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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Brakepad Eater? Tire Eater? - 2017 Audi Q5
By Michael - April 6 - 11:25 pmI wanted this car big-time. I have been researching it, along with the BMW X1, for several months. But I recently learned that a couple of friends I trust have this car. They like it ok, but expressed concerns about the expense of maintaining the brakepads and tires. The X1 is faster -- by a fraction of a second -- if that matters to you a lot. But I have owned 3 BMWs over the years and have found that their engineering is very hard to beat. Add to that that the pricing is much better on the BMW, I think it makes more sense.
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Bullseye!!! - 2009 Audi Q5
By Don L. - April 2 - 6:22 pmTraded in my Infiniti M35X. Have always been a fan of Japanese car quality but decided to try a German car. The school commercial captivated my attention as I was considering an Lexus RX350. The commercial helped me to realize that I should try something not so main stream as there are a lot of Lexus RXs out there. One test was all it took to blow me away. The Q5 drives and feels like a sport sedan as handling and acceleration are excellent. The build quality is phenomenal. Seats are extremely comfortable. The gas mileage has been higher than advertised as I am getting just over 27 mpg on the highway (at 65-70 avg speed) vs sticker which claims 23. You cant get a much better car.
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Prestige - S-Line - 2009 Audi Q5
By Toni - April 1 - 4:18 pmI just recently purchased the car. As an understatement, it is absolutely perfect. Excellent engine response and handling. The navigation system and audio commands are superior. I drove several competitors, i.e., Lexus X350, MB M500, Infiniti X35, and the Q5 is by far the best of the lot. If one is looking for a high performance Crossover vehicle, I HIGHLY recommend the Audi Q5.
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Great car with all the features you want - 2009 Audi Q5
By George - March 30 - 10:36 pmTraded our Acura TSX for an Audi Q5 and could not be happier with the choice. The Audi Q5 does not handle like your normal SUV and it gives us better mileage so far in the City and on Highway driving with way more storage room than the Acura TSX and ability to haul more stuff. I would certainly recommend this car to anyone looking for a smaller SUV, a lot of fun, power and style.
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Cant Get Much Better! - 2009 Audi Q5
By Jay Norton - March 26 - 12:03 amThis isnt going to be your typical car review. This one is taking on a new twist, its from the front passengers viewpoint. MS took driving away from me 19 years ago, but Im still more than able to be the judge of a vehicles stature and quality. Back in 2001 I purchased an Audi Allroad. It was an exceptional car, and always a head-turner. We recently traded it in on a 2009 Q5, and so far we have no regrets. The quality, detail and build is typical Audi "First-Class". Front seaters well over 6 ft in height have plenty of leg/headroom to spare. The 270hp V6 has enough punch to easily set you back in your seat. The shifting is very smooth and so is the ride. The Q5 also turns heads.
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Our Sunday Car - 2009 Audi Q5
By Brandon Smith - March 16 - 1:43 amMy wife and I just purchased the Q5. It was quite a trade up from a Toyota Corolla. The interior styling is far superior to its Mercedes and BMW competitors. All three trims are great, and the Prestige is amazing. All three trims have the same engine - which has all the power wed ever need. It has all the bells and whistles.
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Traded S5 - 2009 Audi Q5
By Michelle D. - March 11 - 11:03 amMy wife and I traded our S5 in on the Q5 and honestly the quality and build is the same. Weve owned the Acura RDX and Toyotas Higlander in the past this vehicle is by far superior. We have owned BMWs before and looked at the X3 we are glad we waited. This vehicle gives us some of the performance we enjoyed in the S5 without all of the attention we got in the S5,we get some but not as much.It also gives us the comfort of the S5 with greater cargo space. You forget youre riding in a SUV. Weve only had it a couple of weeks, well stick with Audi.I miss the B&O :( .
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King of the Road - 2016 Audi Q5
By Ash4Audi - December 25 - 5:10 pmVault like build quality, feels like driving an elegant and maneuverable mini-tank on the road!
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In pieces on the shop floor at 400 miles - 2016 Audi Q5
By Rather Have Mercedes - July 17 - 2:15 amBeautiful paperweight for the first four weeks I owned it. Timing shaft tensioner failed, then second time in it was the camshaft that failed. Audi refused buyback saying basically "too bad."
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Liked my 2014 Q5 so much - I leased another! - 2016 Audi Q5
By Ingolstadt Fan - June 22 - 1:00 pmI had a 2014 Q5 Premium Plus 2.0 lease that was up for renewal recently. In over 30 years of leasing vehicles Ive NEVER leased the same vehicle twice as every one of them seemed to have some quirk or flaw that made me want to try something different. However, in this case I ended up leasing the a newer version of the exact same Q5. Why? because I test drove everything else out there and could not bear to part with the Q5. Superb all around car and hands down the best engines on the road today. After 36K miles on the 2014, zero flaws and the exterior and interior still look it came off the showroom. My new 2016 is even better, if thats possible. There is a reason this SUV consistently gets 5 star ratings.
