2011 Audi Q5 Reviews

Audi Q5 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Audi Q5 ranks 1 out of 8 Luxury Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Audi Q5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

With refined and sporty performance, a luxurious interior and stunning exterior styling, the reviewers say the 2011 Audi Q5 is a complete package. Its main drawback? Price. The Q5 starts at about $35,000.

Simply stated, the automotive industry loves the 2011 Audi Q5 because it offers comfort, sport and daily drivability. "There's a reason shoppers are flocking to the new Q5: It's a quick, sweet-handling, tightly built compact luxury SUV with an attractive, thoughtfully designed interior,” saysBusinessWeek. “If you go with the base model, the 2.0T, which is new for 2011, it's also fuel efficient and reasonably priced. Indeed, until very recently, the Q5 was the classiest compact luxury SUV around. And, oh yeah, it's also turbocharged."

One thing reviewers forget to mention is that the Q5 is an insurance industry “2011 Top Safety Pick,” which means it received the highest ratings of “Good” in front, rear, side and roof strength crash tests and has standard electronic stability control. If you’re looking for luxury crossovers with the best crash test ratings, you should also check the Volvo XC60,Mercedes GLK and Cadillac SRX.

Despite its great performance reviews, high fuel economy ratings, outstanding interior and comfortable seating, the 2011 Audi Q5 does have a few drawbacks. Some shoppers may find the rear seat cramped for adults, which is common in this class, and the trunk, which holds 29.1 cubic feet with all the seats in use, is small compared to competitors. Then there’s the Q5’s price tag, which is one of the highest in the class. The Q5 starts at about $35,000, and once you upgrade to the 3.2-liter V6 engine and tack on a few options, it’s easy to pay $40,000 and up. However, in terms of luxury, standard amenities and performance capabilities, test drivers say the 2011 Audi Q5 is a worthwhile investment for shoppers after a powerful luxury vehicle that’s less than $50,000.

Other SUVs to Consider

Test drivers consider the 2011 Audi Q5 one of the best models in the class, but say its base price will deter shoppers looking for affordable luxury. If your budget comes first, there are a number of other options. One is the Volvo XC60, which starts at about $32,500 and offers good fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city/highway, a comparable 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine and available all-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the XC60’s fuel economy ratings drop to 18/24 mpg city/highway with its 3.2-liter engine and 17/22 mpg city/highway with its 3.0-liter engine. With a price tag about $3,000 lower than the Q5, you’ll also be able to tack on some optional features.

One of the Q5’s top competitors is the BMW X3. Whether you’ll prefer the X3 or Q5 is a matter of taste, so test drive both. Two of the most obvious differences are price and engine size. The Q5 starts at about $35,000 and has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, while the X3 starts at $36,750 and comes with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that has 29 more horsepower than the base Q5. But, reviewers say the base Q5 feels nearly as powerful. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive, but the main difference between these systems are fuel economy ratings. The base Q5 gets 20/27 mpg city/highway, and the 3.2-liter V6 gets 18/23 mpg city/highway, which are some of the highest averages in the class.  However, if you’re after a six-cylinder, the base X3’s 19/25 mpg city/highway beats the 3.2-liter Q5.

Details: Audi Q5

Audi introduced the Q5 in 2009, and for 2011, the automaker adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission to the Premium and Premium Plus trims. The Premium Plus trim also allows shoppers to select the 3.2-liter engine that’s also available with the Prestige trim. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard. While the 2011 Audi Q5 is one of the most respected cars in the class, reviewers say it’s pricey compared to the competition. Shoppers do, however, get a lot for about $35,000.

• "The biggest drawback is the price. The base model stickers at $36,075, and the version I drove was an even $38,000. The Acura RDX, another turbo-four, starts at $32,620, and the Infiniti EX35, the Mercedes-Benz GLK and the Mazda CX-9 cost less than the Q5, too. The BMW X3 and the Lexus RX 350 cost more." -- AutoWeek


• "Although nearly every automaker has talked big about downsizing, in essence, replacing larger engines with smaller-displacement, forced-induction powerplants to deliver similar performance and allegedly better fuel economy, Audi is among the few really going all-in with the strategy." -- Car and Driver


• "The Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is a bit smaller, but has a cheaper base price and a more solid feel to it. The BMW X3 has been redesigned for 2011 and will likely be the athlete of the class, while the new, surprisingly luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee should appeal to those who plan on venturing off the beaten path every now and then. Certainly you're not going to go wrong with any of these choices. But considering the 2011 Audi Q5's well-rounded virtues as well as above-average fuel economy, we think this vehicle will suit luxury crossover shoppers quite nicely indeed." -- Edmunds


• "Near the head of the pack." -- Motor Trend


• "We don't just like the idea of the premium compact crossover, we like most of those in the segment. From the agile and boldly styled BMW X3 to the larger, softer, best-selling Lexus RX 350, the category offers something good for everyone. But we never had a clear favorite until we drove the 2011 Audi Q5." -- Kelley Blue Book

Q5 Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)

Automotive editors love driving the 2011 Audi Q5. Both engine options are powerful and have great fuel economy, the suspension strikes an impressive balance between sport and comfort, and according to Motor Trend, the Q5 is “surprisingly good off-road." Read More

Q5 Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

The automotive industry won’t tell you that the 2011 Audi Q5’s exterior is ground breaking or eccentric, but they think it’s smooth lines and aggressive front grille makes it one of the most attractive luxury compact SUVs on the market. The Q5 "boasts some of the sleekest sheet metal in a competitive class that includes the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35 and Mercedes GLK-Class," Edmunds praises. Read More

Q5 Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)

The 2011 Audi Q5 receives top remarks from automotive editors for its superior interior. "As much as we love the 2011 Audi Q5 from the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts,” says Kelley Blue Book. “And for our tastes, the inside of the Audi Q5 is as close to perfect as you'll find in the segment. It's contemporary without being cold, full of high-quality materials and, importantly, comfortable." Read More

Q5 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

Only the insurance industry has done comprehensive crash tests on the 2011 Audi Q5, naming it a "2011 Top Safety Pick." Read More

Q5 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2011 Audi Q5 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Audi Q5 has a four-year/50,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty.