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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  Good but room for improvement... - 2012 Audi Q5
  By realpicky - May 16 - 5:21 pm

  This is a very nice car/cross over. Fun ride but you can feel all road blemishes. It handles extremely well. Very responsive steering. It has surprising acceleration. Excellent headlights. Not a wimpy looking cross over so as a guy, you wont be embarrassed. The Multi Media System... well lets just say they blew it (see below). My wife cant figure it out so she sticks with FM stations.

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  New Q5 Owner - 2012 Audi Q5
  By jns2000 - October 8 - 3:06 pm

  Weve had our new Q5 for a month. Weve driven an Acura MDX for awhile and love it. In terms of comfort and driving experience though, the Q5 is several steps beyond the Acura! Extremely quiet, firm comfortable ride, nimble handling, plenty of power from the 2.0T - even up the step grade of I-70 west of Denver. And, so far good gas mileage, about as advertised, but much better than our Acura. The techy stuff takes a little getting used to, Nav, Bluetooth, media, and personal/car settings. The car is a perfect size for a couple of empty nesters who will use this car on trips ... might be tad small for a family trip!

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  An Excellent Buy - 2012 Audi Q5
  By j_o_s_e - September 14 - 9:39 pm

  I own a 2011 Volvo XC60 and now a 2012 Audi Q5. Although very different cars, they both are excellent buys. However, the Audi is just plain fun to drive. It lets you "feel" the road and is responsive. I have had it for only 2 weeks, but I am in love with the car, its looks, and the layout of the interior controls.

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  Watch out for the 2.0T Engines - 2011 Audi Q5
  By atlas4 - April 2 - 11:40 am

  I tried to do as much research as possible and every review kept pointing to the Audi 2011 Q5 with the 2.0T as the best at this time. So I bought one. The ride is excellent, gas mileage is very good, the fit and finish is excellent but now comes the big issue. The car burns oil at a very high rate. At 4000 miles I had to add a full quart of oil. The manual says it can burn 1 qt. every 600 miles so I guess that mean at almost every fill up of gas put a qt of oil in. That sounds ridiculous. I called 3 dealers and all said yes it does burn a lot of oil. Well that is just not acceptable so I sold it got a Toyota Rav4 4WD with more power, more cargo room and does not burn oil.

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  Audi dealership quality - 2011 Audi Q5
  By hmsq5 - February 28 - 6:49 pm

  I bought this 2011 2.0T premium plus for my wife and she absolutely loves it. The car is comfortable, quiet and suits us well. But there seems to be a little bit of transmission lag when the car pulls away in the mornings. Very subtle and goes away. This is strange for a $40K car! I also bought a 2011 Acura RDX 2 weeks afterward, which IMO is more fun to drive and accelerates faster. Interestingly, the dealers could not differ anymore. The guys at Acura of Boston (Perry and Niso) were extremely nice, h elpful and there were 2-3 calls following the sales to check in. Benardi Audi tried to get me into paying a higher finance rate and never called once to follow up.

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  Soooo much better than the X3 - 2011 Audi Q5
  By woodlink - December 12 - 11:04 am

  I bought a used 2010 X3, drove it for three weeks and hated it. Rode like a brick on concrete wheels (ultrastiff). Ive owned BMWs before and can say that the X3 is a complete mess. Returned it to dealer who gave me full value back - thanks Carmax. Having success years ago with an A4, I test drove the Q5 and bought it on the spot. A similarly equipped unit from Benz or BMW would be thousands more. BTW - A voluntary recall is in effect for the 2011 Q5 and it deals with a computer update that improves transmission shifting. (downshifting was a bit rough). Existing inventory on dealers lots should already be updated. The update on mine did the trick and the trans works perfectly

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  Avoid this over engineered junk - 2009 Audi Q5
  By RK - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful vehicle and lots of fun to drive. Great interior. Excellent manners even on Illinois pot holded roads. Now the bad news. Quality issues from day one. Spent more time in the service shop than in my garage. Had issues with audio system, numerous unexplainable warning lights that pop up and go away on their own. Head gasket leaks after 6 months. I dont believe I bought a lemon. Seems many owners seem to have quality issues. Dont fall for the looks. Im through buying over engineered junk from Germany.

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  First German Car - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Boards - July 1 - 9:26 am

  After years of Japanese vehicles I transitioned to that which I always wanted. Was set up to buy an A-4 but wanted a little utility and was willing to compromise on performance. So far very happy with features and performance.

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  Good car but not perfect - 2010 Audi Q5
  By pathguy - June 2 - 5:32 pm

  Side mirrors are too big and create large blind spots. I needed to take car in to have transmission "reprogrammed" in second week of owning the car. otherwise, Q5 is a good car.

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  Audi-be better - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Audi-be better - May 25 - 4:31 pm

  Beautiful car but has flaws... 1) The navigation system: does not allow searching for a restaurant type. for instance you cannot ask for Chinese, Mexican or Italian food - you just get a list of restaurants that includes everything from "taco bell" to "chez panesse". 2) The brake pads spew dark dust that spray the side of the car daily. There are no mud-flaps to prevent overspray from the front wheels so the side of my car is covered in break dust from the wheels daily. 3) Who uses dvds? Get rid of the dvd player. 4) Who uses an ashtray? Get rid of the ashtray or at least make it larger so it can be used to hold a cell phone or business cards - its a useless space.