Name: Audi Q5 (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi Q5
Rating: 69

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).

In summer 2021, the Q5 SUV and was joined by the Q5 Sportback, which is a ‘coupé SUV’. The Q5 Sportback offers slightly less rear headroom and boot space in return for a slightly sleeker, liftback-style tailgate.

The Audi Q5 has generally received very good scores from the UK motoring media. As of September 2023, it has an Expert Rating of 69%, based on 41 different reviews for both the regular and Sportback versions. This score is similar to rivals like the BMW X3 but a few points behind the Volvo XC60 and 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 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.

More Audi ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV and Coupé SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £46,650 on-road

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

Image gallery

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 line
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S line
Score: 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.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q5 is refined and comfortable, but other SUV rivals offer a bit more involvement and agility.”
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Model reviewed: 40 TDI 2021
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 55 TFSI e
Score: 8 / 10
“Fast, practical, quiet, efficient, comfortable, cheap to run, and just as sumptuous as you expect.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: Sportback 40 TDI 2021
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic SQ5 Sportback
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 55 TFSIe quattro
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Like the old Audi Q5, but with additional class, dynamism and polish.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic SQ5
Score: 8 / 10
“High-performance soft-roader adopts new sporty V6 diesel mild-hybrid power, cutting emissions and saving fuel.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 55 TFSIe Hybrid
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic SQ5
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic S line
Score: 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.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 45 TFSI Sportback
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e
Score: 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.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Audi Q5 does many things well in its fight against the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Jaguar F-Pace.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: SQ5
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Electrifying.com+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI
Score: 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.”
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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.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Lighter Audi Q5 shrugs off dowdy driving experience of big-selling compact SUV.”
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Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: petrol plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e S line Competition
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro offers performance, economy, practicality, all-wheel drive and quality – but at a price.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S line
Score: 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.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: SUV range
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: Q5 Sportback range
Score: 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.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Second-generation Q5 is hard to fault”
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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.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SE
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s most popular SUV just got better.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic SQ5 SportbackVorsprung
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 45 TFSI S line Sportback
Score: 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.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Sport
Score: 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.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Very popular and with good reason – the Audi Q5 is a very well-rounded thing.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 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.”
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Which?+

Model reviewed: Range review
“No question, the Audi Q5 has proper premium-car feel. It’s superbly well made, has one of the best cabins in its class and is available with lots of cutting-edge technology (even if much of it is optional). It’s safe to drive and very practical too. It’s a great all-rounder – provided you can live with its relative thirst for fuel.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 58%

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of September 2023, the Audi Q5 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP.

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

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 136
Average repair cost: £967.55
Last updated: January 2023

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi Q5 has a poor reliability score of just 34% as of January 2023, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Q5 and the original (pre-2017) version.

In addition to a poor reliability score, the average repair bill for the Q5 is almost £1,000. That’s obviously a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is well worth keeping in mind if you own an Audi Q5 or are looking for a used one.

A large number of all reported problems with the Q5 relate to its electrical system, with an average repair bill of almost £700. Of more concern are the number of gearbox problems, which are much more expensive to repair with an average bill of nearly £2,400. Engine repair bills are also expensive.

If you’re looking at a used Audi Q5, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	33 mpg	E	31 – 34 mpg	D – E
Diesel models	41 mpg	D	33 – 45 mpg	C – E
Plug-in hybrid models	167 mpg	A	31 – 188 mpg	A – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	196 g/km	D	189 – 208 g/km	C – D
Diesel models	181 g/km	C	165 – 224 g/km	C – D
Plug-in hybrid models	38 g/km	A	35 – 61 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	37 miles	D	35 – 39 miles	D – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	41	D	31 – 50	C – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£291	C
Year 2	£789	C
Year 3	£1,304	C
Year 4	£1,599	C
Year 5	£2,101	C
Overall	£6,084	C

Running costs for the Audi Q5 range are a mixed bag, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy is poor for petrol models but better for diesel-engined versions, though still rather disappointing. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 167 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…

The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is a bit weak when compared to class-leading rivals, with around 37 miles of real-world electric-only driving. It means that most households could do some of their weekly driving without using any petrol, but not all without consistently recharging.

Compared to the rest of the mid-sized SUV sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are pretty average. Insurance costs likely to be a bit higher than the average car, though, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.