2020 Audi Q5 Review

　　

2020 Audi Q5 Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　In the span of just a decade, the Audi Q5 has gone from an unassuming little crossover SUV to Audi's sales leader. In fact, so successful was the original design that Audi has overhauled the Q5 only once in its lifetime. The newest version, introduced in 2018, has continued the Q5's upward trajectory and remains one of our favorites in a competitive segment.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi Q5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$191/mo  for Q5 Premium

　　Q5 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $43,300 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $52,900 MSRPPremium Titanium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $48,000 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $49,950 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $56,600 MSRPPremium Plus Titanium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $51,350 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $53,700 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $60,350 MSRPPrestige Titanium 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $55,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　We like the compact dimensions of the Q5 and the ease with which passengers can get in and out of it, even in tight parking spots. And with its quality materials and clean design, the interior continues to impress us as well. Other advantages include advanced but easy-to-use technology features and smooth road manners.

　　But other manufacturers are honing their small luxury crossovers. BMW's X3 and Mercedes-Benz's GLC, for example, offer similar levels of refinement yet more cargo space. The Q5 also comes up short on power upgrades — a four-cylinder engine is the only thing offered — though Audi would likely note that you can get the related SQ5 if you want more performance. Overall, the popular Q5 strikes a pleasing and satisfying balance of luxury and comfort.

　　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.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Q5 drive? Our test Q5 covered 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, an average time for a small luxury crossover SUV. The braking power is also solid, and the pedal is easy to modulate in typical driving. Handling is secure, though the stability control system can be overly intrusive at times, diminishing your level of fun.

　　The best part about the Q5 is its great balance of performance and drivability. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts quickly and smoothly, and it feels well-tuned for the engine. And because of the Q5's relatively compact size, it's easy to squeeze into small parking spots.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Q5? The Audi Q5 does well on every comfort metric. Like most of the cars in the class, it's easy to drive for many hours at a time. The seats are firm but well shaped for hours of comfortable touring. The leather upholstery breathes reasonably well, but on hot days you'll want the ventilated seats that are available on the top trim level. The rear seats lack a little thigh support for the average adult.

　　Low levels of interior noise add to the comfort. Road noise is muted to barely noticeable levels, and wind noise is essentially absent at highway speeds. The engine is also appropriately quiet, but it doesn't sound that great under hard acceleration.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Q5's interior design continues to impress us. The design is minimal and tidy, and the smart use of multipurpose switches and knobs reduces the clutter of buttons found in rivals.

　　Even though the Q5 isn't a big vehicle, it feels big inside. Headroom and lateral space in front and back are generous, and there's plenty of legroom for adults in the rear seats. Visibility is also quite good. This is one of the few SUVs that doesn't require constant monitoring of the backup camera when you're maneuvering in tight spaces.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Audi's technology features are refreshingly easy to use. The doubling up of functions for switches, buttons and knobs keeps the cabin from getting cluttered with controls. The MMI infotainment system remains one of the best in the industry thanks to a simple layout and intuitive menus. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only adds to the tech flexibility, although we'd prefer a touchscreen interface for these applications.

　　Most of the Q5's driver aids work well, but the stability control system is unusually sensitive. If the Q5 is driven with vigor, the system will kick in aggressively when cornering by activating the brakes at specific wheels. Most drivers will never corner with this kind of speed, but it could occur in emergency swerves.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Q5's cargo capacity is typical for the class. Plenty of hooks and nets keep smaller objects in place, and a track-based anchor system handles the bigger stuff. A power liftgate is standard across the lineup. The rear seats don't fold completely flat with the cargo floor.

　　The door pockets and the center armrest bin are adequately sized for personal items, and a handy narrow slot keeps your phone secure. The cupholders are placed in front of the armrest, which might impede use of the infotainment system.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is marginally better than the four-cylinder AWD competition. On our mixed-driving 115-mile evaluation route, we achieved an impressive 28.1 mpg.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Q5 a good value? The Audi Q5 is priced in lockstep with the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Audi gets a slight advantage for the consistently good interior, sturdy assembly and impeccable materials on all trim levels. Warranty coverage is average for a luxury automaker.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　We have high expectations in the luxury SUV class and the Audi Q5 meets or exceeds them. The Q5 is classy, modern and sophisticated inside and out. It's somewhat understated in the class and that's a good thing. Overall, it simply feels well built and special, giving the driver and passengers a premium luxury experience.

　　

Which Q5 does zzdcar recommend?

Of the three available trim levels, we like the middle ground Premium Plus. It comes with some appealing luxury and technology features that you can't get on the base model. It also gives you access to more features you might want, offering many of the features from the top-level Prestige as options.

　　

2020 Audi Q5 models

The 2020 Audi Q5 is available in one of three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Moving through the trim levels brings more standard features as well as select option packages.

　　Powering the standard Q5 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque). A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are also standard. There's also a new addition for 2020, the Q5 PHEV, which is a plug-in hybrid version of the Q5. It still has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine but the hybrid components boost power (349 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque) and fuel economy. The PHEV gets an estimated 20 miles of all-electric driving.

　　The entry-level Premium looks similar to the other trim levels and comes standard with leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration among other features. You also get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　Stepping up to the Premium Plus brings upgrades such as bigger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, more driver safety features and Audi's Virtual Cockpit instrument panel. Want a fully loaded Q5? The Prestige trim throws in even more driver aids, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a premium sound system.

　　Many of the Prestige's extra features are optional on the Premium Plus. For options, the Black Optic, Warm Weather and Cold Weather packages are the main ones to look out for.

　　

2020 Q5 Highlights

Type: SUVPlug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: PremiumPremium TitaniumPremium PlusPremium Plus TitaniumPrestigePrestige TitaniumPremium

　　

Base MSRP	$43,300
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$191/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles