitely the new Q7 for an only vehicle.

Car and Driver Q7
nevadanick
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
We had a suv that i believe would be similar in size to the Q7 and also owned a 2015 Yukon Denali. We had a MB GL350 dsl and a GL450 twin turbo V6. All of them will tow what you are asking. The Yukon will do better in mtn driving because of the power and aslo seemed to handle a trlr a bit better. We only towed an enclosed trlr with motorcycles so not quite as heavy as you will be. Asa daily driver the MB's won out for my wife but i liked the Yukon better as i loved the V8. The Gas MB got a couple mpg better than the Yukon and the dsl 6-8 better. All dropped mpg signifacantly when towing. I would buy whichever you feel more comfortable in.
Acei
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
SoCalDesertRider wrote:
BigToe wrote:
Glen, a Q7 is an SUV made by Infinity, which is the upscale brand of Nissan. The Q7 is similar in size to, and intended to be somewhat competitive with, a Lexus LX460 aka Toyota Landcruiser, or a Toyota Highlander, or some models of Range Rovers.
Thanks for that description, Big Toe :)

Sorry, that's not the right model. This is Audi Q7, and they massively refreshed it recently..

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Tahoe vs Q7 - which is a better tow vehicle?

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