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:

• 

  Fabulous vehicle - 2011 Audi Q5
  By Len - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We recently purchased a 2011 Q5 3.2. I am very pleased with our purchase. My last three vehicles were a BMW X3, a BMW X5, and a VW Tiguan. The Q5 has the convenient size of the X3 with superior handling, the luxury and comfort of the X5, and the biggest surprise it has better gas mileage than the Tiguan. Audi Raleigh has treated us like life long customers and definitely make us feel like we matter. A world class vehicle from a world class dealer. Thanks Audi and Audi Raleigh.

• 

  Exactly what I needed - 2011 Audi Q5
  By twotonjonnytwoshoes - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 2500 chevy silverado for the past 4 years, driving over 60 miles a day to school and back. I questioned whether I would need the pick up function of my pick up truck, but I do not miss it one bit. I test drove all the other new vehicles and this one out classes them all. I spend my winters in VT at the ski hills and the Q5 is very sure footed. I have zero regrets, I LOVE the Audi Q5.

• 

  Avoid this over engineered junk - 2009 Audi Q5
  By RK - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful vehicle and lots of fun to drive. Great interior. Excellent manners even on Illinois pot holded roads. Now the bad news. Quality issues from day one. Spent more time in the service shop than in my garage. Had issues with audio system, numerous unexplainable warning lights that pop up and go away on their own. Head gasket leaks after 6 months. I dont believe I bought a lemon. Seems many owners seem to have quality issues. Dont fall for the looks. Im through buying over engineered junk from Germany.

• 

  Better than BMW - 2010 Audi Q5
  By maynardac - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a 2008 BMW X5 and didnt like the performance, comfort, quality, reliability, etc. The Audi Q5 is more than what I expected, especially the way it handles the road on an extreme condition, the way it accelerates when passing, driving uphill is like driving on a straight road. The only thing I didnt like about the Audi Q5 is the way it drives under 10 mph. Overall, the best SUV Ive ever driven, better than the BMW X5

• 

  So Far, So great - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Toledosfinest - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Q5Premium Plus this month after going back and forth with the car dealer trying to get a better deal with the 2011s out. I was finally able to get the vehicle at almost $4000 off the sticker. I have only driven 1200 miles, but so far I love the vehicle. On a weekend trip, I got between 26-27 MPG which I feel is excellent. I suggest that you wax the 19" wheels with a good wax. The brake dust will still show up, but it will wash off much easier. Overall I will rate this vehicle a 10. I will write again in about 6 months.

• 

  Awesome, fun to drive Audi! - 2011 Audi Q5
  By fun-to-drive! - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Soccer Mom looking for more fun while getting close to "mid-life crisis!" Got the fun back! Wow, love the power and handling and feel of this drive. With hardly any inventory around, had to take the offered package 2.0T premium plus and love it. Sporty, luxury, cant-take-my-eyes-off-of-it beauty! Tight space inside but the sacrifice is worth it. Not getting the mileage yet that I was hoping for and premium gas pricey but still worth it! Hope the Audi "quality" holds up over the years. A little concerned about a big hiccup feeling when slowing down towards stop sign (outcome of drive-by-wire?). Interested to know what that is and why and is the car okay? Overall, very pleased with Q5

• 

  Wow! - 2011 Audi Q5
  By SFSUVLover - October 17 - 2:00 am

  It was time to replace our Grand Cherokee & had pretty much settled on the new Caddy SRX. Then, we actually drove one and left the lot horribly disappointed. But the Audi Q5 Prestige? Wow! This car has power, even on the worst San Francisco hills, handles like a Porsche, but rides beautifully, and is so crammed with features that you cant list them all. Its been a "head turner" too. The feel of well engineered quality is there everywhere you look. We are elated over this car which seems to perform well above its competitors and doesnt have the "run-of-the-mill" feel that most of them have. Highly recommended.

• 

  Audi q5 in a rain storm - 2010 Audi Q5
  By lila - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got back from driving on route 91 in a terrible rain and wind storm. Today was another example of why I purchased an Audi SUV. It holds the road so well and just feels very safe to drive especially under bad driving conditions.

• 

  New 2011 Q5 2.0T - 2011 Audi Q5
  By ftlnewaudi - September 28 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Q5 in V6 form several times I was glad to see the 2.0T come out for 2011. It definitely sounds like a 4 cylinder (albeit a smooth one) and the new 8sp transmission does need to shift more often to keep up to speed. But overall I am extremely happy with the Q5 in 2.0T trim. It drives like a car with great handling and a quiet, smooth ride. I have the Premium Plus with standard 18" wheels as well as the Nav package and B&O Stereo. So far a great vehicle.

• 

  New 2011 Q5 2.0T - 2011 Audi Q5
  By ftlash - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The 2.0T engine in the Q5 seems more than adequate to me. It seems almost as fast as the V6 with considerably better gas mileage. It is also quiet and refined for a 4 cyl turbo. The vehicle is screwed together extremely well and is a pleasure to drive. Did not know if I would like a CUV after having many sport sedans but so far it is a great handling vehicle.