Audi Q5 - TopCarNews

Audi Q5 (2017 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Audi Q5 is a mid-sized SUV, which sits between the smaller Q3 and larger Q7 in the Audi SUV family. The current model arrived in the UK in early 2017 and is the second generation of Q5. Size-wise, it is very similar to the Audi A4 Avant (estate).

The Q5 has generally received very good scores from the UK motoring media, with an overall Expert Rating that is currently the second best in its class behind its closely-related cousin, the Porsche Macan. An updated model arrived in the UK in the second half of 2020, with minor visual difference and trim updates.

The Audi Q5 has received particular praise for its engineering, refinement and interior quality. However, it is not considered the best car to drive in this class and many useful features are only available as expensive options.

In a 2020 What Car? survey of the most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the Audi Q5 ranked equal 49th.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £44,440 on-road

Launched: Spring 2017Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Audi Q5 Sportback

Audi Q5

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S lineScore: 7.6 / 10“Compared to other ‘coupé SUVs’, the Audi Q5 Sportback is easy enough to recommend. But the regular Q5 is both cheaper and objectively better.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S lineScore: 8.4 / 10“The new Audi Q5 is an effective evolution in all areas of the SUV and likely to remain a best-seller for the brand.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q5 is refined and comfortable, but other SUV rivals offer a bit more involvement and agility.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 40 TDI 2021Score: 8 / 10“The revised Audi Q5 offers useful updates when it comes to efficiency, performance and on-board technology. It still looks stylish inside and out, it’s well built and although it’s a bit dull to drive, it’s comfortable, refined and practical.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 55 TFSI eScore: 8 / 10“Fast, practical, quiet, efficient, comfortable, cheap to run, and just as sumptuous as you expect.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q5 has no shortage of competition, with Mercedes, Jaguar, Porsche and BMW all offering super-talented rivals. However, the Q5 definitely has what it takes to compete doing a great job in most areas, and an exceptional job in some of them. It’s one of the most complete cars on sale.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: Sportback 40 TDI 2021Score: 7 / 10“Liftback option introduced as part of the hugely popular Q5’s facelift sees reduced accommodation and practicality, but is a refined and solid steer.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic SQ5 SportbackScore: 8 / 10“If it’s style and performance in a high-riding SUV that you’re after and the price tag is within your budget, the Audi SQ5 Sportback should be on your shortlist. It arguably makes more of a visual statement than the regular SQ5 and suffers few compromises on overall everyday versatility.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 55 TFSIe quattroScore: 8 / 10“Refinement is top-notch, even when the engine kicks in, and it delivers a decently sporty note if you really open the taps.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Like the old Audi Q5, but with additional class, dynamism and polish.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic SQ5Score: 8 / 10“High-performance soft-roader adopts new sporty V6 diesel mild-hybrid power, cutting emissions and saving fuel.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 55 TFSIe HybridScore: 6 / 10“There are many pros and many cons to the Audi Q5 hybrid. If your circumstances align neatly with what the hybrid offers, then you’re more likely to focus on the positives. But before long there should be more choice of better hybrids available, with more range and less of a price premium.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic SQ5Score: 8 / 10“Not a lot to fault in this latest crossover from Audi. Neither the remote-feeling steering nor the £50k+ asking price will stop many from beating a path to their nearest Audi dealer. For many, this will be the new benchmark in the sporty middleweight SUV sector.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic S lineScore: 8 / 10“Performances are rarely as polished as the second-gen Audi Q5. It doesn’t significantly move the needle in any one area but matches or exceeds its competitors in almost all of them.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 45 TFSI SportbackScore: 8 / 10“Coupe SUVs often bring with them some major compromises, yet the new Audi Q5 Sportback seems to have got around them. Yes, the boot might be marginally smaller and it’s a bit more expensive, but if you prefer the coupe-like shape, those grievances will be almost immediately forgotten.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI eScore: 8 / 10“To some the introduction of the Audi Q5 TFSI e will be a welcome introduction, bringing plenty of benefits to business users. If you’re able to charge at home and work and don’t regularly cover long journeys, there is the possibility for some exceptionally low running costs, too.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“The Audi Q5 does many things well in its fight against the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Jaguar F-Pace.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: SQ5Score: 7 / 10“The Audi SQ5 may be a large, family-friendly SUV, but it’s quicker than some hot hatches. However, it’s expensive to buy and not particularly cheap to run.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Audi Q5 is a practical family SUV that’ll eat up the miles quietly and comfortably – just don’t expect it to be all that exciting to drive.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Sport“A minor update gives the Audi Q5 a slightly neater interior and better touchscreen as well as a slight power increase, but it’s basically more of the same for a classy and popular SUV.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic 55 TFSIe S line Competition“The clever new Audi Q5 plug-in is expensive and rapid, and needs to be run on electric for the majority of its time to make the running costs stack up, but if it is then the savings are there to be had.”
Read review

Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 55 TFSIScore: 6.5 / 10“The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e hybrid is as polished as you’d expect from an Audi, but the electric range isn’t as impressive as rivals.”
Read review

Eurekar

Model reviewed: “Audi has upped the pressure on competitors in the fiercely competitive mid-sized SUV sector with its latest Q5. It picks up where its predecessor left off and raises the bar with added sophistication, elegance, improved technology, sharper handling, cleaner engines and more distinctive styling.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Lighter Audi Q5 shrugs off dowdy driving experience of big-selling compact SUV.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: petrol plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e S line CompetitionScore: 9 / 10“The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro offers performance, economy, practicality, all-wheel drive and quality – but at a price.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S lineScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro 190PS S line S tronic is a class act overall. It’s refined and it offers a very high quality interior environment. These are two features that Audi buyers evidently value very highly, and prioritise over sporty handling. However these qualities are also something that you pay for.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: SUV rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q5 is not the most strikingly styled off-roader, but a beautifully made interior, powerful engines and a refined driving experience all made it something of a crowd-pleaser. It’s also supremely quiet and comfortable on the motorway; exactly the qualities you want in family transport.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Q5 Sportback rangeScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q5 Sportback is a sexier alternative to one of the brand’s most popular SUVs. There’s very little to dislike – provided you can cope with the slight drop in practicality.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 10 / 10“What Audi has done is improved every aspect of the original Audi Q5. The ride quality is better, there’s less engine and road noise on the move plus the interior is big step up in terms of design with a more upmarket feel.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S line“There is no doubt that the latest Audi Q5 2.0 TDI still endows a driver with the status he requires from a car. After all, Audi is now regarded as the most prestigious car brand in the UK.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic SQ5“The Audi SQ5 is still a very impressive car, with excellent refinement, strong performance and useful practicality. If you want an incredibly accomplished SUV that’s lightning fast – the SQ5 is very appealing.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q5 is one of the UK’s best-loved SUVs, cementing a reputation for a high-quality interior, the latest tech and a strong image.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.6 / 10“Second-generation Q5 is hard to fault”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic“Audi’s latest SUV joins a crowded marketplace but has more than enough to stand out.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SEScore: 8 / 10“Audi’s most popular SUV just got better.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic SQ5 SportbackVorsprungScore: 8 / 10“The Audi SQ5 Sportback is a well-judged and rather sensible answer to the conundrums that consumers’ desires for fast SUVs pose – albeit one for which you have to pay, if not with your very soul, then at least with quite a lot of your hard-earned cash.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 45 TFSI S line SportbackScore: 8 / 10“These tarted-up SUVs are much maligned by greens and car purists, and it’s easy to understand why. But they are spacious, reasonably good looking and practical (if jolly expensive). I can perfectly understand why some folk might choose to buy one and, if I could afford it, might do the same myself.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SportScore: 8 / 10“There are more spacious premium SUVs, as well as a couple that offer a sportier drive than the Q5, but Audi fights back by offering an incredibly quiet and refined car in which to travel. Just remember to pick the correct wheel and suspension combination in order to get the best from it.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Very popular and with good reason – the Audi Q5 is a very well-rounded thing.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 10 / 10“The Audi Q5 is one of the very best SUVs you can buy. It’s more comfortable and refined than the BMW X3 and puts the Volvo XC60 to shame when it comes to handling and infotainment.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: Range review“This is a highly impressive all-rounder – excellent as a practical family car yet very luxurious too.”
Read review

Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: March 2017

93%

ADULT OCCUPANT

86%

CHILD OCCUPANT

73%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

58%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Audi Q5 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the Q5 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi Q5 has received

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Large SUV Interior

2020

What Car? Awards – Best Large SUV over £35K

2019

Company Car Today CCT 100 Awards – Premium SUV of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Audi Q5, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy or lease an Audi Q5

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Q5, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.

We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance.

Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance.

Keyword: Audi Q5