Overview & Reviews

The compact crossover SUV is larger and higher than a hatchback but more fuel-efficient and easier to park than a bigger sport-ute. This is a combination that clearly appeals to many car shoppers, including those who want a more premium automotive experience. For them, the Audi Q5 delivers much of what they should both want and need. Think of the Q5 as an A4 sedan with more cargo space, a higher center of gravity and a measure of off-road capability and you won't be far off the mark. It also boasts some of the sleekest sheet metal in a stylishly competitive class.

Audi is known for high-quality interiors, and the Q5 doesn't disappoint. The model's downsides include a rather firm ride and its price, which can get uncomfortably expensive at the upper trim levels. Even so, a new or used Audi Q5 is worth consideration for people interested in a smaller luxury crossover SUV.

Current Audi Q5
The five-seat Audi Q5 is available in four trim levels that correspond to engine: 2.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0 TDI Premium Plus and 2.0T Hybrid Prestige.

The 2.0T comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0T features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 272 hp and 295 lb-ft. The TDI has a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 240 hp and a massive 428 lb-ft. The Q5 Hybrid pairs the 2.0T's engine with an electric motor and battery pack to provide a total output of 245 hp and 350 lb-ft. All come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Regardless of engine choice, performance and fuel economy are impressive, especially so with the TDI. The Hybrid's fuel economy is actually 1 mpg lower than the TDI, and as such makes questionable buying sense.

Standard feature highlights of the base but aptly named Premium trim include leather upholstery, power front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) and a 10-speaker sound system that includes an iPod/USB input. Higher trim levels offer niceties like a power liftgate, the available Audi Drive Select system (with selectable modes for throttle response, transmission shift points and steering assist), a navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system

Inside, the Audi Q5 is quite similar to the A4, which is to say it features high-quality materials and an attractive dashboard layout. Maximum cargo capacity is unimpressive at about 57 cubic feet, but if hauling large loads isn't a top priority, the Q5 is otherwise a thoroughly competent crossover.

Of the many flavors to choose from in the luxury compact crossover segment, we think Audi's is one of the most appealing. In reviews, we've found that the Q5 strikes a remarkably satisfying balance between performance and comfort. Despite having more than 4,000 pounds of curb weight to contend with, all the powertrains are up to the task, furnishing more than ample thrust. The steering is accurate and nicely weighted, and body control is quite good for a taller vehicle. At the same time, the ride can be a bit too firm, with nastier bumps being sent into your backside more than they would be in some rival SUVs.

Used Audi Q5 Models
The Audi Q5 debuted for 2010, powered by a 3.2-liter 270-hp V6 engine matched to a six-speed automatic. The following year brought the efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 paired up to the eight-speed automatic.

For 2013, the original 3.2-liter V6 was discontinued, but the supercharged V6 and the brand's first hybrid were added. A mild refresh also occurred, with a more angular theme for the lights and grille, along with simplified climate and MMI controls.  Apart from the 2.0T having slightly less power (211 hp versus 220 hp), the unavailability of the TDI and a slight shuffling of equipment, these latter Q5s are similar to the current version.

User Reviews:

• 

  I wish I had stuck with the Acura - 2015 Audi Q5
  By Alexis - December 20 - 8:59 pm

  The car seems to ride OK except for the steering wheel which seems very loose. I find it particularly difficult to control in high winds or at high-speeds. The acceleration is fantastic as is the breaking. The ride is sort of smooth but the tires dont seem to provide much in the way of comfort than you would expect. For the price point of this car, the stereo system is abysmal. It is like listening to music in a tin can. My mistake was not checking that out before hand. Assumed it this day and age and at this price point that he would be as good as the Acuras. When I took it in to find out if there is anything I was so much is told that it cant compare. So I took it to an expert who told me it would cost me no less than 1500 to make it sound halfway decent. The whole navigation system seems OK just a bit complicated. Making phone calls is equally complicated. Im going to wait until I get a few thousand more miles on it and then Im going to trade it in. I would not recommend this car particularly for this price.

• 

  Car of my dreams turns out to be a dud! - 2012 Audi Q5
  By JLM - October 15 - 10:43 pm

  Ive wanted this car for 4 years. I finally purchased one after test driving all other vehicles in its class just to be sure. Only 35k miles when I purchased and was a lease return (keep in mind I made sure they put new rotors and break pads on the vehicle when I purchased it). I have owned this car less than one year and put 20k miles on it. I had completed the 45k mile service no problem. Just took it in for the 55k service and was told it needed new brake pads and rotors along with brake fluid flush, oil pressure valve replacement and of course thats on top of the $399 price tag for the normal maintenance at 55k miles. All of that totalling $2,300!! And I havent even owned the vehicle for a year. I knew that audis were expensive to fix but did not realize the poor quality of the factory parts such as brake pads and rotors. Im not a crazy driver and take pride in driving my car gently only occasionally speeding and braking when needed. On a side note the blue tooth is horrible and the navigation is useless. After this experience I have lost faith in Audi. I definitely will not be purchasing one again. I do not feel that this car is worth the price tag...disappointing altogether.

• 

  Q5 Quality Has Gone Down Significantly - 2014 Audi Q5
  By audi4me2 - October 4 - 12:48 pm

  Bought my 1st Q5 in 2010 (3.2, in Canada), and had to sell when we went overseas. Came back to US and leased a Q5 again since 1st time it was so great. But things have just gone downhill for Q5 quality: - Check engine light came at 3000 miles - Multiple trips to dealer to fix it - Rear tire starting showing low pressure - Again, multiple trips to fix it - Other rear tire BURST...yes just BURST on the highway at high speed....lucky to be not hurt - Stayed for 30 mins on hold before Audi roadside assistance could finally help - Got home and dealer basically not even responding to have the tire replaced ! No am not talking free....but a fully paid one from me? wtf !

• 

  Disappointed Beyond Belief - 2011 Audi Q5
  By unhappywill - April 13 - 1:27 pm

  After purchasing 4 Audis from the same dealership I am at a loss for words. We bought an extended warranty to 100,000 miles. We had ongoing issues with oil and at 82,000 miles the pistons were replaced. At 103,000 they now tell us, after all services were performed at the dealership,there is a problem with the engine compression. They say it is our problem. Wow, I spent over $42,000 on a car that now will require a new engine and is over the warranty by 3,000 miles. I thought Audi was a premium brand that stood behind its product and appreciated a loyal customer. I guess 4 car purchases does not count for much these days. I dont think Ill be buying nor recommending Audi ever again

• 

  Very sorry I bought this car. - 2012 Audi Q5
  By karlpach - January 5 - 3:09 pm

  The Q5 is great but Ive had a very bad experience with mine and cant give it a good review. The skylight shattered by itself in very cold weather, and the dealer told me it is a known issue with the 2012 Q5 in cold weather. The dealer has had the car for a month and its still not fixed. They say the skylight has to come from Germany and they cant get a correct replacement part. Rusnak says thell make it up to me by giving me a couple of payments, but it doesnt really make up for the time lost. I bought the car because I wanted to drive it, and so far, it just hasnt worked out.

• 

  In pieces on the shop floor at 400 miles - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Rather Have Mercedes - July 17 - 2:15 am

  Beautiful paperweight for the first four weeks I owned it. Timing shaft tensioner failed, then second time in it was the camshaft that failed. Audi refused buyback saying basically "too bad."

• 

  Great car as long as there is not a problem. - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Len - January 14 - 9:24 pm

  This is our third Q5 in a row. When the car was 2 days old the backup warning system failed and I backed into a mailbox The dealer told me the system sensors needed a deep cleaning, which they did, but would not repair a small dent. I complained to Audi, they said it is up to the dealer because that would be covered under the warranty. The dealer said Audi refuses to pay for the damage. During the next six months the GPS would freeze and the MMS system would simply not turn on at times. I complained to the dealer again this times they told me there was an update to the software due to problems that Audi was having. The dealer and Audi Still refused to take responsibility for a failed system. This will be my last Audi not because the Q5 isnt a good car but because Audi does not back their vehicles like other companies I have dealt with in the past.

• 

  Read This First - 2017 Audi Q5
  By First & Last Audi - May 1 - 1:04 am

  My wife has always wanted an Audi. So when our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lease ended we "Upgraded" to a 2017 Q5. The vehicle is a disappointment! I wish I could take it back. What we Lost: Remote Start, Touchscreen Infotainment with larger screen, Heated Steering Wheel, USB ports, and half our Trunk Space! You cant advance songs from the steering wheel, the volume knob is on the far side of the gear shift, & its a 2 step process to lower the air power. Another annoyance is the wiper blades cant be raised, so cleaning ice and snow off the blades is a chore. Plus, you have to pay for 10k, 20k, and 30k maintenance or spend another $900 for their Audi Care plan. Yes, its gorgeous and it handles well in the snow, but the infotainment system is overly-complicated. Ive learned my lesson... Looks arent everything. Its "luxury", but totally impractical.

• 

  Beware timing chain tensioner at 75k miles!! - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Peter Pan - July 4 - 3:27 am

  The 2.0l engine has a poorly designed timing chain tensioner which is prone to failure around 75k miles - and will take your engine with it. There is a class action lawsuit about the problem (google it). The car also does not hold its value well - I’m told due to lack of reliability and sky high repair costs. That said, until the timing chain failed it was fun to drive and had been pretty reliable. However, at 74k miles when the timing chain tensioner failed, the engine repair costs exceeded the blue book value of the car (4.5 years old). The navigation system was clunky, it had no USB ports, and poor user interface for such an expensive car.