2024 Audi Q5

There’s a point where several contenders in a class are great, and making the choice is often a matter of taste. That’s the situation with the Audi Q5, its German rivals, the Volvo XC60, and the Genesis GV70. The Q5 has that special Audi styling, along with cool tech and agreeable road manners. It combines many of the attributes required by discerning buyers. That’s why it’s one of the best-selling compact luxury SUVs and Audi’s most successful model.

A heated steering wheel with hands-on detection becomes standard across the range. A remote start function is added to all variants except for the plug-in hybrid — this addresses one of the few complaints mentioned in our consumer reviews. At the Premium Plus level, new Q5 models with the Navigation package (standard in Prestige versions) also gain a 6-month subscription to Audi Connect Plus, bringing various apps into the SUV. A Black Optic package is offered with the Premium Plus and Prestige trims of the 40 TSFI vehicles. Q5 45 TSFI variants gain sport front seats, and an enhanced Black Optic package is available on all Q5 models with the 45 TSFI drivetrain and above. This generation Q5 launched for the 2018 model year. A new version might debut as a 2025 model.

For some fiscal context, the Lexus NX and Lincoln Corsair start more in the $40K region. The Genesis GV70, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Acura RDX, and Volvo XC60 begin in the mid-40s. The BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC start in the high 40s. The Porsche Macan kicks off at $61K.

Before buying a new Q5 luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values hover just below the class average, but the rarer Sportback models fare better than their more conventional kin. Remember, recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The 40 TSFI endows, if that’s the right word, the Q5 with 201 horsepower. Attempt to sprint from standstill to 60 mph, and it will take almost seven seconds. That’s quicker than many Q5 buyers will ever need to push it, but pulse rates will remain steady. The next-up 45 TSFI is the most popular drivetrain among buyers of this most popular Audi, generating a livelier 261 horsepower and able to zip to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. That’s where SUVs like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70 start. The 55 TSFI plug-in hybrid adds electrons into the mix to shave 0.7 of a second from that time while also achieving decent fuel economy figures.

Whereas the BMW X3 has a definite driver’s edge and the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a comfortable sophistication, the Audi Q5 sits somewhere in between. Depending on an individual’s taste, that could be the best of both worlds or a missed opportunity. We like it. The top two trims of the 55 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid offer an optional adaptive air suspension to flit between greater suppleness or finer control. Alternatively, the SQ5 has its own suspension setup more firmly in the sport arena. Speaking of which, this is really the driver’s choice. We’ve found the regular Q5 to be pleasant and comfortable, not at all fatiguing in the city or on the highway. But the fun factor missing there is all present and correct in the SQ5. If you’re interested, the 60-mph dash happens in 4.7 seconds.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the Audi Q5.

Fuel Economy

The Q5 with the 40 TSFI drivetrain achieves 26 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. The popular 45 TSFI returns 24 mpg combined, about the same as the equivalent BMW X3 and Genesis GV70 models. The 55 TSFI plug-in hybrid can travel 28 miles on electricity alone, after which it operates like a traditional gas-electric hybrid that returns 26 combined mpg. Regardless of body style, SQ5 models achieve 21 mpg combined.

An Audi cabin invariably demonstrates how ergonomics and design flair can work hand in glove. The Q5’s interior is a fine example. A streamlined dashboard of high-quality materials plays host to a freestanding 10.1-inch infotainment display. Leather upholstery and wood trim are fitted right from the entry-level Premium trim. The SQ5 version comes with carbon-fiber inlays. The seats might seem a tad firm at first, but they become consistently comfortable and supportive traveling companions after a little time. Occupant space is perfectly adequate for four adults, and there’s always that smaller rear middle seat if necessary. Rear legroom of 38 inches is excellent for the class. Cargo space goes from 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 54 cubic feet with them folded down. Far from class-leading, but still useful. Consider the BMW X3 or Genesis GV70 if this is a deal-breaker. There’s no compromise in roominess with the plug-in hybrid variant.

Buyers of a new Q5 can choose between the usual SUV shape and a sleek Sportback shape. It’s the same kind of thing as the BMW X3 and X4, as well as the SUV and Coupe versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Either way, the Q5 embodies Audi’s distinctive and, in our opinion, distinguished design language. This year sees a color change, with Arkona White replacing Ibis White. The Q5 range also offers Black Optic packages that, naturally, offer exterior elements finished in black — but red-painted brake calipers offset these.

All-wheel drive
The reassurance of all-wheel drive is a standard attribute in every Q5 and SQ5.

Virtual Cockpit Plus
Audi was one of the first marques to replace the usual driver instrument cluster with a user-friendly configurable digital display, showing things like navigation, as well as typical functions like temperature and fuel tank readouts. This is standard from the Premium Plus level.

Bang & Olufsen audio
We’re big fans of Bang & Olufsen’s stuff, and the setup offered in the Q5 is loud and clear, with 755 watts going through 19 speakers. It’s standard in the Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

Sportback
It’s good to have the choice between a conventional SUV body and this sleeker Sportback version. Sure, there’s a tradeoff between rear headroom and cargo space, but some people will be happy to make that deal.

Matrix-design LED headlights
These come with the Prestige trim, providing great illumination for the driver, yet they can also adjust themselves automatically to prevent dazzling other road users.

Park Assist
Even though the Q5 is classified as a compact SUV, it’s still good to have some help when parking. This feature is part of the Prestige trim and can maneuver the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. The driver just has to concentrate on shifting gears and applying the throttle or brake pedal.

Here’s what TFSI means. The T stands for turbo — every 2024 Q5 and SQ5 engine has a turbocharger. The FSI means fuel stratified injection, also known as direct fuel injection. It’s all in the service of greater fuel efficiency, extracting the most energy from every drop of gasoline. The 40 TSFI drivetrain has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, making 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 45 TSFI boosts that engine’s output to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 55 TSFI is a plug-in hybrid setup, pairing an electric motor with its 2.0-liter engine to make a total of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. These all link up to a 7-speed automatic transmission. SQ5 models have a 3.0-liter V6, developing 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which links to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across the Q5/SQ5 lineup.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s par for the course among European luxury marques.

Safety Ratings

This generation of Audi Q5 has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), its second-highest accolade. It also took a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.