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2019 Audi Q5 review

Research, Photos, Specs and Expertise
7 photos

Audi Q5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Quiet and comfortable

Cons

  • Limited engine choice
  • Trunk space isn't generous

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 27 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

2019 Audi Q5 runs with the top luxury compact SUVs

With its appealing combination of classy looks, fine drive, and quality, the Audi Q5 is a strong choice in the hotly contested luxury compact SUV space. It faces many rivals, most notably its direct German alternatives the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Porsche Macan, as well as a host of others. The Q5 might not be the best in every area among these alternatives—the X3 and the Macan are likely to appeal more to enthusiast drivers—and it doesn’t offer as much value as others. But for many buyers, the Q5 remains the go-to premium compact SUV.

It’s easy to understand why—the Q5 offers an appealing mix of an easy drive, a finely appointed interior, decent if not class-leading space, and a choice of two engines. The regular Q5 models feature the 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the more performanced-focused SQ5 uses a powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels are available, as are a number of option packages that let you personalize your Q5 as you like.

All Audi Q5 years

What is new for the 2019 Audi Q5?

  • Q5 trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning, Automated Cruise Control, and Automated Parking as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Premium Plus trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment.

2019 Audi Q5 trims

Curious how Audi Q5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium

  • Includes 18-inch five-double-spoke-dynamic design wheels, LED taillights with dynamic rear turn signals, power-adjustable heated exterior side mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, seven-inch MMI center infotainment display, and more.

  • View all Audi Q5 Premiums in stock

Premium Plus

  • Adds 19-inch five-arm-wing design wheels, full LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, driver seat memory, 8.3-inch center infotainment and navigation display, and more.

  • View all Audi Q5 Premium Plus's in stock

Prestige

  • Adds dual-pane acoustic glass for front side windows, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 3D sound, head-up display, stainless steel trunk sill, top-view camera system, and more.

  • View all Audi Q5 Prestiges in stock

Audi Q5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Audi Q5

1. Zesty acceleration

2019 Audi Q5 Review: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

If you're looking for a luxury SUV with smile-inducing performance, the 2019 Audi Q5 will leave you grinning with its under-hood power. This model features a 248-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 273 lb-ft of torque and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. With this winning combination, the 2019 Q5 delivers quick acceleration with a zero-to-60-mph time of only 5.9 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Whether dodging through city traffic or blasting down back roads, the 2019 Q5's 2.0L turbo four-cylinder brings the power.

2. Quattro® all-wheel drive

2019 Audi Q5 Review: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

The 2019 Q5 features Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive, which comes standard across all trims. This advanced system prioritizes gas mileage by driving only the front wheels in normal conditions and automatically engaging all four wheels when maximum traction is required. This is how the 2019 Q5's 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission can return an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined.

For winter-time commuting or rainy season road trips, you won't have to compromise stability for fuel-sipping performance.

3. Smooth ride

2019 Audi Q5 Review: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

In addition to its powerful acceleration and grippy performance, the 2019 Audi Q5 also delivers a silky-smooth ride. All trims include a front five-link suspension system, which ensures greater steering precision and excellent handling, especially over rough roads. The steering system also offers two drive modes—Comfort and Dynamic—which you can activate to suit your mood. When cruising down twisty roads, the Q5's Dynamic mode dials up the SUV's driving fun.

4. Upscale interior

2019 Audi Q5 Review: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

The 2019 Audi Q5 showcases a classy cabin with a modern design and luxurious features. All trims include power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and tri-zone climate control. High-gloss burl walnut wood accents the base Premium model, and all trims include reclining rear seats for first-class comfort. With 37.8 inches of second-row legroom, the 2019 Q5 easily accommodates adults in its rear seats. The driver and front-seat passenger can also enjoy extra support from the manually adjustable thigh extension, which is an optional feature.

5. High-tech driving aids

2019 Audi Q5 Review: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

The Q5 includes standard driver-assistance features to enhance your behind-the-wheel confidence. All 2019 trims feature Audi Pre Sense® Basic, which closes windows and pre-tenses seatbelts when the vehicle's cameras detect the likelihood of an accident. The 2019 Q5 also comes standard with Audi Pre Sense City, which scans the road for other vehicles and pedestrians using a windshield-mounted front camera. If an obstacle is detected, the system will deploy a series of warnings and apply the brakes if necessary. A top view camera, park steering assist, and adaptive cruise control are other additional driver aids that are available on the 2019 Q5.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2019 Audi Q5, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Lexus NX

If you're shopping for a compact luxury SUV with a quiet and comfortable ride, the Lexus NX is ideal for commuting or road trips. 2017–2021 models feature a suspension that glides over bumps and ruts and a 235-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood.

2017–2021 NX 300 models come standard with:

  • Leatherette upholstery

  • Eight-speaker audio system

  • Power-adjustable front seats



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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Audi Q5 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi Q5 19th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi Q5

Audi Q5 features and specs

Premium Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

248

Torque (ft-lbs)

273

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

111"

Overall length

183.6"

Width

74.5"

Height

65.3"

Leg room

F 41"/R 37.8"

Head room

F 40.2"/R 37.7"

Front tires

P235/55HR19

Rear tires

P235/55HR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

440/4400 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Audi Q5 FAQ

More about the 2019 Audi Q5

2019 Audi Q5 Review: Reviews, Photos, and More: Color Options | CarMax

Exterior colors

  • Brilliant Black

  • Ibis White

  • Azores Green Metallic

  • Florett Silver Metallic

  • Glacier White Metallic

  • Manhattan Gray Metallic

  • Matador Red Metallic

  • Monsoon Gray Metallic

  • Moonlight Blue Metallic

  • Mythos Black Metallic

  • Navarra Blue Metallic

Interior colors

  • Atlas Beige

  • Black

  • Nougat Brown

  • Magma Red

  • Rock Gray

  • Rotor Gray

Interior details

The 2019 Audi Q5 interior offers room for up to five people and a 40/20/40 rear seat that slides and reclines for extra legroom or folds to hold 53.1 cu-ft of cargo. With 37.8 inches of rear-seat legroom, the 2019 Q5 accommodates taller passengers too. Base models come standard with black leather upholstery and high-gloss burl walnut wood for a premium aesthetic. Heated seats are also included on all trims, while Premium Plus and Prestige add a panoramic sunroof.

Child seat details

The 2019 Audi Q5 offers seating for five and can fit up to two car seats in the second row. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Parents may find that they can install two child seats in the middle and rear outboard positions, leaving space for another adult to comfortably occupy the other rear outboard seat.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The 2019 Audi Q5 received an overall 5/5 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.

Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.

Overall: 5/5

Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.

Overall: 5/5

Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.

Overall: 5/5

Performance

The standard all-wheel-drive 2019 Audi Q5 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the 2.0L four-cylinder, the 2019 Q5 returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined.

When properly equipped, the 2019 Audi Q5 SUV can tow an estimated 4,400 lbs.
The 2019 Q5's 2.0L turbo four-cylinder also delivers swift acceleration with a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.9 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).

Emissions

According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2019 Audi Q5's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 372 grams per mile.

Year comparisons

2009–2017 Audi Q5 (First Generation)

The Audi Q5's first generation was available in Prestige, Premium Plus, and Premium trims. The 2013 model year offered a choice of three powertrains: a turbo four-cylinder, a new supercharged V6, or a hybrid version. A year later, a new turbodiesel V6 was added to the 2014 Q5 line-up, as well as a new performance oriented SQ5 model. In 2017, the diesel variant was put on hold, but the Q5 continued to offer gas and hybrid powertrains.

2018-Present Audi Q5 (Second Generation)

Second-generation Audi Q5s were available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. All models came with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking also became available in the 2018 model year. A new plug-in hybrid was added to the Q5's powertrain options in 2020, and a more powerful four-cylinder engine became standard in 2021.

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