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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  Bye Bye BMW - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Former BMW driver - April 13 - 1:55 pm

  I have driven BMWs since 1999. I owned a 2000 540i, a 2004 X-5 4.4, a 2008 750iL, and a 2011 535i with the sport package. At some point, between the 2008 and 2011 models, BMW turned into Lexus. The 2011 535i was a thoroughly competent vehicle. It had an excellent engine. Everything else was just vanilla. It simply was not the type of car you looked forward to driving. I bought a 2016 Q5 3.0T. Its great to drive a true German car again. The steering in this car allows you to feel the road. The suspension is firm and engaged but doesnt come close to feeling harsh. There are plenty of luxury features. in short, if you enjoy driving a car but like the convenience of an SUV, this is simply a great car.

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  Looks good, good mileage, but major engine problem - 2017 Audi Q5
  By Diane LeBlanc - October 28 - 12:52 am

  I do enjoy driving this SUV; its comfortable, good looking, and performs well. Instrumentation is overly complicated and requires some study if a driver is older. In the first week of owning it, the car developed a major engine problem that originated on the manufacturers assembly line. The repair was major, and I was advised by independent engineers that there is no assurance that this car could not have another major problem in the future. The dealer was sympathetic and offered me an Audi Care package and 12,000 new car warranty miles. They think this should cover my inconvenience, but I have no assurance that this Audi will hold up for the long haul. I dont think I got what I paid for.

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  Great Car but poor city mileage - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Shantanu - August 11 - 11:07 am

  I love driving this car, so nice but I wish few things were taken care of: 1) USB Port not there 2) Poor mileage in city driving conditions 3) Not compatible with Apple Carplay

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  Early impression of a 2016 Q5 TDI - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Q5 TDI driver - July 22 - 4:16 am

  Ive become a big fan of diesels for their driving characteristics and efficiency. The Q5 TDI does not disappoint. This SUV is very quick with little turbo lag, which gives a lot of confidence pulling out into traffic and merging, whether from a stop or at highway speeds. The engine is very refined. For a family of 4 I felt the Q5 was the right size. I also liked the 3L TDI over the 2L offerings in BMW and MB. There is not much of a hit in mugs going with the 3L, since I have been getting around 30 mpg around town and mid 30s on the highway. The seats are comfortable, although they could be softer. The lumbar support is good. The sound quality of the Bang and Olufsen sound system is very good. The MMI infotainment system takes time to get the hang of, but is logical once you learn your way around. Most selections are made using the center console, since there are not many buttons on the steering wheel. Im enjoying the panoramic roof more than I expected since it fills the interior with light and makes the car feel even roomier. I have the 20 inch wheels and Im pleased that this does not make the ride harsh. This SUV has a firm ride and handles more like a sedan. Even on a 6 hour drive I did not feel fatigued and felt confident driving in a torrential rainstorm. Looking forward to seeing how it handles the snow, once I put the 17 inch blizzaks on. So far, very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Beware timing chain tensioner at 75k miles!! - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Peter Pan - July 4 - 3:27 am

  The 2.0l engine has a poorly designed timing chain tensioner which is prone to failure around 75k miles - and will take your engine with it. There is a class action lawsuit about the problem (google it). The car also does not hold its value well - I’m told due to lack of reliability and sky high repair costs. That said, until the timing chain failed it was fun to drive and had been pretty reliable. However, at 74k miles when the timing chain tensioner failed, the engine repair costs exceeded the blue book value of the car (4.5 years old). The navigation system was clunky, it had no USB ports, and poor user interface for such an expensive car.

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  Love our new Audi Q5 - 2014 Audi Q5
  By Todd Whitmer - May 8 - 8:01 am

  I did a lot of shopping around for about three months. Found this immaculate Audi Q4 at our Lancaster Mercedes dealership. It was a leased car trade in - super shape and the dealership could not be more inspiring, helpful and great to work with. After 3 months I found the car for us.

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  Awesome Audi - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Debbie K - February 15 - 12:09 pm

  The navigation system is not user friendly

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  Idaho Audi - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Doug - September 19 - 6:36 pm

  This crossover is terrific. Design, ride, engine(3.0), cabin, acceleration...you name it and wow. Meets and exceeds our expectations. Technology is good but not up to some of its competitors in all aspects. Back up camera view is blue and orange....Not the best for visibility for the driver. No collision avoidance...should be standard. Coming in 2017? Blind spot alert is very visible, a plus. Instruments well laid out. Controls intuitive...no more smudges on the screen. Sound system(B&O) aka as concert hall, very rich. Seat pre sets: steering wheel not included, a big oversight by Audi. Wipers and lights wonderful. Cabin noise could be less. Wife is 52" so access is easy compared to other suvs.

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  Sweet ride! - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Jacqui Lauritano - June 30 - 10:28 am

  I love the body style. Interior is somewhat lacking compared to the Mercedes GLC but still nice. Ride and handling is what you would expect from German engineering, flawless. I would definitely recommend this SUV.

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  New 2016 Q5 speed and comfort.. - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Gary P - April 7 - 7:01 am