Name: Audi Q5 (2017 to 2024) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi Q5
Rating: 53.0

Summary

The Audi Q5 is a mid-sized SUV, which sits between the smaller Q3 and larger Q7 in the Audi SUV family. This was the second-generation model, which arrived in the UK in early 2017 and remained on sale until late 2024. Size-wise, it was similar to the Audi A4 Avant (estate) of the same generation (2016 to 2024).

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

The Audi Q5 generally received reasonable scores from the UK motoring media throughout its production life, although the regular SUV tended to score better than the Q5 Sportback version. It received particular praise for its engineering, refinement and interior quality. However, it was not considered the best car to drive in this class, and many useful features were only available as expensive options.

An updated model arrived in the UK in the second half of 2020, with minor visual differences and trim updates. This generation was discontinued in late 2024 to make way for the all-new third-generation model.

As of January 2025, the Audi Q5 has a Used Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 53%, which is better than its Used Car Expert Rating score of E (just 50%). It’s let down by a now-expired Euro NCAP safety rating, historically poor reliability data and high running costs.

More Audi Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV and Coupé SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £48,850 on-road

Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replaced: Winter 2024/25

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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)
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
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 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.”
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 review
Score: 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 Competition
Score: 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 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
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 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.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 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 SE
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s most popular SUV just got better.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Top Gear+

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

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: March 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

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

Notes on safety rating

The Audi Q5 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2024 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Q5 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Audi Q5 was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 308
Average repair cost: £1001.00
Last updated: October 2024

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 38% as of October 2024, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert 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 about £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.

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	32 mpg	E	31 – 41 mpg	D – E
Diesel models	42 mpg	D	33 – 48 mpg	C – E
Plug-in hybrid models	164 mpg	A	31 – 188 mpg	A – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	200 g/km	D	156 – 208 g/km	B – D
Diesel models	177 g/km	C	156 – 224 g/km	B – D
Plug-in hybrid models	39 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	42	D	31 – 50	C – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£305	C
Year 2	£818	C
Year 3	£1,359	C
Year 4	£1,687	C
Year 5	£2,198	C
Overall	£6,367	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.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi Q5

Aug 2022

Jun 2022

Feb 2022

Jun 2021

Sep 2020

Jun 2020

Mar 2020

Oct 2019

Jul 2019

Apr 2019

Jun 2018

Feb 2018

Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/291
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 2
Defect: The inner and outer sheet metal components of the rear lid may not have been joined together sufficiently well in the manufacturing process.
Remedy: Replace the rear lid of the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2022
Recall number: R/2022/169
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2022 to 02/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 109
Defect: On a small number of vehicles manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the engine control units were fitted with semiconductor components which do not meet the specifications.
Remedy: The engine control unit must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,327
Defect: Following a previous campaign, the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may, in certain circumstances, incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Remedy: The wheel alignment must be checked and, if necessary, the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2022/236
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 10,089
Defect: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Remedy: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles. be checked and, if necessary, the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

Date: September 2020
Recall number: R/2020/260
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 54
Defect: The gap on the adjusting mechanism for the backrest may be faulty on individual front seats.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles, the backrests of the front seats are to be checked and replaced, if necessary.

Date: June 2020
Recall number: R/2020/138
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2017 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 34,982
Defect: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Remedy: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/115
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 380
Defect: There may be increased pedal travel as a result of production tolerances.
Remedy: The brake calliper housing (with actuator motor) must be replaced on the vehicles affected.

Date: October 2019
Recall number: R/2019/363
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2016 to 10/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 36,971
Defect: The collar of the wheel arch cover could become detached.
Remedy: Secure the wheel arch cover with 2 modified clips.

Date: July 2019
Recall number: R/2019/233
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2016 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 5,605
Defect: It is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail.
Remedy: The wheel arch covers on the affected vehicles must be fixed in place.

Date: July 2019
Recall number: R/2019/225
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2016 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 23,295
Defect: It is possible that the latching connection on the wheel housing liner may fail.
Remedy: The wheel arch covers on the affected vehicles must be fixed in place with an additional bolt.

Date: April 2019
Recall number: R/2019/126
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2018 to 11/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1,059
Defect: It is possible that the brake master cylinder may not meet the specifications.
Remedy: The brake master cylinder on the affected vehicles must be checked and replaced if necessary.

Date: June 2018
Recall number: R/2018/161
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2018 to 04/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 606
Defect: The rear brake pistons may have been coated incorrectly, potentially causing the brake pedal travel to increase under braking and the effectiveness of the rear brakes to be reduced. Gas bubbles may form in the hydraulic system on the rear brake circuit under certain conditions as a function of temperature and time. In the event of a fault, only the rear brake circuit will be affected. As a result, the vehicle may take significantly longer to stop.
Remedy: The rear brake hydraulic system (rear left and rear right brake calipers) must be bled on the affected vehicles.

Date: February 2018
Recall number: R/2018/043
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2017 to 07/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 60
Defect: The weld joint that joins the central tube for the dash panel to the chute may be defective. The result could be damage to the passenger airbag potentially reducing the airbag’s protective capabilities.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the dashboard with a quality assured unit.

As of December 2024, there have been 13 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on this generation of the Audi Q5, addressing various different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Q5, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.