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:

• 

  One happy driver - 2012 Audi Q5
  By q52011 - December 28 - 9:41 pm

  Love my Q5 premium plus 2.0 turbo! I have owned it for 10 months and would not trade it for another SUV. Mileage is great and the drive is pure comfort. Bluetooth is wonderful if you NEED to talk. I would never get another vehicle without Bluetooth. A colleague is getting Q5 through a dealer swap in approximately 10 days.

• 

  2.0T Q5 - 2011 Audi Q5
  By 330zhp - November 28 - 6:22 pm

  Quiet, comfortable daily driver. Averaging about 24mpg. Love the steering (easy to turn in parking lots and slow turns). No effort to drive. Would not like this in a sports car, but works well in this application.

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2012 Audi Q5
  By bh2011 - November 12 - 9:27 pm

  This is a super car to own and drive. Have it for 3 months now and have about 3500 miles on it. As reported in many other reviews, this SUV rides nice and tight, feels fast, drives fast and is a lot of fun. Extremely quiet interior and the sunroof is huge.

• 

  2012 Q5 Prem Plus + Nav 2.0T - 2012 Audi Q5
  By mrweeks - November 4 - 3:06 am

  This cross-over is an amazing vehicle to drive. It handles like you would expect an Audi to handle. The Exterior is sleek, sexy and screams confidence. The interior is well laid out and the navigation system is a must optional upgrade. The panoramic roof lets the world into the cabin as your cruise around town. The steering does seem a little artificial at low speed,but as the car picks up the tightness and Audi feel kicks in. The 2.0T engine hums and out performs the 3.2

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  Love my Audi! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By 33egg - September 4 - 4:19 pm

  First time Audi owner and absolutely love the Q5. Great gas mileage, about 27 miles on highway with premium gas. No problems with the vehicle to date. Excellent paint job and easy to keep clean. Highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  4 wonderful cylinders - 2012 Audi Q5
  By geezer113 - August 24 - 2:29 pm

  The 2.0T knocks the socks off most V6s. Off the line and anywhere in the RPM curve. The 8 speed transmission is a huge part of this performance, but I love every sound this car makes and driving it is a pure pleasure. Highway miles are exactly as promised at 27mpg, and road noise is minimal. Go for the 2.0T and never look back. The panoramic sun roof is amazing and rolling over uneven pavement provokes zero body noises. This is a solid car.

• 

  Replacement for my Beloved Audi Allroad - 2011 Audi Q5
  By reddingct - August 17 - 4:09 pm

  After driving (and loving) my Audi Allroad for 6 years - I was looking for a replacement. Didnt expect to convert to the "Q" but after looking at my alternatives outside of Audi I became a believer. Had looked at the BMW X6 (great drive but too expensive for what you get) as well as the Volvo XC70 (only Allroad alternative...but not) and new Porshe Cayenne (no GTS) - but kept coming back to Audi (this is my 6th). I finally sat in a Q5 and realized what a good fit it was. Roomy interior (no kids so back seat doesnt impact me) - and enough storage. I opted for the 3.2 engine as I highway drive and need the power. Inside quality/design/technology are pure Audi. Ride is smooth and quiet.

• 

  Expectation Fulfilled - 2012 Audi Q5
  By wogbe1 - August 16 - 8:09 pm

  I custom ordered a White/Cinnamon Q5 2.0T Premium Plus for my wife, which we took delivery of on July 30th. The car has meet our every expectation for comfort, utility, handling, and ride quality. The only thing missing is the backup cameras computer chip, which we were told is months behind in production from the Japanese supplier due to the tsunami. Despite an ok power rating of 211bhp, the car is very torquey. So, off-the-line acceleration and passing power are excellent. We got the B&O sound system, which sounds excellent and was worth the extra $750. My wife says that driving it feels like wearing a comfortable pair of jeans. When shes happy, Im happy.