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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  Cheap interior parts, avoid vaccum - 2015 Audi Q5
  By Curtis - December 16 - 8:49 pm

  Ive been a Ford owner for over 30 years from sedans to pickups very satisfied. First Audi Q5 bought with 30,000 miles on it now has 80,000 a year later to give you an idea of the miles I Drive. Overall was satisfied until had an issue with a vacuum ripping off a part on my console. Audi will not sell me that individual part for $20 they bundle it with the entire consol for $300 dealer said it was my problem to go online and see if I could find the individual part itself. I then called the national Audi customet service and did not get any better service there. very disappointing. I wont own another Audi. Im going back to Ford or Lincoln. Someone should buy the senior management team at Audi copies of the book raving fans their customer service is horrible

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  Brakes Screech known issue with no resolution - 2015 Audi Q5
  By bad103 - June 27 - 2:07 am

  The brakes have been screeching since 5,000 miles. Called Audi Care and representative said it is a known issue with no remedy. I will never buy or lease another Audi. Horrible product and response from Audi. I cannot wait for my lease to ends. Do not purchase or lease this vehicle.

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  Audi Q5 - 6 month review - 2015 Audi Q5
  By audiexperience - May 24 - 9:23 am

  - Tires: 3 flat tires in 6 months when I have never had a flat prior. No full size space. OEM tires already discontinued after 6 months. I now have one tire that does not match and Audi has said I need to replace all the tires if I want them to match although Audi does not recommend driving with tires that do not match. Audi customer service (awful!) said it would not replace the tires, then said it would (I have a voicemail), then said it would not..... - Actual highway MPG has been 22-23 versus posted 28. I care about vehicle range hence why this matters for me. - Rattling in the winter. Constant rattles that went away when temperatures warmed up.

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  So much to love but so many annoyances! - 2014 Audi Q5
  By remlerman - October 2 - 4:43 pm

  This car handles terrifically as smooth and responsive as any BMW or Lexus Ive owned. The diesel has so much low end torque that youll blow off kids in hot cars without meaning to. The car is beautiful and comfortable and the sound system excellent. All that being said, Ill never buy another Audi based on this car. The car lags when trying to accelerate just a little from an already-slow speed (like turning at an intersection with pedestrians or waiting for a break in oncoming cars while turning) leaving you in dangerous situations at times. The electronics are WAY behind the curve: you have to take your eyes off the road and hand off the wheel for FAR too much.

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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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  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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  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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  What the sales people dont tell you. - 2011 Audi Q5
  By geffroy - April 16 - 7:47 pm

  My Audi Q5 burns about 1 quart every 4K miles and weve owned it for about 1 1/2 years and has 22,000 miles. Audi says that as long as its not more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles its ok and in the mean time they wont do anything. Moreover, in the owners manual (page 273) it states the following under the oil consumption section: "Depending on the way the vehicle is driven and the operating conditions, oil consumption can be up to ½ quart per 600 miles. Consumption may be higher within the first 3,000 miles." I expect more from a $50,000 car and Audi is washing their hands off on this issue. If we had know, we would have bought another car.

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  German engineered nonsense - 2009 Audi Q5
  By gigles - January 26 - 9:35 am

  Instead of going into a long winded review of my 2009 Audi Q5, i will simply list the warranty work that has been performed thus far: - replaced center console - replaced water pump - replaced exterior HID light system - repaired gas lid - replaced rear hatch struts - removed engine for DE-carbon (3 full days) - replaced fuel injection - replaced steering rod & pump Non warranty: - replaced brakes and rotors (30K)

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  Good looking car, poor build quality and horrible service - 2011 Audi Q5
  By skip37 - July 6 - 5:03 pm

  Under 15K mi & water pump went out, front brake pads need to be replaced, wipers already shot (I live in SoCal & the vehicle is garaged) & I have the backseat constant rattle that Audi will not fix. We were just about to drive through the desert before the water pump failure...that Audi didnt warn us about. Instead, it ruined our trip & they washed our car for the inconvenience. They also deny that there is a problem with the seat rattle. Just do a search on it & you will see all the problems so many are experiencing. Now, I have to use duct tape to muffle a rattle that Audi will not fix on its 45K vehicle that is still under warranty. This is my second Audi and my last. Money pit!