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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  Agile and sporty but not a sedan - 2014 Audi Q5
  By seattle_driver - October 14 - 3:58 pm

  I have had my 2014 Q5 TDI for around 6 months now so feel comfortable writing a review. Overall its a great car: its fun to drive and it feels agile and sporty. The mileage is generally better than advertised: we took a 2,000 mile road trip this summer and with 4 people and luggage we averaged just under 37 MPG -- going through the Canadian Rockies. I liked this car better than the other smaller SUVs I test-drove (Lexus, Cadillac, BMW.) On the down side, the steering can feel remote and the center of gravity is definitely higher than my 2000 Mercedes E 320 sedan (or maybe Im just used to it) I ordered all of the options, including the tow hitch, which made the car rather expensive.

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  Q5 Quality Has Gone Down Significantly - 2014 Audi Q5
  By audi4me2 - October 4 - 12:48 pm

  Bought my 1st Q5 in 2010 (3.2, in Canada), and had to sell when we went overseas. Came back to US and leased a Q5 again since 1st time it was so great. But things have just gone downhill for Q5 quality: - Check engine light came at 3000 miles - Multiple trips to dealer to fix it - Rear tire starting showing low pressure - Again, multiple trips to fix it - Other rear tire BURST...yes just BURST on the highway at high speed....lucky to be not hurt - Stayed for 30 mins on hold before Audi roadside assistance could finally help - Got home and dealer basically not even responding to have the tire replaced ! No am not talking free....but a fully paid one from me? wtf !

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  So much to love but so many annoyances! - 2014 Audi Q5
  By remlerman - October 2 - 4:43 pm

  This car handles terrifically as smooth and responsive as any BMW or Lexus Ive owned. The diesel has so much low end torque that youll blow off kids in hot cars without meaning to. The car is beautiful and comfortable and the sound system excellent. All that being said, Ill never buy another Audi based on this car. The car lags when trying to accelerate just a little from an already-slow speed (like turning at an intersection with pedestrians or waiting for a break in oncoming cars while turning) leaving you in dangerous situations at times. The electronics are WAY behind the curve: you have to take your eyes off the road and hand off the wheel for FAR too much.

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  Driving the 2014 Audi Q5 - 2014 Audi Q5
  By jimallyn - September 26 - 2:38 pm

  I have been extremely satisfied with my Q5 Prestige 3.0 TDI . The car is fun to drive, has lots of power and gets excellent mileage. For the last 15,000 miles I have averaged over 35 miles per gallon. This includes both town and highway driving. (Town driving is approximately 30 MPG and highway is near 40 MPG.)

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  2015 Q5 Premium Plus 2.0T - 2015 Audi Q5
  By driverdiver - September 5 - 9:29 pm

  I upgraded from a 2003 BMW x5 to the 2015 Q5. I considered the BMW x5, x3 as well. Dollar for dollar the Audi wins. Its nicely appointed, peppy and fast, roomy where it needs to be but not more room than you need. (need more go Q7). In 2014 the roof rack was notoriously noisy when installed and you needed to get after market wind suppressors. 2015 roof rack now comes standard with them (manufacturer actually listened!) Again your choice to install roof rack if desired, the just bolt basically with included tool. Very stylish, LED lights are awesome, great on fuel, fun to drive and has enough space for all my hobbies! Love this SUV! Love the full Pano sunroof!!

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  Known Navigation problem that Audi will not tell you - 2014 Audi Q5
  By garakl - July 30 - 2:06 am

  I own the 2014 Audi Q5 TDI for 6 months. Love everything in this car except MMI. Recently discovered a problem with Navigation - sometimes, it looses GPS signal and when re-acquires, it recalculates your position by 1-2 miles off your real location. MMI reset does not help. All that helped so far, is to stop the car, turnoff the ignition, and wait for 10-15 minutes. AUDI is aware of this problem, but has no solution. Today, after 6 month of very gentle use, I have only 6K miles on the car, its rear view camera stopped working, shows green chaotically blinking stripes and rectangles. I am very disappointed. I planned to keep the car, but now I am glad that I leased it first.

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  Brakes at 31,000 Miles - 2014 Audi Q5
  By srubin415 - May 5 - 9:27 am

  At 31,000 miles, the dash indicator screen told me I needed brake pads. Over a third of those miles were put on during 2 road trips. Yet when I questions Audi both at the dealer level and at the corporate level, I was told that on the Q5 & Q7 models, the brake pads must be replaced around 25,000 to 30,000 miles. I have owned many automobiles including 5 other Audi cars. I have never had to replace brakes at 25 - 35,00 miles

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  TDI engine is a superstar - 2014 Audi Q5
  By wolvesq - April 27 - 9:55 am

  I cross-shopped the Q5 against the X3 35i, XC60 T6, Range Rover Sport, and Cayenne. All had their strengths, but I fell in love with the Q5s TDI engine. In short, it provides the best of both worlds. It explodes off the line like a rocket thanks to its considerable low end torque, but also returns fantastic mpg, often reaching 35 mpg on the highway. I had no idea diesels were so much fun -- I preferred it to the petrol inline sixes in the XC60 and X3. You can get the same basic TDI engine in the Cayenne, but its at least $20k premium over a similarly equipped Q5. And just so you dont think Im too easy of a grader when I say it "explodes" off the line, Im coming from a C63 AMG.

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  2014 Premium Plus TDI - 2014 Audi Q5
  By motoracer - April 22 - 9:45 pm

  Our Q5 TDI is only four days old and already impresses. Premium Plus with MMI, B&O sound system, tow hitch and side assist. Per the computer that might be optimistic, we got 37 mpg on the mainly highway trip home from the dealer. Managed 33 mpg on the way into work (uphill) and 37 mpg on the way home. The OEM tow hitch is a clean install and they gave me a color matched insert for the back bumper if I ever get rid of the hitch. The auto stop system is not intrusive.

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  Power and efficiency - 2014 Audi Q5
  By glowplug - April 22 - 10:46 am

  Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus, Scuba Blue/Chestnut interior with ash inlays. Car had to be ordered and delivery took 82 days which felt like an eternity. The engine response is very good, but like the articles there is a very slight lag. It has no affect on any real world merge or passing situation I’ve encountered. The first 350 miles have been about 100 miles in town and 250 miles on an Interstate Highway road trip (70 mph). The in town mileage was around 24 mpg and overall for the 350 miles it was 31.4 mpg. Uses auto-shutdown but the start-up is very fast so there is no issue about keeping people waiting behind you. This function can be turned off from the dash.