High-quality interior; new look; engine; chassis; availability of new tech
No hybrid version (yet); only the top trim is eligible for driver-assistance features; options are pricey
Everything except for the name. This is the first model year of a second generation.
At least the Premium Plus has blind spot monitoring, making this trim level the most reasonable choice. We like the Virtual Cockpit, as well, so that goes on our options wish list.
The 2018 Audi Q5 luxury compact 5-seater crossover is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
The Premium ($42,475) has 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminum roof rails, fog lights, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, heated side mirrors, heated windshield-washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, a powered tailgate, leather upholstery, wood inlays, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, a self-dimming rearview mirror with a compass, push-button start, selectable driving modes (adjusting steering, transmission and throttle responses), leather seating surfaces, tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient LED cabin lighting, slide/recline rear seats with 40/20/40 split and fold, a rearview camera, a garage door opener, forward-collision mitigation, Bluetooth and Audi's MMI infotainment system with a 7-in display, voice control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, 10 speakers, a CD player, two USB ports, two SD card slots and HD Radio.
The Premium Plus ($46,475) brings full LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, heated front seats with driver's-side memory settings, a hands-free tailgate release, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rearward-collision mitigation, parking sensors front and rear, Wi-Fi and satellite radio.
The Prestige ($51,775) comes with the Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-in configurable driver information screen replacing the usual instrument cluster. Plus a head-up display, dual-pane acoustic glass for the front-side windows, 20-in alloy wheels, simulated leather on the center console and door armrests, a top-view camera system, a 19-speaker 755-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation with handwriting recognition and an 8.3-in screen.
Several features in the higher trims are available as options lower in the order, including the upgraded MMI system. Other extras include ventilated front seats, rear-side window sunshades and a heated steering wheel.
The Prestige trim is eligible for a package of driver-assistance features that includes adaptive cruise control with stop/go and traffic-jam assist, active lane keeping, automatic high beams and road-sign recognition. An adaptive suspension is also available for this trim level.
Maximum cargo space is 60.4 cu ft. With the rear seats up, luggage area is 26.8 cu ft.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 2.0 TFSI Premium | $41,500 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 252 | 23 / 27 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Q5 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus | $41,500 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 252 | 23 / 27 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Q5 2.0 TFSI Prestige | $41,500 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 252 | 23 / 27 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Q5 2.0 TFSI Tech Premium | $44,100 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 252 | 23 / 27 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Q5 2.0 TFSI Tech Premium Plus | $44,100 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 252 | 23 / 27 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Q5 2.0 TFSI Tech Prestige | $44,100 / N/A | 4 Cylinder Turbo | 252 | 23 / 27 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
The Q5 features standard stability control, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and six airbags (front, front side, full-length side curtain). Rear-side airbags are optional.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the new Q5 a maximum overall score of five stars, including five stars for front-impact protection and five stars in side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Q5 its highest rating of Good in every major category and named it a Top Safety Pick.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 12 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Maintenance | 1 Years/10,000 Miles |
2018 Acura RDX -- There's no shortage of great contenders in this class, and the RDX is a perfect example. Offers a lot of equipment for the price.
2018 BMW X3 -- Like the Q5, the X3 is all-new for 2018. Athletic, offers a choice of great engines and the quality of its interior is on level with the Audi.
2018 Jaguar F-Pace -- Aluminum-intensive construction, superb suspension, plenty of space and offers a 340-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6.
2018 Lexus NX -- As usual with Lexus, the NX has great build quality, decent equipment levels, strong resale values and tepid driving dynamics.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 -- Spacious, well stocked and luxurious.
2018 Volvo XC60 -- Another all-new contender for 2018 with its own special style and a lot of standard-issue safety equipment.
Used BMW X5 -- For something a little bigger, a certified pre-owned (CPO) X5 could work. The X5 handles superbly and depreciation makes it accessible to a buyer considering a new Q5.
Audi, like other car companies, continues to refine and perfect its Level 2 driving assistance syste...
