Audi Q5 review (2017-2023)
The Q5 is Audi’s mid-size SUV and it's a popular choice in the UK. It’s got a roomy, high-quality interior and there are versions to suit a range of budgets and needs.
Pros
- Great interior with excellent equipment
- Comfortable to drive on different road types
- Wide range of engines and trims
Cons
- Some rivals have a more high-tech look inside
- Ownership costs for some models can be high
- Solid and sensible rather than sporty
Summary
“A luxurious and practical SUV that’s comfortable to drive and well equipped.”
The Audi Q5 is a mid-size, five-seat SUV that looks and feels every inch a premium product. With lots of used Q5s on the market, there’s something to suit a range of preferences. As well as the standard model there's the Q5 Sportback, which has a coupe-style roofline for a sleeker look but almost as much interior space.
We're focusing here on the second-generation Audi Q5, which was introduced in 2017 and updated in 2021.
What's the interior like?
“A premium feel even in entry-level models and just the right amount of kit.”
The Q5’s interior features high-quality materials and a stylish design. Although its not as high-tech as Audi's latest models (or some of the Q5's rivals), the infotainment system and driver displays are easy to use and have a premium look and feel.
Interior space is excellent, with lots of legroom and headroom for the driver and passengers. Some models also have a sliding rear seat that allows you to push it forwards if you want more boot space.
The boot is large and well-shaped, with a capacity of 550 litres (with the back seats in their rear-most position) that's identical to what you get in a BMW X3. Capacity drops by about 15% in the plug-in hybrid model because of the additional battery pack under the boot floor, but that's true of most rivals, including the BMW X3.
What's it like to drive?
“A great ride on a range of roads and it’s even comfortable on bumpy back streets.”
A comfortable driving position and great all-round visibility make the Audi Q5 an easy car to drive, even on long trips. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system adds reassurance in slippery conditions, especially during winter weather or on poor road surfaces.
Although it's not as responsive as a BMW X3 or Jaguar F-Pace on a twisty road, the Q5 feels well-balanced and gives you a real feeling of confidence behind the wheel.
If you choose a model with Audi’s Drive Select you can adjust how comfortable or sporty you want the ride to be. The souped-up SQ5 models are sportier but not overly so.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“Similar costs to premium-badge rivals.”
The Q5 isn’t the cheapest SUV to buy, but prices are on a par with key rivals such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. And because the Q5 depreciates slowly you should get a good percentage of what you paid back when you sell the car.
Fuel economy is average for this type of car, so you're looking at real-world mpg figures in the 30s for petrol models and in the 40s for diesel versions.
According to official figures the plug-in hybrid model – called the Q5 55 TFSI e – returns an average of 188.3mpg and gives you a pure-electric range of 39 miles, but what you get in reality will depend on the battery charge level and your driving habits.
An easier way to find or sell a car
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Which one is best for you?
The 2.0 TDI diesel engine is a great choice for people who go on longer motorway trips. Pick the more powerful 187bhp version if you normally set off fully laden with people and luggage. If you drive less than 12,000 miles a year, though, or if you mostly pootle around town, the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine may be a better choice.
All versions, including the entry-level Sport model, are very well-equipped.