AudiQ5

　　

2024 Audi Q5 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　, rating written byCameron RogersDirector of Content Strategy

　　Josh Sadlier has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Josh is director of content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autotrader and Automobile. Under his stewardship, zzdcar' own 1989 Yugo GVL won first place at the Concours d'Lemons, taking home a jar of borscht, a can of beets, a cutting board and a pint of VIP vodka.

　　The 2024 Audi Q5's handsome exterior styling, multiple powertrain options, and wealth of standard features (including all-wheel drive) help it stand out in the crowded and highly competitive compact luxury SUV class. Sitting in the center of Audi's crossover lineup, the Q5 offers greater practicality than the pint-sized Q3 and easier maneuverability than the larger — and much more expensive — seven-passenger Q7. Last redesigned in 2018, the current-generation Q5 is an oldie but a goodie.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$149/mo  for Q5 Premium

　　Q5 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $44,600 MSRPPremium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $47,500 MSRPPremium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $57,800 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $49,400 MSRPPremium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $52,300 MSRPPremium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $61,700 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $54,900 MSRPPrestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $57,400 MSRPPrestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $67,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: No killer apps

A killer app is the one feature or product that single-handedly sells an entire system or platform. Think of Game of Thrones for HBO, Halo for the Xbox, or the sense of suspended morality for Las Vegas. The Audi Q5 doesn't really offer anything that you can't get in another competing small luxury SUV (though we will admit that plug-in hybrids aren't terribly common in this class). Its value game is pretty strong on lower trims, but you won't notice if price isn't a major concern.

　　

Competitors to consider

While the Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been a force to be reckoned with, 2023's full redesign cemented its status near the top of this class. And don't count out the Genesis GV70; it burst onto the scene just a couple years ago and blends the best aspects of the German competition with an attractive starting price.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　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.

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