2013 Audi Q5 Review
2013 Audi Q5 Review
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Used Q5 for sale
Appraise This CarAudi Q5 model years
Audi Q5 types
- SUV
- Hybrid
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Top-notch interior craftsmanship
- class-leading fuel economy
- strong supercharged V6
- superb brake performance
- roomy backseat
- sporty handling.
Cons
- Below-average cargo capacity
- unintuitive control layout without navigation
- artificial steering feel.
What’s new
For 2013 the Audi Q5 gains a couple of new underhood options in the form of a supercharged V6 and the brand's first hybrid. This year also brings a mild style refresh outside, with slightly revised lights front and rear and a more angular grille. Inside, there are simplified controls for the climate controls and MMI interface.
Edmunds says
From exciting performance to excellent comfort and convenience, the 2013 Audi Q5's qualities give it broad appeal.
Notably, we picked the Audi Q5 as one of Edmunds' Best Used Luxury SUVs for 2013.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$228/mo for Q5 2.0T Premium quattro
Q5 2.0T Premium quattro
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Compromise is usually a sad reality. Oftentimes we have to trade away some of one thing to get more of another. In an SUV those opposing forces are typically performance and practicality. Or more to the point -- spirited acceleration and good fuel economy. But the 2013 Audi Q5 manages to defy that convention, providing both attributes with its trio of muscular yet miserly engine options. Whether you opt for the base turbocharged four-cylinder, the new supercharged V6 or the new hybrid, there's plenty of pickup along with frugal fuel mileage -- up to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the hybrid.
The Q5 benefits from its A4 sport sedan-based platform by providing relatively athletic handling and an enjoyable drive. That quality, along with the aforementioned energetic engines, makes the Audi Q5 one of the most engaging SUVs on the market. Another key attribute for the sensibly sized 2013 Audi Q5 is its ample cabin and cargo space that optimize both comfort and utility. Throw in one of the nicest interiors in its class and it's easy to see why the Q5 has such a broad appeal, being a favorite pick for active singletons and small families alike.
Naturally, there are other choices for a small luxury crossover SUV. Among the competition, the 2013 Volvo XC60 provides an even roomier interior and a few more family-friendly features. If performance is paramount, the 2013 BMW X3 largely matches the Q5 in terms of performance and handling. And if style is your thing, Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque is the most dynamic-looking of the bunch. But for an all-around small luxury crossover that does everything well, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than the 2013 Q5.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Audi Q5 2.0T comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine good for 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. In Edmunds testing, a Q5 2.0T accelerated to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, a performance on par with the Audi's peers.
The Audi Q5 3.0T gets a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic is standard, as is an automatic stop-start system that saves fuel by shutting off the engine when the car comes to a halt. In Edmunds testing, the 3.0T engine brought the Q5 from zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds, a very quick time for this class of vehicle. Fuel economy estimates stand at 18/26/21.
The Q5 Hybrid pairs the 2.0T's engine with an electric motor and battery pack to provide a total output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Audi estimates its 0-60 time at 6.8 seconds, while EPA fuel mileage estimates stand at 24/30/26.
Towing capacity with the 3.0T is above average, with a 4,400-pound rating when properly equipped.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2013 Audi Q5 includes stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags are optional on all models, while a blind-spot warning system is standard on the 3.0T Prestige and Hybrid.
In Edmunds braking testing, the Q5 2.0T came to a stop in 119 feet, a strong, competitive result. Yet a 3.0T with the Prestige package stopped in 109 feet, which is very impressive for any vehicle with all-season tires.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Q5 was awarded the highest rating of "Good" in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests.
Driving
Regardless of which powertrain you choose, the 2013 Audi Q5 delivers smooth, powerful acceleration, and the eight-speed automatic is also refined and responsive. Outside the Q5 line, both the 2.0T and 3.0T engines match their respective rivals in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. The 3.0T's automatic stop-start system also helps efficiency, but it doesn't keep the engine off very long at traffic lights. Such random refiring can get annoying.
The Q5's ride quality is firmer than the norm for this class of vehicle, but we've never found it to be harsh. In terms of handling, the 2013 Q5 is one of the sportiest crossovers on the market. The steering is quick and responsive, but it has a rather artificial feel. We would skip the optional Audi Drive Select system, as it's pricey and doesn't really offer much benefit. The car's standard setup is just fine.
Interior
As we've come to expect from all Audi models, the Q5 benefits from classy interior design and top-notch construction.
The center stack controls are canted toward the driver, although the layout depends on whether or not you opt for the navigation system. Without navigation, the knob and buttons for the MMI system reside somewhat inconveniently on the center stack. With navigation, the controls are placed between the armrest and shift lever, where they fall more readily to hand. Navigation-equipped models also get the latest MMI system with revised menus, enhanced Google Maps satellite imagery and an additional joystick button for enhanced control.
Despite its compact size, the Q5 manages to feel roomy whether you're seated in the front or rear. The rear seats slide fore and aft, which is a rarity in this segment of luxury crossovers, and the seats also recline for greater comfort. Folding the rear seats down creates 57 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, which is a little below average for this segment.
2013 Audi Q5 models
The 2013 Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover available in five trim levels: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Prestige and Hybrid Prestige.
Standard equipment on the 2.0T Premium includes 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, roof rails, eight-way power front seats (with four-way lumbar adjustment), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40 rear seat, a Multi Media Interface (MMI) and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
Options on the Premium include a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod interface. These items are included on the 2.0T Premium Plus, which also gets xenon headlights, LED running lights, a power liftgate, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors and an auto-dimming interior mirror. Nineteen-inch wheels are optional.
The 3.0T Premium Plus adds a supercharged V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry and S line exterior trim. The top-shelf 3.0T Prestige adds adaptive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a heated/cooled cupholder, rear door sunshades and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package (navigation system, digital music storage, voice controls, rear park assist with rearview camera, HD radio and center-console-mounted MMI system).
The 3.0T Prestige can also be equipped with the Driver Assist package, which includes Audi Drive Select (four settings alter throttle response, transmission shift points and steering assist), adaptive cruise control and dynamic steering. Also available is the Comfort package (upgraded leather seating, additional leather cabin trim, ventilated front seats and power passenger lumbar adjustment). Both 3.0T models can be equipped with 20-inch wheels and the S line package, which adds different 20-inch wheels, performance tires, adaptive suspension, Audi Drive Select, a sport steering wheel, shift paddles and brushed aluminum trim. A rear seat entertainment system is also available.
The Hybrid Prestige includes all the features of the 2.0T Premium Plus as well as 19-inch wheels, adaptive lighting, a blind-spot warning system, keyless ignition/entry, the Bang & Olufsen sound system, the heated/cooled cupholder, rear door sunshades and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package.
Many of the upper trims' features are available on the lower trims as options.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#19 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi Q5 from 2008-2022.$644/yr
vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.51x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).15.6%
vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Audi Q5.
5 star(54%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(7%)
69 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great Vehicle in all ways but one
db703, 04/17/2013
2013 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I purchased the 2013 Premium-Plus in October, 2012 and now have ten thousand miles and can give an objective overview.
Love the vehicle, the fit and finish is exceptional.
It's quiet, quick, nimble and tight when driving.
The suspension is quite nice, not to rough and no bounce whatsoever.
The only complaint is that the multimedia system is dated for a 2013 model, especially in this … class segment.
4.63 out of 5 stars
3.0T Premium Plus S-Line
khl, 08/04/2013
2013 Audi Q5 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Excellent balance of luxury and performance. Surprisingly roomy in passenger compartment and trunk despite small footprint of vehicle. For premium price of q5, missing some features I had on previous car (see below in suggested improvements). MMI despite improved, still makes it cumbersome to change radio station. No preset buttons means having to scroll on MMI controller or scroll wheel … on the steering wheel. Two memory seat positions but still requires you to manually adjust steering wheel each time you change drivers. The panoramic moonroof affords lots of light and view. Drives and handles superbly with the S-Line package. The flat-bottom steering wheel looks and feels great.
4.5 out of 5 stars
New Q5 Owner
jns2000, 10/08/2011
2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
We've had our new Q5 for a month. We've driven an Acura MDX for awhile and love it. In terms of comfort and driving experience though, the Q5 is several steps beyond the Acura! Extremely quiet, firm comfortable ride, nimble handling, plenty of power from the 2.0T - even up the step grade of I-70 west of Denver. And, so far good gas mileage, about as advertised, but much better than our … Acura. The tech'y stuff takes a little getting used to, Nav, Bluetooth, media, and personal/car settings. The car is a perfect size for a couple of empty nesters who will use this car on trips ... might be tad small for a family trip!
5 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous
dinobingham, 07/28/2011
2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Love this car - I'm still breaking it in, but having had 3 new A4's in the last 12 years, this one felt like coming home (albeit with larger rooms).
Have kiddies on the way so the extra room will help - cargo space is not huge but is adequate.
The 2.0 litre had more balls than I expected - nowhere near as clunky as the Q7 I test drove
- this one handles like the 2009 A4 with the same … motor - pulls nicely and sits down while cornering.
The moonlight blue is stunning - I wished I could've seen one with the cinammon interior but only the light tan was available.
You'll notice the screen displays are sharper - kind of like going from an iPhone 3G to the sharper 4.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Audi Q5, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q5 since its last redesign.
2013 Q5 Highlights
SUV
2.0T Premium quattro
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 29.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Q5 include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover15.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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