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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  A 1 Thats our Q5 - 2016 Audi Q5
  By audiguy - December 24 - 10:26 pm

  Every category is 5 star except a USB port. We have owned the Q5 for 9 months, great vehicle! Couldnt be happier. As I noted prior a 2016 Q5 sh have had a USB. However, purchasing an adapter is not a "big deal"....

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  Excellent - 2010 Audi Q5
  By pvp2 - December 19 - 6:52 pm

  The interior is outstanding and the handling has been a pleasant surprise. It has the right amount of firmness and handles hills and acceleration beautifully. I am thoroughly impressed. The only negative comment I have is about the iDrive feature or whatever they call it. I was pretty proficient in the BMW iDrive and came to like it. I hope that I will eventually learn to navigate my Audis too, but so far it has not been intuitive. I think I will come to like it but it is going to take a few weeks to get used to it.

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  A Great Car! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Marcel - December 13 - 10:47 pm

  I picked up a Black Prestige a few days ago. I own a Volvo XC90, but handling in the Q5 is far superior, as it drives as a sports car. We had a massive snowstorn last week, which has made roads slippery and icy in Wisconsin. I am very impressed with how the Q5 handles the road under these conditions. Regarding the purchase, I was between the Premium Plus with Nav and Prestige Packages. I went for the Prestige and paid the extra 3K, but I think the only accessory really worth the extra cost is the side-assist (only available for Prestige). I think the B&O Stereo is overrated. Overall, I am quite happy so far.

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  This car has it all over the RX - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Peter - December 11 - 9:04 pm

  This car has it all over the RX. It has better electronic gadgetry, handling, design and is a blast to drive. The seamless bluetooth integration with my IPhone was totally painless and automatically took all my contacts without even prompting me. The voice recognition is excellent and I can call people without taking my eyes off the road as well as enter a destination. The quattro drive system is awesome and the LED daytime running lights are very cool. The seats are very comfortable and lumbar support is fabulous. Great job Audi.

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  Best by features, Worst by reliability - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Senthil - December 5 - 7:59 pm

  2010 Audi Q5 is good vehicle but reliability is sub par. I bought my Q5 in August 09. I had jerks with upshift and downshift due to improperly installed transmission filter which apparently was a factory defect. The convenience key also quit working and they had to change the whole convenience module. They fixed it all under warranty. When I called Audi they offered me a mere 5000 miles extension on warranty or $250 cash (for a $53000 car!!). Looks like they do not trust their own product. I am just frustrated that I have been sold a defective product.

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  This Was A Good Decision - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Botts - November 23 - 7:50 pm

  Just picked up my Q5. This is the first luxury SUV that Ive owned. The last time I experienced quality like this was when I owned a Jaguar. The ride is terrific. Its solid, responsive and absolutely a ton of fun to drive. Audi has combined looks, performance and fun in their 2010 Q5! Ive started reading the owners manual to get up to speed. There is a lot to this car and it will take awhile to understand all the bells and whistles but its worth it. I bought a Meteor Gray (great color) Premium Plus and added 19" wheels and the B&O stereo. Im looking forward to driving this vehicle for a long time. Test drive one of these and youll see that Audi has it all over Mercedes, BMW & Lexus.

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  I LOVE My Audi!!!! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Ginette - November 8 - 5:48 pm

  My husband and I sold our 15 year old BMW 530 and bought this wonderful vehicle. I drive it most days and just love it. Its not too high, so I dont feel like I have to step up to get in to it. Its so fun to drive, Im getting in to work early because I cant wait to drive it. I cant find anything about it I would change. The mileage is great! Where has this vehicle been all these years! Im sold! Im quite sure Ill never drive anything else.

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  Audi Q5 Performance-ride-quality - 2010 Audi Q5
  By AudiManRS4 - November 7 - 11:07 pm

  Ordered our Q5 Prestige Pkg Audi on 27 Jul and on 3 Nov it arrived. The Q5 was worth the wait! Get the S-line pkg. The 20 inch chrome wheels put the finishing touch on this black beauty. This is a great looking SUV with the best handling, ride, and appearance of all the mid-size SUVs (BMW/Lexus etc). Try the Q5 if youre tired of seeing yourself at every traffic-light and/or parking space. My wife loves the way it handles and rides and the engine has enough power to satisfy her driving habits. Ive owned other Audis making us qualified for a $1K loyalty discount. It has a first class dynamic 505 watt sound system. The Q5s Quattro suspension system is like nothing you have ever driven.

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  Unique Design Separates Q5 from the Rest - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Marshall Placid - October 30 - 1:51 pm

  This is my very first car. My previous car was a 1997 Honda SUV that was handed down to me by my parents in 1997 when I was a teenager. Interior: A+ Amazing. Largest panoramic roof in its class. Great finish compared to other luxury SUVs. Audio: A+ The MMI interface allows you to control your Ipod on the MMI 6.5 (I think) screen. Very useful. There are also 2 more speakers, 2 more than other luxury SUVs. Performance: Drives like a sports-sedan. A+ Uniqueness: Hardest car to get in North America (Forbers article). Day-time running LED lights. Design and style is different than other "BOX" SUVs. Beats comparable SUVs like Lexus, X5, X3, Acuras, etc.

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  Exactly what I was looking for - 2010 Audi Q5
  By spmhome - October 26 - 2:12 pm

  I was coming down from a larger SUV and forgot how much fun a car could be to drive and I picked the perfect vehicle to remind me of that. Performance transmission gear sends you off like a rocket, tight handling like a sports model and a great exterior make this price the deal of the year. My family of 5 fits comfortably. Not a lot of cargo room, hopefully future designs will take that into consideration. Only complaint is difficult-to-use navigation system and it doesnt always take most efficient route (but still worth getting).