Audi Q5 Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Published November 28, 2023
in Car Comparisons

The Audi Q5 is a performance crossover SUV, sleek and exciting to drive for anyone interested in a well-crafted vehicle. It’s easy on the eyes and even comes with many standard features for a decent value. However, not everything about the Audi Q5 is ideal for every driver. The Audi Q5 could be your car, but it could be the worst investment.

One of the best places to start when determining the value of a car is the benefits and drawbacks, so we’re going to go over the Audi Q5 pros and cons. While there are some places where the Audi Q5 shines, there are also times when it’s less than ideal. Read on to hear our review of several portions of the Audi Q5.

What We Love: Audi Q5 Pros

There are plenty of moments when the Audi Q5 shines. Let’s dive into some of the best aspects of the Audi Q5 pros and cons.

Excellent Design/Craftsmanship

The design of the Audi Q5 is impeccable, and it’s easy to see that hard work went into making it look as good as it does. The exterior remains sporty and practical, keeping an air of luxury that drivers enjoy.

The design and craftsmanship also make their way to the interior. The door openings are just right to allow anyone to get in and out, the driver’s door position allows an excellent view of the outside, and it has a central touchscreen with a solid display.

Every detail of the Audi Q5 seems like it was added with careful thought and consideration. It’s made to be a winner.

FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU CHOOSE

You don’t want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you’re looking for. The CoPilot app will notify you if there’s a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so you’re always certain you got the best deal available.

Comfortable Cabin

Not only does the car have excellent design and craftsmanship, but it’s also comfortable for passengers. It offers plenty of space in the front and back seats so anyone will feel catered to on a long trip. The seats are firm, but there is enough cushioning to make them enjoyable for the average person.

The comfort is apparent in the excellent build of the car. It offers excellent insulation from the outside world. When the Audi Q5 picks up speed, you don’t need to worry about invasive noise pushing its way inside and ruining any conversations you’re having. The Audi Q5 exists to be a haven for everyone resting inside.

Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Option

Finally, we love that one of the options for a powertrain is a plug-in hybrid. According to audiusa.com, the plug-in hybrid powertrain offers up to 362 hp and allows you to kick it from 0-60 in five seconds - a tremendous time frame. Those who want a little more power and speed will adore this powertrain.

You also get an all-electric range with the hybrid, which is a valuable addition. It will save you from running out of gas on the highway and offers gas-saving additions to your drive. A hybrid powertrain option opens up a world of possibilities for those interested in buying the Audi Q5 for themselves.

What We Dislike: Audi Q5 Cons

Unfortunately, every car has its weak points, and the Audi Q5 is no different. Let’s review a few of the less practical areas of the Audi Q5 pros and cons.

Distracting Touchscreen Interface

There is a large touchscreen at the front of the Audi Q5. It’s practical and looks cool but can distract the driver and passengers inside. It does require quite a reach to get to the screen, which can be dangerous for the driver and a pain if it’s impossible to touch the desired interface controls without pulling the car over.

Many might prefer to avoid the touchscreen, but it’s an integral part of the Audi Q5. Again, there are some distinct benefits - it provides excellent features like music and even assistive navigation items. However, it’s positioned in a place that isn’t super practical for a driver to reach - especially when driving and must be quick.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE AUDI Q5

We walk you through the previous and current generations of the Audi Q5. Which model is the most reliable year of Audi Q5? Which ones should you avoid? Let’s take a look.

Nothing Truly Stands Out

There are some excellent aspects to the Audi Q5. It’s comfortable and well-designed, taking passengers and drivers into consideration in every aspect. It offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain and plenty of features for you to enjoy. However, there isn’t anything that makes it stand out from other car competition in its category.

The crossover SUV category is full of cars, so vehicles must have features that make them stand out and convince buyers that they are the best choice in the class. The Audi Q5 is a decent car, there’s no doubt about that. However, it’s not at the top of its class for standout features and additions.

Random Downshift Hesitation

Sometimes, the Audi Q5 might hesitate with its downshift on acceleration. Many drivers report that this issue occurs when they need the downshift, which can be a pain. It can prove to be hit or miss in this area, which isn’t something anyone wants when considering the dependability on the go. Issues with the downshift can cause serious frustration on the go.

Of course, this issue isn’t a make-or-break for the Audi Q5. It’s still possible to enjoy your time as an owner with this issue in the Audi Q5. However, it’s something to consider if you’re trying to decide on the Audi Q5 for your life and want a machine with the best possible reliability.

AI-ASSISTED CAR SHOPPING

Never miss out on the best car, never overpay, and never get taken advantage of. Download the CoPilot app to see the magic of AI-assisted car shopping.

Should You Buy an Audi Q5?

Now that we’ve covered the significant Audi Q5 pros and cons, it’s time to answer one final question - should you purchase an Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for comfort, excellent design, and the option to purchase a plug-in hybrid. However, those looking for more value out of their investment won’t find as much here. Cars like the BMW X3 offer more features for a similar price point.

If you get the Audi Q5, avoid the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 selections. These are ripe with issues and will prove themselves to be trouble down the line.

Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.