Used 2016 Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus quattro Diesel Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2016 Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus quattro Diesel.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Early impression of a 2016 Q5 TDI
Q5 TDI driver, Norwood, MA, 11/26/2015
2016 Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
I've become a big fan of diesels for their driving characteristics and efficiency. The Q5 TDI does not disappoint. This SUV is very quick with little turbo lag, which gives a lot of confidence pulling out into traffic and merging, whether from a stop or at highway speeds. The engine is very refined. For a family of 4 I felt the Q5 was the right size. I also liked the 3L TDI over the … 2L offerings in BMW and MB. There is not much of a hit in mugs going with the 3L, since I have been getting around 30 mpg around town and mid 30s on the highway. The seats are comfortable, although they could be softer. The lumbar support is good. The sound quality of the Bang and Olufsen sound system is very good. The MMI infotainment system takes time to get the hang of, but is logical once you learn your way around. Most selections are made using the center console, since there are not many buttons on the steering wheel. I'm enjoying the panoramic roof more than I expected since it fills the interior with light and makes the car feel even roomier. I have the 20 inch wheels and I'm pleased that this does not make the ride harsh. This SUV has a firm ride and handles more like a sedan. Even on a 6 hour drive I did not feel fatigued and felt confident driving in a torrential rainstorm. Looking forward to seeing how it handles the snow, once I put the 17 inch blizzaks on. So far, very satisfied with my purchase.
New owner
New Owner, Hillsboro, OR, 02/17/2018
2016 Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
First review at 200 miles, then 29k now 60k but as before have thoroughly enjoyed it and will keep it on long term basis. As before, I love the performance, road manners and great mileage; have obviously replaced tires, but have two sets of wheels/tires, anticipate brakes reasonably soon and normal maintenance, still thoroughly enjoy it great road car fantastic mileage abundant … performance.
I named mine Danica
Audi Owner, Houston, TX, 12/04/2022
2016 Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
My wife and I nicknamed out 2016 Q5 “Danica”, because like its namesake, Danica Patrick, it is tough as nails and fast as hell, but it always looks beautiful and classy.
Many things about our Q5 TDI are surprising - mostly good and a few not so good. It has great acceleration and sports sedan-like handling, unbelievable efficiency for its size, and top-of-the line build quality.
It … also has surprising poor technology for the model year, and unusable voice recognition. The over sized outside mirrors give a panoramic view rearward, but create a very large blind spot that can be disconcerting, to say the least.
Overall I’d say it was the best vehicle in its class in 2016, the last model year that the Diesel engine was offered. The 3.0 liter diesel is perfectly suited to this car, and it’s a pity that engine had to be scrapped in subsequent years.
UPDATE: I own a 2016 Q5 TDI after my first 2014 model was totaled in a flood. I was pleased and delighted to find a replacement.
Where do I begin? The turbo diesel is simply the best possible engine for this SUV, by far. It is extremely quick, and combined with the sports car like suspension it’s a bona fide sporting rival to the 2017 Audi S3 that I also own - but with much more room and utility.
The one drawback - as others have mentioned - is the surprising lack of technology in a car of this generation, at this price point. I literally have to plug a phone charger into the cigarette lighter to charge a phone. That’s ridiculous.
But that omission pales in comparison to the car’s merits: high quality interior, top notch construction, remarkable fuel efficiency, and sports sedan-like handling. This vehicle has it all.
My Audi dealer sends repeated offers to buy this car back from me in exchange for a newer model, but since the diesel is irreplaceable, and it’s the best engine ever offered in the Q5, I will never trade it for a newer Q5.
Great motor, outdated distracting controls
David, Carson City, NV, 11/22/2019
2016 Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
If you've had a car with modern features like usable touch-screen, lane-keep, adaptive cruise, voice control that understands English... you'll hate a lot about this car like I do. If you don't mind obsolete technology like thumb-wheels and scroll-wheels that incite rage and distracting button locations, it's otherwise a pretty nice ride. The tdi is a great motor that provides quiet … sports-car-like acceleration while still getting really good fuel economy. Where I live in the Lake Tahoe region, the torque is really appreciated. The tdi's power climbs the long steep grades like no other vehicle I've driven (including my PowerStroke). For me, the size is a plus - more sports sedan than mommy-wagon, yet comfortable for adults in the back seat and enough cargo space for most of my needs, although I'm glad to have the F250 as backup.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2016 Audi Q5 TDI Premium Plus quattro Diesel
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Top-notch interior craftsmanship
- Pro:rapid acceleration from 3.0T engine
- Pro:unique sliding rear seat provides extra versatility
- Pro:refined driving character makes it feel expensive from the behind the wheel
- Pro:understated styling that doesn't draw too much attention to itself
- Pro:more standard features (including all-wheel drive) than its German-brand competitors.
- Con:Ride may be too firm for some
- Con:electronic controls aren't as advanced as those in rivals or even some newer Audis
- Con:frustrating lack of a USB port
- Con:no accident-avoidance technology is available
- Con:diesel model has been discontinued due to faulty emissions equipment.
Full Edmunds Review: 2016 Audi Q5 Diesel
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2016 Audi Q5 in Ohio is:
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