The 2009 Audi Q5 is aimed at the sweet spot between the sporty A3 hatchback and stylish A4 Avant wagon and the larger 7-passenger Q7 SUV. Think of the Q5 as a taller version of the A4, sharing the same 110.5-inch wheelbase, 265-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine and quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). It carries five passengers and 29.1 cu ft. of cargo, up to 57.3 cu ft. with the split-folding bench rear seat, which also reclines and slides fore and aft when folded down.
This premium compact crossover SUV offers a tastefully designed cabin with comfortable seats, tactile controls and exceptional fit, finish and materials quality. Its ride and handling are among the best in the segment, and standard all-wheel drive provides secure traction in all road and weather conditions. The optional Audi drive select system allows the driver to tailor throttle response, transmission shifts, steering response and shock-absorber damping to Dynamic, Comfort or Winter modes or adjust each individually.
The Audi Q5 is a good used-car choice for buyers looking for some style and driving enjoyment in a 5-passenger, all-weather active lifestyle machine.
What We Like
Audi fit and finish; luxurious cabin; robust acceleration, quattro AWD; sliding rear seat; sporty ride and handling; good crash scores; solid feel; comfortable front seats
What We Don’t
Below-par cargo space; somewhat touchy Audi MMI infotainment interface; likes premium fuel
Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
The 2009 Q5 uses a direct-injected 3.2-liter 24-valve double-overhead-camshaft V6. It produces 265 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended but not required. A tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission and legendary quattro all-wheel drive are standard. The Q5 is Environmental Protection Agency-rated at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The maximum tow rating is a generous 4,400 pounds.
Standard Features & Options
The 2009 Audi Q5 is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
The Premium’s standard equipment includes 18-in alloy wheels, leather seat trim, power front seats, driver’s-seat adjustable lumbar, walnut wood interior trim, fog lamps, 3-zone automatic climate control, auto headlamps, cruise control, a leather-wrapped shift lever, a tilt-telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, a sliding split fold-flat rear bench seat, rain-sensing wipers, a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with steering-wheel audio controls and a multimedia interface, a trip computer, an aluminum roof rack, stability and traction control, an anti-lock brake system, dual front- and side-impact airbags, overhead airbags and power locks, windows and heated side mirrors.
The Premium Plus trim upgrades to 18-in alloy wheels, the Bluetooth phone and audio interface, the HomeLink system, xenon self-leveling headlamps, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, driver’s-seat memory, a power lift gate, auto-dimming mirrors and headlamp washers.
Moving up to the Prestige nets the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, parking assist, a rear camera, a navigation system, rear-door sunshades, Audi’s thermo cup holder, S-line exterior trim and Audi connect emergency notification.
Key options include the Audi drive select system, up-level leather interior trim, ventilated front seats, sport seats, rear-side airbags, adaptive damping and 20-in alloy wheels.
Pricing
The 5-passenger Audi Q5 has become the best-selling Audi model, car or SUV. Therefore, the availability and selection of used examples should be good. Because the cost of maintenance and repair for European vehicles tends to run higher than most, expect to pay a significant premium for lower-mileage used Q5s.
For a good idea of the 2009 Q5’s price range, investigate the Kelley Blue Book used-car values at KBB.com. Also, search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what models are for sale in your area.
Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the following recall for the 2009 Q5:
The windshield pillar trim may come loose when the overhead airbags deploy in a crash, risking injury to interior occupants.
Recall repairs are required by law, even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed and, if not, will fix the car at no charge to you.
Safety Ratings & Warranties
NHTSA issued the 2009 Q5 a 5-star rating in frontal and side impacts and four stars for rollover performance.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 2009 Q5 as a Top Safety Pick, with Good ratings for moderate-overlap front and side impacts, roof strength, head restraints and seats.
Audi of America sold the 2009 Q5 with 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties and a 12-year/unlimited-distance corrosion-perforation warranty.
The 2009 Q5 is too old to qualify for Audi’s certified pre-owned program, but for reference, Audi certified pre-owned vehicles must be less than 5 years old and have no more than 60,000 miles on the odometer. Every certified pre-owned Audi Q5 undergoes a 300-point inspection. Those that pass receive a 2-year/50,000-mile limited warranty (it does not cover audio or navigation systems), which takes effect when the original new-car warranty expires. Also included is a Carfax vehicle-history report and 24-hour roadside assistance. If you want a certified Q5, consider a newer model.
Other Cars to Consider
2009 BMW X3 — This is the 3 Series of small SUVs, with good handling and a strong yet buttery-smooth 260-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (however, it’ll be a bumpy ride over less-than-smooth roads). Rear-seat space is limited, but the cargo hold is roomy for the class. Both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions are offered. All-wheel drive is standard.
2009 Lexus RX 350 — The Lexus RX was the first of the car-based luxury crossover SUVs and continues to be a strong seller. With a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6, the RX 350 has peppy performance, but a smooth ride comes at the expense of handling precision. Cabin and cargo space are generous, and fit, finish and materials are top-notch. It’s available with front- or all-wheel drive.
Autotrader’s Advice
If you enjoy driving but still need the passenger- and cargo-carrying abilities of an SUV, the Audi Q5 deserves a test drive. From the base Premium to the top-of-the-line Prestige model, every Q5 comes well-equipped with high style, comfort and convenience features, and technology. Condition and mileage are important considerations when buying any car but tend to be more so with European brands that can be more costly to maintain and repair. The 2009 Q5 is too old to qualify for Audi certified pre-owned status, so look for lower-mileage examples that have seen obvious care. If possible, have a trusted mechanic go over the Q5 from nose to tail, and always have a car-history report to root out cars with serious accident repairs or salvage titles. Make sure the Audi Q5 you are considering for purchase has had any applicable safety recalls performed by the factory-authorized dealer.
