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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  Great - 2012 Audi Q5
  By jolietjay - August 4 - 11:39 am

  Drives great, rides great - this is the best driving crossover/SUV Ive even driven. Better overall quality/finish than the BMW X3, and nothing else comes close. The 2.0T engine has plenty of power, and the acceleration is much better than you would suspect - passing power on the highway is excellent. Options on the Premium Plus are nice - Zenon Lights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, sunroof, dual setting memory seats. I dont know how much you get from a dual-zone climate control when you are sitting right next to the passenger - its just one more thing to adjust. The bluetooth hands-free connection to a mobile phone, and speaker/mic is excellent. Highly recommended!!!

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  Gorgeous - 2012 Audi Q5
  By dinobingham - July 27 - 9:28 pm

  Love this car - Im still breaking it in, but having had 3 new A4s in the last 12 years, this one felt like coming home (albeit with larger rooms). Have kiddies on the way so the extra room will help - cargo space is not huge but is adequate. The 2.0 litre had more balls than I expected - nowhere near as clunky as the Q7 I test drove - this one handles like the 2009 A4 with the same motor - pulls nicely and sits down while cornering. The moonlight blue is stunning - I wished I couldve seen one with the cinammon interior but only the light tan was available. Youll notice the screen displays are sharper - kind of like going from an iPhone 3G to the sharper 4.

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  First Audi, not my last if it holds up. - 2011 Audi Q5
  By chromeseeker - July 26 - 12:42 pm

  Traded a 1998 ML320 for a 2011 2.0T base model. Looked at new and used diesel MLs, Touareg, Highlander Hybrid, Venza, Pilot, MDX: Q5 was way better, especially on a twisty road. Amazing zip for a 4, and awesome brakes! 3000 miles to date and no problems. Really fun to drive compared to prior suvs, including ML, Pathfinder and Volvo XC 70. Plenty of power driving over the Cascades from the valley, and passing on the interstates. 31 mpg at 65-75 mph on a recent 400 mile trip down I -5, fully loaded with 4 people and luggage. Base sound system with ipod is more than adequate. Panoramic sun roof doesnt cause interior overheating in the Northwest with temps to 90. Couldnt be happier so far.

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  Good looking car, poor build quality and horrible service - 2011 Audi Q5
  By skip37 - July 6 - 5:03 pm

  Under 15K mi & water pump went out, front brake pads need to be replaced, wipers already shot (I live in SoCal & the vehicle is garaged) & I have the backseat constant rattle that Audi will not fix. We were just about to drive through the desert before the water pump failure...that Audi didnt warn us about. Instead, it ruined our trip & they washed our car for the inconvenience. They also deny that there is a problem with the seat rattle. Just do a search on it & you will see all the problems so many are experiencing. Now, I have to use duct tape to muffle a rattle that Audi will not fix on its 45K vehicle that is still under warranty. This is my second Audi and my last. Money pit!

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  Best In Class - 2011 Audi Q5
  By dsippin - June 1 - 2:36 pm

  We got tired of our 2008 Audi TT 3.2 sports car (fun but impractical) and traded it in for a 2011 Q5 2.0L with the Premium Plus package. We could not be happier with this vehicle. It is far superior to the competition with a great blend of style, luxury, comfort, and economy. The electronics are phenomenal. The displays are sharp and crisp. Ride is a perfect blend of tautness and comfort - just returned from a 400-mile round-trip. Interior is extremely quiet. Perfect size, lots of leg room and plenty of rear storage. Getting close to 30mpg at $4.00 plus per gallon saves a lot of gas money. Dealership experience at Audi of Fairfield (CT) was terrific.

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  2011 3.2 Q5 Prestige Pckg - 2011 Audi Q5
  By trinitywolf - May 3 - 12:36 pm

  After doing a LOT of research and test driving we kept coming back to the Q5. There is nothing else quite like when you combine looks, features and performance. We liked the 2.0 engine but the 3.2 has no lag and it is silky smooth. Now, after hearing about the oil usage of the 2.0 we are very glad we chose the 3.2. Yes the gas mileage is not quite as good but we are ok with that.

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  Out performs MPG estimates - 2011 Audi Q5
  By bigjoe7 - April 23 - 9:50 am

  I am an Acura MDX driver who was tired of limited leg room for the driver. The Q5 is smaller but has a longer wheel base and has removed the irritating foot pedal that played havoc with my shin bone with a simple lever on the center console. Start, stop, set parking brake within inches of each function. The prestige styling is to my likingand performance with the 3.2L engine has exceeded my expectations in both power and mileage. My entire music library is available by simply cable connecting my ipod in the glove box simple lead thru on the cars 7" screen.

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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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  Wonderful vehicle - 2011 Audi Q5
  By zekespaw - January 27 - 1:54 pm

  I told my wife the other day that I actually look forward to my commute just so that I can drive this amazing vehicle. The ride, quiet, handling, performance, wiz-bang gizmos, styling... these are all first rate. I compared many cars and kept going back to this one. It took me nearly 6 months to make a decision, and I have NO regrets. Complaints from reviewers about the overly complicated Nav system were obviously written by Luddites. It works wonderfully (except for what I wrote below). The feel and drivability of this car is outstanding. The other vehicles in its class just dont compare. Maybe its just a matter of taste, but the Q5 is all good taste.