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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  2.0 L is plenty fast - 2012 Audi Q5
  By croot - October 1 - 3:06 pm

  Very satisfied with our 2012 Q5. I would recommend the smaller engine to anyone. Very quick and plenty fast. Great gas mileage. The 8-speed must help that. My only grip about the engine is sound at idle when you are outside. It is only a sputter that comes out of the exhaust.

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  This is my 1st and will be my last Audi - 2014 Audi Q5
  By cfoandy - September 11 - 12:21 am

  Bought the Q5 Premium Plus from Tony Peng at Penske Audi. Tony was very helpful, no presssure sales, very smoooth and enjoyable. The finance girl was no pressure either. Love my experience at the dealership, 5-star. I was debating between a BMW X3 and this Q5. What won my heart was its seat, very comfortable. The drive was smooth. This is the Pros. Cons? The navigation system is the WORST! It is so difficult to use that I ended up using my iPhone map/GPS which is FREE. The Audi system costs $4K!! At this price range, this system is totally un-acceptable. Advice for potential buyer: test the navigation system and be sure you accept its performance.

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  Q5 3.0t Prestige - 2014 Audi Q5
  By auaudi - September 8 - 5:37 pm

  Traded my 2008 base model Cayenne for the Q5 3.0 and so far (1 month later) its a great success. Its just more fun to drive and I didnt need as much cargo space. The 0-60 time, ride quality and sound system are all better in the Audi. And of course the agility and parking ease are better due to the smaller size. Audi MMI maybe has overkill on some features such as 8 different ways to enter a destination into the Nav so maybe theres a little more money invested than absolutely necessary. Also better than the Lexus RX I had before the Porsche

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  3.0T Premium Plus S-Line - 2013 Audi Q5
  By khl - August 4 - 10:57 am

  Excellent balance of luxury and performance. Surprisingly roomy in passenger compartment and trunk despite small footprint of vehicle. For premium price of q5, missing some features I had on previous car (see below in suggested improvements). MMI despite improved, still makes it cumbersome to change radio station. No preset buttons means having to scroll on MMI controller or scroll wheel on the steering wheel. Two memory seat positions but still requires you to manually adjust steering wheel each time you change drivers. The panoramic moonroof affords lots of light and view. Drives and handles superbly with the S-Line package. The flat-bottom steering wheel looks and feels great.

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  Nice Car - Horrible service - 2012 Audi Q5
  By kingsman - July 23 - 3:14 pm

  Audi service is horrible. I bought new a Q7 TDI and a Q5 for my wife. First the Audi dealer overfills the oil in the Q7 causing all kinds of problems and would not fix them because the car was just out of warranty. Then my coolant in the Q5 starts leaking all over the garage and they say it won’t be fixed under warranty because the leak could be caused from an “outside influence”. I called Audi America who says “sorry” nothing we can do…. I am going to relay my terrible experience on every blog I can find. Such a shame as I really loved the Q7 and thought I could get more than 70k miles out of it. FYI- Criswell in Annapolis was the dealer.

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  Great SUV great engine - 2014 Audi Q5
  By audidriver007 - July 19 - 6:10 pm

  Its a great car with a very powerful engine and agile. The Q5 has an impressive torque and can reach 100 km / h in just 5.9 seconds. Its awesome. Its exterior lights have a very modern and sleek design. The interior finish and quality of materials are amazing. The start-stop system saves a lot of gas when traffic is heavy. Bang & Olufsen radio sounds spectacularly well, with great clarity and sound quality. wheel drive because it shows the car has really stuck to the road, giving great driving safety. Engine power is noticeable especially on steep climbs and road overtaking. The chassis structure is firm and sturdy and gives assurance and poise to handle the car. The Audi drive select syst

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  Amazing...so glad I traded. - 2014 Audi Q5
  By platinumpixie - July 3 - 4:58 pm

  I bought the Q5 on Monday after 7 disappointing months of driving a 2013 Volvo S60. I could not be happier. I test drove a few other smallish SUVs and this blew them all away. The interior is beautiful and logically set up. I love the panoramic sunroof, the sound-system and most definitely the bigger engine. I drove the 2.0 and could tell a difference and for me it was worth the price jump. The Audi dealer gave me excellent trade value for the Volvo and the transaction was painless.

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  2013 Audi Q5 2.0 - Good so far - 2013 Audi Q5
  By bkholay - June 17 - 10:33 am

  Have owned it for over a month now. The quality of interior and exterior is very good. The turbo responds well . I like the paddle shifters and the ability to temporarily switch to manual from automatic by using the paddle shifters when you need that extra power. The car is very easy to handle and responds well. But I am disappointed by the mpg. I am supposed to get 20/28 but I am getting 17 with 25% freeway / 75% city combination . I was hoping to get 21/22 at a minimum . I use premium gas (93) and I have already tried 3 different gas stations ( Exxon, Mobil, Sams). Do difference so far. I sold my MDX that was giving me 15 mpg for (25% freeway / 75% city combination ) and now I get 17 :( .

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  Disappointed - 2011 Audi Q5
  By atlanta001 - May 16 - 1:38 pm

  Bought a Q5 in 2010 August. While this is a great car to drive, problems with the oil consumption ( it is a major irritant) and brake pads ( I have done 47 K miles) and have them elaced twice. What is truly disappointing with Audi is the way the company and dealership have washed their hands of these issues. I used to own a BMW before shifting to an Audi, but this is definitely the last Audi I would ever buy

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  Fantastic value for a luxury vehicle - 2011 Audi Q5
  By jensjohn - April 23 - 9:29 pm

  I have owned this CPO 2011 Q5 for a year now and it is a pleasure to drive. Lovely ride, good service b the dealer although i am in the warranty period (29k miles). There were 2 issues - one is a broken sunvisor which was replaced free of charge and a leak/gap in a body panel that caused water to come in...this was also addressed through a technical bulletin and repaired free of charge. Build quality could be better and i was old that Audi is working on it. I am an Audi fan now.