2017 Audi Q5
Pros
- Top-notch interior craftsmanship
- Unique sliding rear seat provides extra versatility
- Refined driving character makes it feel expensive from behind the wheel
- Understated styling that doesn't draw too much attention to itself
Cons
- No active accident-avoidance technologies available
- Limited exterior color selection
- No USB ports for charging or connecting a phone
2017 Audi Q5 pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
The 2017 Audi Q5 soldiers into another model year as one of the most popular compact luxury SUVs, boasting a wide array of virtues designed to make you feel as if you're driving something beyond all those humdrum small SUVs out there. Its classic styling, well-crafted cabin and ample features combine to deliver nearly everything one expects from an SUV in this segment.
Sure, it has been on sale without a major redesign since 2009, but those who don't give a lick about having the latest technology features and controls won't mind. Besides, there's still a rearview camera available, along with keyless push-button start, a navigation system and a pretty impressive 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. We're also guessing that there are plenty of shoppers who will appreciate staring at the stars through the standard panoramic sunroof instead of fiddling with the latest gadgets and gizmos.
As such, the 2017 Audi Q5 is a must-drive in this segment that also includes the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Lexus NX 200t and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. All have been introduced or redesigned more recently than the Q5, but we still think this Audi has plenty left in the tank.
For many, the 2017 Audi Q5 will be sized just right.
All 2017 Audi Q5 models come with stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags are a stand-alone option, while the Technology package includes parking sensors, a rearview camera and a blind-spot warning system. There are no collision avoidance or lane departure technologies available.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Q5 2.0T with 18-inch wheels and summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 114 feet, an average distance for this class. A 3.0T Prestige with 19s and summer tires stopped in a praiseworthy 109 feet.
In government crash tests, the Q5 received four out of five stars overall, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Q5 its highest rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests, while the Q5's seat and head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Interior quality is absolutely top notch in the 2017 Audi Q5.
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover offered in five trim levels that correspond to the four available engines: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Prestige, and 2.0T Hybrid Prestige. A higher-performance version, the SQ5, is reviewed separately.
Standard equipment on the 2.0T Premium includes a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 18-inch wheels (19s are optional), xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, automatic wipers, heated exterior mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, aluminum roof rails with crossbars, a power liftgate, eight-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar for the driver and optional heating), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) with dash-mounted controls and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and Audi's digital music interface.
The 2.0T Premium Plus adds 19-inch wheels, aluminum door sills and trunk-edge trim, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, driver memory settings and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
From there, the 3.0T Premium Plus adds the supercharged V6 engine, S line exterior styling tweaks and headlight washers.
The 3.0T Prestige tacks on adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, Audi Drive Select (which provides four selectable settings for throttle response, transmission shift points and steering assist), a heated and cooled cupholder, rear door sunshades and the Technology package (includes blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, a color trip computer, a navigation system with voice controls, Audi Connect online services with mobile WiFi capability, an upgraded MMI system with console-mounted controls and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system).
Finally, the 2.0T Hybrid Prestige includes unique 19-inch wheels, hybrid badging and hybrid-specific instrumentation, but otherwise mirrors the features of the other Prestige trims.
The Prestige-spec Technology package described above is offered as an option on all other trims except the base 2.0T Premium, which offers a lesser Navigation package that lacks the parking and safety features, color trip computer and Bang & Olufsen stereo but includes Audi Connect and the MMI upgrade with controls on the center console. Also offered on all but that base trim is the Sport Interior package (including shift paddles, front sport seats, a black cloth headliner and Audi Drive Select). The Luxury package (including ventilated front seats with power lumbar, upgraded leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped dashboard) is offered on all 3.0T trims and the 2.0T Hybrid Prestige.
The 3.0T can also be equipped with the Black Optic package (including the Sport Interior package plus 20-inch wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, matte-black roof rails and a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel).
On the Prestige trims, you can opt for the "Audi exclusive line" package, which gets you the Sport Interior package plus piano black inlays and upgraded leather upholstery with contrasting piping and stitching. The Prestige (except the hybrid) and Premium Plus trims can also be outfitted with adaptive suspension dampers.
Rear-seat side airbags are a stand-alone option for all trim levels.
The Q5 has been around for many years now but it still looks great.
Unlike most competitors, the 2017 Audi Q5 comes standard with all-wheel drive as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.0T Premium and Premium Plus come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2017 had not been announced at the time of this writing, but it should be around 23 mpg combined. In Edmunds testing, a Q5 2.0T accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is the average time for the segment.
The Q5 3.0T trims get a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, along with an automatic stop-start system that saves fuel by shutting off the engine when you come to a halt. We expect EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2017 to be around 21 mpg combined. In Edmunds testing, the 3.0T engine brought the Q5 from zero to 60 in 6.3 seconds, which is barely quicker than the 2.0T and other four-cylinder-powered rivals.
The Q5 Hybrid pairs the 2.0T engine with a 54-hp electric motor and a battery pack for a total output of 245 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Audi estimates its 0-60 time at 6.8 seconds, while we expect EPA fuel economy estimates to stand around 26 mpg combined.
The Q5 is offered with three powerful engine choices that nevertheless deliver solid fuel economy.
Driving
Every Audi Q5 inspires confidence in the way it handles the road. Its ride quality is firmer than some might expect, but we'd describe it as taut, not harsh. Still, the optional adaptive dampers make a real difference, as they provide user control over ride quality -- including a relatively cushy "Comfort" setting. In any event, handling is excellent by crossover standards, thanks to quick steering and controlled body motions. It'll make you feel in command when behind the wheel.
Regardless of which engine you choose, the Q5 delivers refined and rapid acceleration. This is especially true of the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is gutsier than you might expect -- especially if you're used to six cylinders under the hood. However, if you are both used to and can't live without six cylinders, the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 should provide the sound and feel you've come to expect from such an engine.
Interior
Audi knows how to put together a premium cabin, and the Q5 continues to stand out in this regard. Materials quality is excellent and the overall ambience is one of sophistication and class. Technology refreshingly dates back to a different time, free of pinching-and-zooming touchscreens, distractingly large displays and touch-sensitive control pads that can accept handwritten inputs. Instead, Audi provides a knob and accompanying buttons that are placed either on the center console (with navigation) or on the dash (without) for those who prefer their audio controls to be in the normal place. There is also a proprietary cable in lieu of the more common USB port.
Despite its compact size, the Q5 manages to feel roomy whether you're seated in the front or rear. The rear seats both recline and slide fore and aft: a rarity in this class. The Q5 provides a healthy 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seatbacks and 57.3 cubic feet if you fold them down -- that's cozier than others in the segment.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Audi Q5.
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See your car's value2017 represents the eighth year the popular Audi Q5 has gone without a complete redesign. And although a completely new Q5 is on the horizon, this current model has a lot left in the tank. The Q5 remains a stylish and luxurious SUV with an interior size that should be just right for many shoppers. It's also quite pleasant to drive.
The Q5 no longer offers the class-leading powertrain selection it once did, as its diesel and hybrid options have been discontinued. The volume-selling 2.0T and its turbocharged four-cylinder remain, producing respectable 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while returning a decent 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city/27 mpg highway). For those who'd prefer an extra kick, the 3.0T's supercharged V6 produces 272 hp and 295 lb-ft, although in our testing, we found it was barely quicker than the 2.0T and other four-cylinder rivals. Its fuel economy of 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city/26 mpg highway) is only slightly lower. All Q5s come standard with Quattro all-wheel drive.
The Q5 is available in 2.0T Premium, 2.0T and 3.0T Premium Plus and 3.0T Prestige trim levels. The high-performance SQ5 is reviewed separately. Even the most basic trim level still comes with xenon headlights, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, tri-zone climate control, satellite radio and a 10-speaker audio system — features that are often pricey options in this segment. The Premium Plus trim doesn't add much beyond that, although it does open the door to the Technology package which includes a rearview camera, parking sensors, blind-spot warning, a navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Our favorites are the base Premium and Premium Plus with the Technology package.
Interior quality remains absolutely top-notch. To some, the design may seem a bit dated, but there's no knocking materials or construction quality. Interior space is a mixed bag, though. Passenger space front and rear are quite accommodating, but cargo capacity ranks among the lowest in its segment.
There are some noteworthy features that are missing, both in comparison to rivals and other Audi models. There are no forward collision or lane departure technologies; Apple CarPlay and Android are unavailable; and both of the available MMI electronics interfaces are two generations behind what you'd find in Audi's A4. There isn't even a USB port, as the Q5 continues to utilize Audi's arcane proprietary cable.
No two ways about it, the 2017 Audi Q5 is starting to show its age. And it's a safe bet that next year's all-new model should be the stronger SUV. However, the current Q5 remains quite appealing and is still a solid choice. Let Edmunds help you find the right one at the right price.
2017 Audi Q5 Overview
The 2017 Audi Q5 is offered in the following submodels: Q5 SUV. Available styles include 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 2.0T Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 3.0T Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A), and 3.0T Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A).
What do people think of the 2017 Audi Q5?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Audi Q5 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Q5 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Q5.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Audi Q5 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Q5 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
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Should I lease or buy a 2017 Audi Q5?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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