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:

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  Subaru Forester to Audi Q5 - 2014 Audi Q5
  By kenwstlkvlgca - April 13 - 3:08 pm

  I was impressed and planned to upgrade to the top model 14 Subaru Forester XT after driving my 02 Forester for the past 12 yrs but after test driving the Audi Q5, the overall quality, detail, and refinement of Audi completely ruined the XT for me! For comparison the XT has more power (250 hp), better fuel economy (avg 25 mpg), greater cargo space (~75 cu ft), and costs ~$5000 less. No matter you can feel the superior quality and craftsmanship in material, workmanship, and engineering in every detail and step of the gas pedal in the Audi. I love the quick acceleration in Sport mode and the refined executive styling and boss 18" wheels! I look fwd to and enjoy driving it each and every day!

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  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

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  Art of Wheels - 2014 Audi Q5
  By jcollum68 - March 29 - 5:01 pm

  We looked at a RX350, RDX, X3, SRX. This is the runaway winner. Great timeless design, wonderful interior design and material quality, great step in height and the list goes on. Bought this after owning a 2012 ML350. My wife is 5 foot and ML350 step in height too high. She loves this vehicle, great for a shorter person, perfect size. Have all options on ours except 19 inch wheels. Wish it had power tilt/telescoping wheel, probably only missing options. Very thoughtfully designed, seems overpriced but the devil is in the details. It was worth $8000 more than the RDX after sitting in both back to back. Have had it for a months and we love it, still like my BMW 550 more though!

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  Audi Q5 TDI - Better mileage than advertised - 2014 Audi Q5
  By darioa - March 24 - 11:42 pm

  My new Audi Q5 TDI has a little over 1700 miles. Ive been very careful during the break-in period, which happened during extreme cold temperatures and much snow and ice on the roads for a few weeks in February. The car would start flawlessly every time even at temperatures of -20 F in the mountains of Colorado. Ive averaged 25.5 mpg in the city during cold weather and snowy roads. On a 180 mile round trip from Winter Park to Steamboat Springs, where you start at 8800 ft, go down to 7000, then up to almost 11,000 ft and then down to 6,800 ft I averaged 35 mpg with 5 people in the car, skis on the roof and a fully loaded trunk. From Boulder to Colorado Springs and back I averaged 41.5 MPG.

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  New 2014 Q5 TDI Owner - 2014 Audi Q5
  By berner - February 13 - 5:05 pm

  Took delivery in early November 2014 of car ordered in July 2014. I am extremely pleased with the purchase! Have just had the 5,000-mile service performed and the car is a pure pleasure to own and drive. The cars torque (406ftlbs) makes driving fun. The "side assist" and "MMI" are worthwhile options. At 5,000-plus miles, in 30/70 city/highway driving, I average 30-mpg. On interstate trips, with cruise set at 77-mph, I average close to 34-mpg. I am amazed!

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  Upgraded CRV - 2014 Audi Q5
  By thk_1952 - January 31 - 2:04 pm

  I recently purchased a Q5. I chose it as a medium option between the more expensive SUVs (X5/ML/Cayenne) and the more economic CRV/4runner/CX5s. In retrospect, I would categorize it with the second group and is overpriced for the quality. Peformance: Feels faster than it actually drives, particularly in the 50-70 range needed to merge onto major highways. The Q5 is fun to drive, until you look around and see that youre not accelerating as quiickly as you think. Interior: Cheap leather and interior surfaces look more similar to an accord or CRV than a luxury SUV. The computer/MMI seems out of date and dial is tough to use. Panorama sunroof is too big and gimicky.

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  Great Overall Small CUV/SUV - 2011 Audi Q5
  By dbalsam - January 19 - 10:02 am

  Have owned my 2.0T Premium Plus for 5 months now. Waited until honeymoon phase was over to write review. Coming from an 08 Infiniti G35xS to this, so big change. Wife drives an Infiniti XQ56 so I dont need anything larger. Grew tired of "G"cramped interior, lack of cargo/storage, road noise, no fold-down seats and gas mileage. Looked strictly for smaller CUV that was fun to drive, AWD, handled well, had good power, some decent cargo while maintaining the mpgs. Cross-shopped FX35, SRX, Touareg and X3. Love Q5!! For 2011 model year you had choice between 2.0T of 3.2. The 3.2 sucks more gas, lacks low-end torque and add over 200lbs. to car. ZERO issues with oil consumption.

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  Fantastic Automobile - 2014 Audi Q5
  By thepastaman - December 10 - 7:42 pm

  I had shopped around a bit in Los Angeles for the ideal car for my wife. She had very specific requirements for color and engine...tan or brown on brown and fast. There was only one brown on brown in the state at the time with the supercharged 6. We found Steve Miller at Santa Monica Audi on the internet who was enthusiastic about selling at my asking price of $3,000 off sticker-no questions, no hassle, bada bing! Since day one, the car has been a dream. Both of us drive the car, but she probably airs it out a little more. It is an SUV that thinks its a sports car. Its a great car. No problems. Gives us a reason to go drive...even in LA.

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  2011 Audi Q5 - 2011 Audi Q5
  By tyla - December 5 - 11:34 am

  Love the car. Havent used a drop of oil in over 40,000 miles. Added a new exhaust system, made a big difference in performance

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  3.5 years, 58k miles and counting. - 2011 Audi Q5
  By travis_in_tx - November 12 - 10:18 pm

  Purchased new 2011 2.0T with sunroof, no Navi. I use this suv all the time - lots of hiway miles, some offroad/farm tracks, vet errands, cross country. Need the SUV format. 1st set of OEM Tires lasted about 45k, new Pirellis I think are even better. I keep a qt of SynthOil in the boot, in 3 years have added 4 quarts total - glad mines not unique, and seriously people, this is not among lifes major problems considering all the positives. Lifetime MPG is 24.7. Audio/iPod/Sat is great. Cargo is functional, plenty of passer space. Its a solid efficient SUV, I dont know what I would get instead. I do have a soft spot for that Subaru/dog commercial, but Q5 suits me for work and after work.