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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  I left my Lexus for an Audi Q5 - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Linda Nuckolls - January 26 - 1:23 am

  After 15 years with my beloved Lexus RX300, which I passed to my daughter, it was time for a new ride. I obviously adored my Lexus, but the new RX is huge, and the NX was a good size but had nasty yellowish pleather interior, boring handling and that awful spindle grill. Instead I chose the Audi Q5 in Cuvee silver with Chestnut interior. Gorgeous! Its appearance makes my heart go pitter-pat, and it is SO much fun to drive. My only complaint is the infotainment stuff. Too granny sounding on the voice, and not intuitive enough overall. But, I can forgive that part because I am in love with the classy looks, and the ride that is the perfect combination of buttery smooth and sporty/peppy. So far, Im proud to be an Audi Q5 owner. I considered an X3 too, but the Audi is just so much better looking. UPDATE, 12/27/2017, 1.5 years of ownership: I still love the looks and ride of my Q5. There are things I dont love, though. The mirrors are too big and block my view a lot, and the sun visors dont extend and arent long enough for me (Im 53"). Voice control granny is pretty slow. The bluetooth connection with my iphone is quite variable, and the voice with google maps only works about 50% of the time (the built in navigation I dont even use, Id much rather use my phone apps). The a/c is not as good as the one on my 15 year old Lexus). My windshield wiper sometimes takes a random trip across the window. The doors are very heavy and tend to close when I dont want them to if Im entering or exiting the car in a parking spot that isnt level. Stuff in the back cargo area consistently shifts around a lot more than it ever did in my RX, though Im not sure why, and I really dont like that I cant close the back cargo door with an interior button. These are all relatively minor drawbacks, though there are many. However, I really do love the way the car rides and handles, and its still one of the classiest looking SUVs on the road.

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  Audi Q5 2.0 - 2017 Audi Q5
  By CANDICE MARR - August 21 - 2:37 am

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  Swweeeeeet - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Mike Orndorf - April 8 - 9:12 am

  So far this Q5 is awesome. Great ride, good performance and reasonable gas mileage. All round it handles like a car, has the storage for gear and groceries and the comfort of my living room.

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  Im in love... - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Kimberly Matthews - March 17 - 7:58 pm

  My Q5 is gorgeous -- inside and out and I can hardly wait to drive it every day! It is such a pleasure to drive. Absolutely love the panoramic sun roof! Please note that I have only owned this car for one month so I cannot rate its reliability or maintenance costs (I left it on the default rating of OK or NA). However, with regard to everything else it is a perfect fit for me. I wanted a smaller SUV that was not a gas guzzler but was capable of towing my horse trailer but was also a little sporty. I have not towed with it because it was a CPO and no tow package included. Manual says it can tow up to 4500 lbs and the reviews say the car tows easily. (My aluminum 2-horse trailer weighs 2000 lbs and my horse weighs about 1200 which means I can tow with 2 horses in the trailer which is perfect!)

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  Audi Q5 SLine premium - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Bill Druyun - February 22 - 8:20 am

  Car is everything we hoped for. Price was exceptional thru Edmunds. Car is comfortable and smooth to drive. Should give us years of great service.

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  Great car as long as there is not a problem. - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Len - January 14 - 9:24 pm

  This is our third Q5 in a row. When the car was 2 days old the backup warning system failed and I backed into a mailbox The dealer told me the system sensors needed a deep cleaning, which they did, but would not repair a small dent. I complained to Audi, they said it is up to the dealer because that would be covered under the warranty. The dealer said Audi refuses to pay for the damage. During the next six months the GPS would freeze and the MMS system would simply not turn on at times. I complained to the dealer again this times they told me there was an update to the software due to problems that Audi was having. The dealer and Audi Still refused to take responsibility for a failed system. This will be my last Audi not because the Q5 isnt a good car but because Audi does not back their vehicles like other companies I have dealt with in the past.

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  2016 Q5 Premium Plus from Naples - 2016 Audi Q5
  By VinceD - December 29 - 3:59 pm

  My 2016 Q5 is an excellent overall car, looks great, interior finish is very good, and 2.0 Turbo runs very well with good acceleration. Gas mileage is ok for 4 cylinder turbo and large gas tank gives you great driving range. Gas mileage should be much higher on highway. I get upper 20s at best overall. Radio sound is excellent and easy media interface but no USB port. The Navigation system works well and its great to be able to send your directions to the car from Google. Overall the Nav is easy and accurate to set. Voice controls works as well as any of them but could use work. The push button start works well and the best feature is the side mirror closure when the locks and alarm are set. Works great and all automatic on closure and on open. The Audi grille and overall look is special and theres plenty of room in the rear compartment. I also like that you can roll the rear seats forward for more cargo room, very nice. Just a great car to drive and a great look and overall good functionality for a mid size SUV.

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  Lower back problems driver seat - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Jane Ceurvorst - November 22 - 7:09 am

  Started having lower back problems one month after purchasing the car. Did not realize it was the car with my back until my husband drove it and he had the same problems. Had to trade after 14 months of owning the car due to the problems. Only after driving my new car for one day, already feeling relief.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Russell Andrews - August 8 - 11:33 am

  I dont have anything negative to write. Best value Ive ever owned in my 54 yrs of driving. Go nonstop from Syracuse to Beaufort,SC (14 hrs) and my wife and I are not worn out by the trip... very comfortable and accommodating.

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  Not the Best - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Renee - February 12 - 8:12 am

  Do your homework before purchasing this vehichle.