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:

• 

  absolutely loving it ! - 2016 Audi Q5
  By ethlu3 - January 28 - 7:16 pm

• 

  2016 Audi Q5 - 2016 Audi Q5
  By audi owner - November 27 - 4:42 pm

  superb! love this car!

• 

  Love This Vehicle - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Sandra Myers - November 21 - 2:10 am

  Purchased Ibis White with Pistachio interior. Great vehicle to drive and very solid and comfortable.

• 

  Fun Car - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Robert Stone - September 29 - 3:25 am

  This car is very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Plenty of front seat legroom. This car has the Technology Package as well. Information/Entertainment center takes some study to learn. Can be difficult when driving. This is a fun SUV to drive after driving a MB CLK350 for the past 5 years.

• 

  heavy passenger door - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Hai - August 12 - 8:18 am

  Audi Q5 is a wonderful SUV overall, except the doors are causing problem for us. The doors are very heavy, and tend to swing close by themselves. My wife hurt her finger when putting staff in the car and the door was unexpected closing so fast by itself! Watch for the doors, they are dangerous!

• 

  Great car - 2016 Audi Q5
  By JGonzales - June 19 - 5:02 am

• 

  Audi heaven - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Michael Ursillo - May 21 - 7:56 pm

  Cant go wrong.

• 

  Exactly what I was looking for! - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Peter Murray - May 16 - 7:23 pm

  Shopped around quite a bit for a mid-level luxury car and the Q5 ultimately met all my desires. A little bit more road noise on the highway than I was expecting but beyond that, the vehicle is awesome! Luxurious while practical and looks pretty damn good out there on the road.

• 

  My 2012 Q5 flooded in Harvey so I got another Q5! - 2017 Audi Q5
  By John Paulus - May 9 - 10:55 pm

  It has the most stylish lines of any comparable SUV on the market. Handles like a sedan with permanent 4 wheel drive. The 2017 is much quieter than my old 2012 too and with the B&O speakers, thats a plus!

• 

  Read This First - 2017 Audi Q5
  By First & Last Audi - May 1 - 1:04 am

  My wife has always wanted an Audi. So when our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lease ended we "Upgraded" to a 2017 Q5. The vehicle is a disappointment! I wish I could take it back. What we Lost: Remote Start, Touchscreen Infotainment with larger screen, Heated Steering Wheel, USB ports, and half our Trunk Space! You cant advance songs from the steering wheel, the volume knob is on the far side of the gear shift, & its a 2 step process to lower the air power. Another annoyance is the wiper blades cant be raised, so cleaning ice and snow off the blades is a chore. Plus, you have to pay for 10k, 20k, and 30k maintenance or spend another $900 for their Audi Care plan. Yes, its gorgeous and it handles well in the snow, but the infotainment system is overly-complicated. Ive learned my lesson... Looks arent everything. Its "luxury", but totally impractical.