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Audi Q5

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Expert Rating

Audi Q5

(2017 - present)

    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.

    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


    Media reviews


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

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Autocar

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    Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Company Car Today

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    Electrifying.com

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    Eurekar

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    Evo

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Motoring Research

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which?

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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

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    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

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

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

    Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models33 mpgE31 – 34 mpgD – E
    Diesel models41 mpgD33 – 45 mpgC – E
    Plug-in hybrid models167 mpgA31 – 188 mpgA – E
    CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models196 g/kmD189 – 208 g/kmC – D
    Diesel models181 g/kmC165 – 224 g/kmC – D
    Plug-in hybrid models38 g/kmA35 – 61 g/kmA – A
    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    Plug-in hybrid models37 milesD35 – 39 milesD – E
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models41D31 – 50C – F
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£291C
    Year 2£789C
    Year 3£1,304C
    Year 4£1,599C
    Year 5£2,101C
    Overall£6,084C

    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.

    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

    Alfa Romeo Stelvio | BMW X3 | BMW X4DS 7 Crossback | Genesis GV70 | Jaguar F-PaceLexus NX | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Porsche Macan | Range Rover Velar | Volkswagen Tiguan | Volvo XC60

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    The Audi Q5 has generally received very good scores from the UK motoring media, with praise for its comfort and build quality.Audi Q5