Audi's best-selling model is comfortable, practical, upscale, and good to drive. However, in part due to its advancing age, it lacks the compelling qualities that would make it a must-buy in a small luxury class full of appealing alternatives with fresher designs, engineering and technologies.Read full review
Transmission can be hesitant to downshift when needed
Touchscreen interface is sometimes distracting to use
What's new
A fully redesigned Q5 will launch later in the 2025 model year
Several trim levels for the current Q5 are enhanced with more standard equipment
New Convenience Plus package for Q5 Premium models
Redesigned third-generation Q5 goes on sale in mid-2025
The current second-gen model will remain on sale until then
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
12/10/2024
Audi is about to replace its rapidly aging second-generation Q5 small crossover SUV, and, confusingly, the all-new version will debut later in the 2025 model year. Until then, the older Q5 remains on sale but includes more standard equipment to enhance its value proposition. In addition, a new Convenience Plus option package with several appealing features is available with the base Premium trim level. Of course, you can upgrade the SUV with more power and equipment and even choose a plug-in hybrid version that offers a modest 23 miles of electric range. However, unless you need a new SUV immediately, you might want to wait for the redesigned Q5, due in spring 2025.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Audi Q5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.76 per gallon for premium unleaded in Utah.
Edmunds spotlight: Buy now or wait for the redesign?
Though it's a 7-year-old design, the second-generation Audi Q5 remains competitive in its segment. It doesn't have a fancy, giant touchscreen like many of its newer rivals, but it remains nearly as technologically advanced as other compact SUVs. The comfortable interior exudes quality, and the Q5 is roomier inside than expected. Driving dynamics are also satisfying if not wholly rewarding, especially with the more potent version of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which Audi calls the 45 TFSI. While the upcoming third-generation Q5 won't stray far from the current model's successful recipe, it leaps forward technologically, and Audi will wrap it in more expressive design and detailing. If you think that's worth waiting for, we recommend doing so. Everyone else should watch for appealing lease deals as the second-gen Q5 approaches the finish line, and read our Expert Rating to learn more about it.
Competitors to consider
Instead of waiting for the next-generation Q5 to go on sale, you could explore some of this Audi's competitors. Our three favorites in the small luxury SUV segment include the value-rich Acura RDX, the elegant Genesis GV70 and the sophisticated Mercedes-Benz GLC. BMW has a redesigned X3 on sale too, and while its styling represents an acquired taste, the powertrains and touchscreen interface are more advanced than what you'll find in the Audi.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2025 Audi Q5 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
7/10
How does the Q5 drive? We tested the Q5 in 45 TFSI guise, which means it had the 261-hp engine. Although the Q5 put up competitive numbers at our test track, accelerating to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat, it's hit-or-miss in the real world. Once the turbo's spooled up and you're in the right gear, there's a nice, smooth pull to redline that's worthy of the Audi badge. But the transmission can be slow to engage and sometimes feels indecisive. This is an adequate powertrain, but its reflexes are not sharp. Braking is the opposite — the pedal is firm and there's plenty of brake force as soon as you ask for it.
Push the Q5 toward its limits on a winding road and you'll be rewarded with good grip and impressive poise. Although the Q5's Quattro with Ultra technology all-wheel-drive system defaults to front-wheel drive under normal circumstances, we noted its eagerness to send power rearward during enthusiastic driving. It helps give this luxury SUV some rewarding athleticism.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the Q5? Our Q5 Prestige had superbly comfortable front sport seats with heating and ventilation. The cushions are a little too firm to be called plush but would provide welcome support on long drives. The cabin feels well built and is thoroughly insulated from the outside world. In particular, there's almost no detectable wind noise, even at highway speeds.
Ride comfort is satisfactory for the class, especially given the Q5's respectable handling capabilities and our test car's 20-inch wheels. You glide over most surfaces, while major pavement imperfections are met with a refined tautness that filters out harsh feedback.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The Q5's cabin is spacious whether you're sitting in the front or the back seat, and it's easy to enter and exit through the well-shaped door openings. We also like the commanding driving position, which provides excellent outward visibility. One demerit is that the door-mounted armrest can feel too far away to provide the intended support.
The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen looks great, but it's mounted to the top of the dashboard like a tacked-on tablet. There's also no dial or touchpad controller, so you need to poke and swipe, which requires more of a reach the farther back you position the seat. Some of our staffers are nostalgic for the previous-generation Q5's console-mounted control knob, which fell readily to hand.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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How’s the tech? Technology is a strong area for the Q5. The central touchscreen has a high-resolution display and feels responsive, though as noted, you might not love the reach required to get to the screen. The digital instrument panel is similarly crisp and responsive — a seamless pairing with the central screen. The advanced driver aids also performed well. Adaptive cruise control is well calibrated on the freeway, and you can't possibly miss the flashing blind-spot warning lights.
Though Apple CarPlay smartphone integration with wireless connectivity comes standard, we found the wired USB connection to be more consistent. Bluetooth compatibility is good, and our vehicle included a wireless charging pad. Don't expect much from the voice activation system, though, as it requires you to adhere to strict prompts.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? With 25.6 cubic feet behind the seats, the Q5 has a maximum storage capacity that is almost perfectly average for the class. Other luxury SUVs in this class, including the Acura RDX (31.1 cubes) and BMW X3 (31.5 cubes), do offer more cargo space. There are a few tie-down points inside but no underfloor storage. Storage for small items inside the cabin is likewise competitive but unremarkable. There's an average-size center console box under the armrest, plus a handy square receptacle ahead of the shift lever that holds your phone at an easily viewable angle.
The Q5 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 4,400 pounds, which is strong for the class. Only a few competitors can match it. For parents, the well-positioned car seat anchor and tether points and roomy back seat make life easier.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The 2025 Audi Q5 45 TFSI gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in combined driving (23 city/28 highway), a good number for the class. We backed that up on our 115-mile standardized evaluation route by getting 27.9 mpg in real-world driving.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Q5 a good value? Build quality is a hallmark of Audi vehicles, and the Q5 is true to the brand. The interior panels exhibit a tight fit throughout the cabin, and there's an interesting mixture of authentic metals, leathers and woods inside. Some competitors do a better job of wowing you with crystals or flashy styling, but the Q5 brings a lot to the table.
Still, we're conflicted about its pricing. There isn't a whole lot that separates the Q5 from the pack, so you're paying top dollar without getting an exceptional product in return. Audi offers basic and powertrain warranties for only four years/50,000 miles, which isn't helping its case.
Wildcard
6.5/10
The Q5's conservative styling is in keeping with this model's past, but it also sets an underwhelming tone that the driving experience doesn't overcome. At their best, Audis feel like they're on the cutting edge of luxury, technology and performance. This Q5 isn't that kind of Audi; it's a safe play in search of standout strengths.
Which Q5 does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the Q5 45 TFSI Premium Plus for the best combination of equipment, performance and value. This version offers quicker acceleration courtesy of the uprated engine, while the Premium Plus model adds desirable features and opens the door to a wider range of options.
2023 Audi Q5 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
We now have 17,000 miles on our new Audi. We've done two trips to Florida and back, and averaged anywhere between 27.5 and 29.5mpg over the two trips.
The seats are comfortable, vision is good all around, the media screen is easy to read, heated steering wheel is a real bonus, and the sound system is great. There is plenty of room for 4 people comfortably, and their luggage. The rear … hatch opens with a slight swing of your foot under the rear bumper. The adaptive cruise control is great, once you figure out how to disable the predictive braking. The console storage compartment is is difficult to use, as the charging station platform blocks access to the storage, unless you remove your drinks from the cupholders, and then slide the charging station forward.
Since I do the majority of the driving on this car, I really appreciated the navigation system's traffic updates, as they were almost as accurate as Google maps were, and I didn't have to bother to connect to my phone each time we got in the car. Although the Audi media system can accept multiple phones being connected to it, unless you are the primary phone, it is very difficult to get your phone connected to the system. My wife would have to shut off her phone, then I could connect to the system.
There is one big surprise coming for all new model Audi owners, though: when your free Sirius/XM/Traffic update subscription expires, you lose access to several perks wrapped up in the Connect App. The biggest for me was the inability to have Sirius activate their Traffic update upgrade to my account, due to Audi restricting access to that function. The only way you can return that function to your Audi is to pay a minimum of $365 per year for the Connect app! So now, for traffic, you either pay that ridiculous fee, or resort to using Carplay again.
The parking assist system is so difficult to control that I finally figured out how to inactivate it, as it was constantly giving us alarms in multiple non-parking situations.
My wife still really likes the car(it's hers), as she isn't as worried about the lack of traffic updates as I am. She likes the feel of the seats, likes that it connects to her phone flawlessly, and feels safe driving it. So, unless we have future mechanical issues with it, we will probably stick with it for the next four to five years.
Update at 27,000 miles: The car is in the shop for a number of issues. I noticed that the Audi was taking a long time to warm up when it is cold outside(about twice as many miles driven before warmup than my Subaru). In addition, the temperature fluctuates over 30 degrees or more after it reaches the actual normal operating temperature.
We have had several black MMI screens over the last year, 3 times when the car was started, and twice while driving it. It does reset each time, but is not safe when it does so while driving using Carplay. The last time it shut down while driving, when we re-activated it, the screen looked like it did when we had the free Audi Connect subscription. That lasted until we shut the car off.
Have had numerous issues with the Adaptive Cruise control un-necessarily slowing the car from set speed, sometimes as much as 15 mph below setpoint. If there is a slope down to a bridge on the interstate, the cruise slows us down 5-10 mph, then speeds back up. The ADC also slows the speed down if there is a semi next to us, or a vehicle towing a trailer, even though those vehicles aren't crowding our lane.
The parking assist has started deciding, on it's own again, that we are trying to park when stopped at lights, and now when we are waiting to pull out into the street from business parking lots. We get all the beeps and tones, and the visual indicators that we are too close to other vehicles, even when there is no vehicle beside us.
So far the dealer has had the car for three days, and is still trying to resolve the problems.
We still really like the Audi, great mileage, comfortable ride, good visibility, and plenty of storage space.
UPDATE: At just under 45,000 miles, we still like our Audi. Comfortable ride, quiet interior, great gas mileage(31-32 highway mpg), but the tech issues still continue. Every time my wife takes the car out of the state, she ends up getting some kind of warning message, or trouble light on the dash. She calls me, and I figure out what the issue is, and it's resolved. The other issue for her is that she has gotten several check engine lights, which clears when she re-installs the gas cap. Yet my code reader didn't show any codes present from the check engine light.
Then we had trouble with the LTE system switching back to the old 3G network. The service tech couldn't fix it, so I sent them an article I found on an Audi owner's forum about how another owner's service tech fixed the problem. Doing what the article said to do fixed the issue. Prior to this info, the tech said our iphones were the problem, when they worked just fine with the MMI, we just kept getting "no network connection" warnings every time we used the car.
On the drive home, no error messages, and the LTE icon indicated full bars of service. But the next day, upon starting the car, multiple error messages about no user being set up, and problems with the MyAudi app.
Took me over an hour to play around with the MMI, having to re-activate the only once used MyAudi app to finally figure out a workaround to get rid of the multiple error messages.
Two days later, we start getting different error messages, all related to no user created. This time, it took almost 90 minutes to resolve the issue.
Now, the check engine light is on again, and doesn't go off by re-tightening the gas cap. The code reader indicates an evaporative issue, so it goes back to the dealer next week.
The service writer admitted, during the LTE issue, that Audi is changing their tech software so fast the techs can't keep up with the changes. He also did admit they see a lot of tech issues in the shop.
While right now, we intend to keep the Audi, it won't take much more tech issues for us to trade it for something else.
I also noticed on the new loaner I got that there is no native navigation any more unless you pay a subscription fee to use it. That may be fine if you live in a metropolitan area with good cell signal around you, but for people like us who live in a rural hilly area, native navigation is a must have.
2023 Q5 Quality issues
1 out of 5 stars
New 2023 Audi Q5, 03/03/2023
2023 Audi Q5 Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
Just days after purchasing my new Q5, the belt started whining at cold start for 10 min. Dealer found faulty alternator. Days after fixed noise back and dealer found faulty belt tensioner. Days after fix brake pedal feels loose. Dealer found faulty brake booster and replaced. Returned and brake pedal is now hard to press at start. Dealer claims normal and will get better. 1 week and no … change in the stiffness, also auto stop/start is not working anymore. Dealer claims it’s normal because it’s cold outside. Not amusing. After insisting to check they find brake booster and other brake components need to be replaced again. Auto stop/start working again “for now”, 25 days without my new car feels like I made a mistake buying this Q5 and now considering options. Audi quality has plummeted.
2023 Q5 S-Line 45 Premium Plus
5 out of 5 stars
Joe M., 10/11/2023
2023 Audi Q5 Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
So far, so good. Traded in our 2018 Acura RDX w Technology package for the Audi. We considered the Lexus RX350 and Genesis GV70. We drove all 3 and honestly, couldn't go wrong with either of these 3 vehicles. The Genesis GV70 was just introduced in 2022 and the Lexus RX350 has a first year engine. I found bad reviews for all 3 vehicles, but considerably more on the Genesis and Lexus. The … Audi handles better, has better build quality, less road noise, and just felt right. I was concerned the S-Line package would handle too firm but it's perfect. I was also concerned that not having navigation, the Genesis and Lexus did, would be problematic but the wireless CarPlay is seamless. Once CarPlay is selected maps is simply displayed. The CarPlay interface with iMessage, Siri, etc. is seamless and much better than navigation. We've owned BMW, GMC, Infiniti, and Acura and those navigation systems were out of date almost immediately. Also love the LED Audi Rings on the door sills. Although premium fuel is necessary for the Q5's turbo engine, as with the Genesis and Lexus, the mileage has been 26 MPG on both tanks so far, and that's primarily city driving. I must also say the Edmunds buying and trade-in tools were priceless. Our preferred local Audi dealer wasn't willing to budge, even with Edmund's pricing tools. The dealer in town actually beat Edmund's pricing tools on both the sale, as well as the trade. Not to mention the Audi $4K and Costco $1K incentives. I highly recommend the 2023 Q5 S-line 45. 5,000 mile update - After 7 months and 5,000 niles we're still happy with the Q5. We did bring it into the dealer last week as we thought the "pre-sense" function was broke. Twice in 2 days, the vehicle sensed a pending accident and the seat belt pretensions came on as did heavy automatic breaking. We learned the "pre-sense" function is owner adjustable through the MMI. There's 3 settings or you can turn it off. We simply made it less sensitive and all good, for the time being. Performance, handling, and field economy are still great.
I wouldn't wish this car on my worst enemy.
1 out of 5 stars
Erika, 03/27/2023
2023 Audi Q5 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I wouldn't wish this car or Audi's "service" on my worst enemy. I'll start by saying that this is the third brand new Q5 I have purchased in 5 or so years. I obviously like them, how they drive, heck, even the previous service I received. One protected me heavily from a bad wreck. ALL of those previous feelings are erased by what a nightmare the 2023 is.
With 300 miles on it, the car … experienced a full system failure while driving. Every warning light came on denoting failure of each system - brakes, steering, stabilization, you name it, it was failing. Once the car restarted, it seemed "fine" but I reported the failure to the dealership. They were unconcerned. The car has repeated this failure like clockwork every 3-400 miles, now with 2000 miles on it. The dealership has been alerted each time with the car now having spent over a month in their possession with NO apologies and NO answers. I have been treated like an idiot and like they're doing me a HUGE favor by looking at my brand new screwed up, unsafe car. I was told I'm actually "lucky" because there are '23 q5s whose engines explode on the test drives. Sure, I feel SO lucky.
After repeated garbage treatments by the dealership (mind you, all three q5s purchased here), I finally filed a corporate dealer complaint and moved to a new dealer. Car's problems continue to escalate, now with pre-sense system failures as well as complete brake failures becoming more frequent. I do not feel safe driving this car. If I had a child, I would absolutely not put a child in this car. It is a matter of time before these cars kill someone with a full history of complaints.
Purchase ANY OTHER BRAND than Audi. These cars are a KNOWN SAFETY RISK and the brand is doing absolutely nothing to fix them or right the problems.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Audi Q5, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q5 since its last redesign.
The Q5 SUV is Audi's bread and butter. So when it came time to overhaul this compact crossover, the directive was clear: Don't screw it up. That's why the 2025 Audi Q5, which is expected to arrive in the U.S. in Q2 2025, is all about evolution, not revolution. It's not a mega overhaul, but it really doesn't need to be.
New design
The new Q5's styling is inoffensive, to say the least, wearing Audi's latest design language well. Visually, this crossover is more closely related to the A5 sedan than it is the Q6 crossover, which is a good thing; the Q6's split headlight design is still a bit fussy, and this look is much cleaner overall. We dig the tidy clamshell hood and simple streamlined taillight design around back. We also like that Audi will let you customize the daytime running light signatures of its LED lighting. It's just a shame we don't get the many awesome dynamic lighting options available to customers in Europe and other markets. Remember: It's not Audi's fault; it's our dumb federal hurdles.
Anyway, other neat details for the 2025 Q5 include real, legit exhaust tips — Audi's been burned by that before — as well as a neat center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) that projects onto the rear window. Silver or black trim is available depending on whether or not you get the S Line or Black Optic packages. Overall, we like what we see.
Tech-forward cabin
Much like the A5 sedan (err, hatchback), open the door to the Q5 and you're immediately struck by screens. Every Q5 comes with an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster and a 14.5-inch central infotainment screen, and there's the option to add in a 10.9-inch passenger display, so whoever's riding shotgun doesn't feel left out.
This mess of screens runs Audi's latest MMI software interface, which also includes a natural-speech AI assistant powered by ChatGPT. Don't worry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still along for the ride if you'd prefer to keep it simple. And there are a number of built-in and downloadable apps so you can make the whole infotainment interface your own.
The rest of the cabin? It's typical Q5 stuff. You'll find USB-C ports up front to keep devices charged, a large panel on the driver's door to control the windows and mirrors, a weird gear shifter, and rear seats that can easily accommodate kids of all sizes or average adults. The back seats fold flat, too; this is a crossover, after all.
Turbo power and all-wheel drive
While Audi will treat the rest of the world to hybrid and diesel powertrain options, we won't be so lucky. In fact, official U.S. specs aren't yet available; Audi just says we'll get a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 268 horsepower and Quattro all-wheel drive.
We'll have those final details — as well as fuel economy, pricing and more — closer to the Q5's on-sale date at the end of next spring.
Note too that the current second-generation Q5 will remain on sale until then. Confusingly, it will also be called the 2025 Audi Q5, with the new one simply replacing the old one at some point during the model year.
FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Q5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Q5 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Q5 ranges from 25.6 to 25.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi Q5. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Audi Q5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Audi Q5:
A fully redesigned Q5 will launch later in the 2025 model year
Several trim levels for the current Q5 are enhanced with more standard equipment
New Convenience Plus package for Q5 Premium models
Redesigned third-generation Q5 goes on sale in mid-2025
The current second-gen model will remain on sale until then
To determine whether the Audi Q5 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Q5. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Q5's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Audi Q5 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Audi Q5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Q5 and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Q5 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Q5 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi Q5?
The least-expensive 2025 Audi Q5 is the 2025 Audi Q5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,400.
Other versions include:
Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $45,400
Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $48,800
Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $51,100
Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $53,900
Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $54,700
Prestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $57,100
Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) which starts at $58,500
Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) which starts at $63,300
Prestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) which starts at $66,700
If you're interested in the Audi Q5, the next question is, which Q5 model is right for you? Q5 variants include Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM), Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM). For a full list of Q5 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more