2017 Audi Q5

The 2017 Audi Q5 soldiers on with good space and carlike handling- The Car Connection

The Audi Q5 is one of the top-ranking compact SUVs in its segment. Its engine lineup is strong and offers peppier acceleration no matter which engine you choose. The Q5's cabin is spacious and comfortable but lacks a modern infotainment system. Also, its cargo capacity and standard safety features are on the lower side too. However, Audi has announced that the Q5 will undergo a full redesign for the next model year. 

Unlike its rivals, the Q5 has higher ownership costs due to its high maintenance, repair, and fuel costs. The total cost to own the Q5, including depreciation, finance, etc. is $11,500 per year, which is relatively more for a compact SUV. The miles per dollar ratio is calculated to be 5.73 only, which is on the lower side. Speaking of reliability, the Q5 scored only 79 while its rivals rank above it. 

Some features in the higher trims are available in lower trims as options, including the upgraded MMI system- Autotrader

The Audi Q5 comes in three different trims which are Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The Premium trim has a base price of 40,900 and comes only with a 2.0L engine. The Premium Plus is the middle child in the lineup and comes with two engine options. Starting at $53,200, the Prestige trim is the top-spec trim and is powered by a 3.0L engine. These prices exclude a destination charge of $950. 

The Q5 is a host of a good set of standard comfort features but technological features are limited compared to its rivals. Some of the standard interior features include tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power front seats, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and many more. If you are looking for more technological and safety features, the top-end Prestige trim has it all. 

Trim	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige
MSRP (2.0T)	$40,900	$43,150	N/A
MSRP (3.0T)	N/A	$46,400	$53,200
Key Features	7-inch display	Adds/ Upgrades to Premium trim	Adds/ Upgrades to Premium Plus trim
	8-way power front seats with power lumbar support	Heated front seats	14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
	Leather upholstery	Auto-dimming rearview mirror	8.3-inch display
	10-speaker sound system	Push-button start	Bluetooth streaming
	Ambient lighting	Keyless entry	Larger disc brakes
	Panoramic sunroof	Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors	Refrigerated storage
	Tri-zone automatic climate control	Memory settings for driver's seat	Adaptive Cruise Control
	SiriusXM	19-inch alloy wheels	HD radio
	Power liftgate		Blind Spot Monitoring
			Front & rear parking sensors
			Rearview camera
			Voice-recognition navigation system

We Recommend

The 2.0T Premium Plus trim is the most value-for-money trim. Apart from the standard features, this trim adds heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button start, keyless entry, power-folding exterior mirrors, and memory settings for the driver's seat. We also recommend buying the $2,300 Navigation and Convenience package as it adds a navigation system with voice controls, HD radio, SiriusXM, Audi Parking System Plus, and Bluetooth. 

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Regardless of which engine you choose, the Q5 delivers refined and rapid acceleration- Edmunds

2017 Audi Q5 Engine and Performance

Two different engines power the Audi Q5. The base engine is a 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine that makes 220 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. This engine is standard on the Premium trim and optional on the Premium Plus trim. If you are looking for more power, the 3.0L supercharged V6 engine is a good choice. Power bumps up to 272 hp and 295 lb-ft. of torque. 

No matter which engine you choose, the transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also, what makes the Q5 stand out is its standard Quattro AWD system. The base turbo-4 engine has more than enough torque. City or highway, this engine is at ease, It never feels underpowered; it's refined and quite impressive to drive. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
MSRP	$40,900	$40,950	$39,150	$40,050
Engine	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Inline-4
Drivetrain	AWD	FWD	RWD	RWD
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	220 hp @ 4,450 RPM	240 hp @ 5,600 RPM	241 hp @ 5,500 RPM	240 hp @ 5,000 RPM
Torque	258 lb-ft. @ 1,500 RPM	258 lb-ft. @ 1,500 RPM	273 lb-ft. @ 1,300 RPM	260 lb-ft. @ 1,450 RPM

Except for the Q5, the rest of the rivals in this competition are similarly powered but the drivetrain differs. Only the Volvo XC60 is an FWD car here while the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class send their power to the rear wheels. Among its rivals, the Q5 is the least powerful. 

2017 Audi Q5 Acceleration

The Audi Q5's agility depends on the engine choice. With the base engine, the Q5 is able to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds and further races to complete a quarter of a mile in 15.8 seconds. It's a different story with the 3.0L engine. It does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds while the quarter-mile run is finished in 14.9 seconds. 

The base engine develops enough power for city driving while the power delivery is good. The throttle response of the 3.0L engine is really good.  When you put your foot down and get the power, it's happy to react and do whatever you want. The 8-speed automatic does very well in delivering all the power when needed to the wheels. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
0-60 MPH	7.5 sec	7.0 sec	6.1 sec	6.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	16.0 sec	14.6 sec	15.0 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Top Speed	135 MPH	137 MPH	139 MPH	139 MPH

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the quickest contender thanks to its low curb weight. The athletic engine of the BMW X3 helps to achieve good performance stats. The Volvo XC60 overtakes the Q5 in the acceleration but loses its pace in the long run. 

2017 Audi Q5 Ride and Handling

Regardless of the engine or model, the Audi Q5 is one of the best crossovers to drive. If you want an SUV that handles like a hatchback, the Audi Q5 is for you. The standard Quattro AWD system offers immense grip while tackling corners with high speed. Surprisingly, the body lean is well controlled. So, it's more fun to drive than any other car in the class.

However, the payoff is a ride that's too firm and that's not so good in a vehicle that's designed primarily as a family car. Especially for the models with optional larger wheels, the ride quality will be bouncy. The steering is nicely weighted and provides precise directions. The Q5 is not a core off-roader but it is capable of riding on muddy terrains or snow-covered roads. 

2017 Audi Q5 Braking

The models with the 2.0L engine are fitted with 12.6 discs in the front wheels and 11.8-inch discs at the back, both ventilated. In the brake test, the Audi Q5 was able to achieve a braking distance of 114 feet, which is very competitive. The models with the 3.0L engine come with a larger set of brakes. The ventilated discs size increases to 13.6 inches in the front and 13 inches at the back.

These brakes take only 109 feet to stop the vehicle from 60-0 MPH, which is really impressive. Moreover, these models also come with a regenerative braking feature that conserves energy to recharge the battery. The brake pedal is firm and responsive whereas short pedal travel inspires confidence in the driver. The Q5 also comes with an emergency braking feature that comes in handy during sudden stops. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
Brake Front	12.6 in	12.9 in	13.5 in	13.0 in
Brake Rear	11.8 in	11.9 in	12.6 in	12.9 in
Curb Weight	4,090 lbs	4,092 lbs	3,891 lbs	4,030 lbs
60-0 MPH	114 ft.	117 ft.	126 ft.	122 ft.

The Q5 is the clear winner here and has the strongest brakes in its class. The Volvo XC60's brakes also do a wonderful job and stand in second place on the table. The braking performance of the BMW X3 is not that good but manages to take a decent braking distance. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has the weakest brakes and its low curb weight makes no effect on its braking distance. 

2017 Audi Q5 Towing Capacity

The Audi Q5 satisfies its buyers by offering a good towing capacity which is rated at 4,400 pounds. In its segment, the Q5 ranks third after the Jeep Cherokee and the Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you are still not satisfied with this, look for its larger sibling, the Q7 that can tow up to 7,700 pounds. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
Towing Capacity	4,400 lbs	3,500 lbs	3,500 lbs	3,500 lbs

The rivals of the Q5 in this competition have the same towing capacity which is 3,500 pounds. It's 900 pounds less than the Q5. Therefore, if towing capacity is an important priority for you, the Q5 is a better choice.  

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Despite being one of the older competitors in the segment, the Audi Q5 is fairly fuel efficient- The Car Connection

If you are the kind of person who is concerned about fuel economy, then the fuel ratings of the Audi Q5 would shock you. The EPA-estimated ratings are 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on a highway, and 22 MPG combined. Note that the Q5 comes standard with an AWD system.  These ratings drop down to 21 MPG combined for the V6 engine. 

Considering the power it makes, the V6 has decent fuel ratings. The fuel tank of the Q5 measures 19.8 gallons and is probably the largest in its class. It delivers a combined range of 465 miles owing to its large fuel tank while the V6 models can drive up to 435 miles only. All in all, the Q5's fuel economy is average in its class. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
MPG (City)	20	23	22	21
MPG (Highway)	27	30	28	28
MPG (Combined)	22	26	24	24
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon)	19.8	18.5	17.4	17.7
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	396/535/465	426/555/490	383/487/435	372/496/434

The Volvo XC60 has the best MPG figures and driving range in this competition. But, being an RWD car, the efficiency of both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-CLass are really good. The Q5's fuel efficiency is not that great compared to its rivals but its large fuel tank saves the day in terms of range.

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Nobody even comes close to Audi's sophisticated in-cabin tech system- Kelly Blue Book

2017 Audi Q5 Seating & Comfort

Inside the Q5, you'll get Audi's typical top-notch materials and construction. As far as the dashboard layout goes, there's no hiding that the Q5 is one of Audi's older designs. This SUV seats up to 5 people while leather upholstery is standard. The front seats offer excellent comfort and support and are power-adjustable too. Higher models also add heated functions. You get a commanding driving position that SUV buyers like. However, the offset pedals are uncomfortable and the footrest gets in the way when you're using the clutch. 

The sporty looks don't limit the car's practicality. There's plenty of space for adults, be it in the front or at the back. The standard panoramic sunroof gives an airy feel to the cabin. There's a fairly chunky transmission tunnel to straddle for the middle-seat passenger. Having said that, the Q5 is wide enough to seat three across, which is excellent. The seats also have a backrest that reclines slightly for a more laid-back seating position. On some models, you can slide the whole seat forward and backward to trade a little bit of legroom for more space in the boot. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.4/57.7/41.0	38.0/56.7/41.2	37.8/57.3/40.8	40.7/58.3/39.9
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.0/56.4./37.4	38.1/55.2/36.4	38.5/56.5/37.3	39.1/56.0/36.8

The Volvo XC60 and the BMW X3 offer slightly less legroom than the Audi Q5. The absence of the transmission tunnel in the XC60 will provide good comfort to the middle seat passenger. The X3 offers the least legroom. and therefore, stretching out your long legs cannot be possible. The headroom offered in the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is slightly less than the Q5. But, average-sized adults won't find this as an issue. 

2017 Audi Q5 Infotainment System

A 7-inch infotainment display is the main source for the infotainment functions in the Audi Q5. It is mounted inside the dash and the overall layout looks dated. This screen supports only the basic functions such as SiriusXM, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary audio input, A single-disc CD player is also available. The top-end 3.0T Prestige trim upgrades the infotainment system to an 8.3-inch infotainment display and uses Audi's MMI interface. It supports optional Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface is intuitive and the graphics look slick.

The MMI infotainment system is easier to use when you are driving than a touchscreen thanks to the rotary push-button at the center console. A 10-speaker sound system is standard but a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 14 speakers is only exclusive to the 3.0T Prestige trim. The responses are quick while the menu layout is logically laid out. Still, the MMI infotainment system is behind in this field as many of its rivals have switched to touchscreen displays. There are various buttons below the screen for a quick change of settings. 

2017 Audi Q5 Interior Features

Some cool cabin features of the Audi Q5 are:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function steering wheel
• 8-way power front seats with power lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Ambient lighting
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start
• 7-inch touchscreen display
• Panoramic sunroof
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 10-speaker sound system
• Satellite radio

2017 Audi Q5 Cargo Volume

The Audi Q5 offers 29.1 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. Compared to its rivals, it boasts one of the best trunk volumes. If you need access to more cargo space, fold the rear seats and you will see a maximum space of 57.3 cubic feet before your eyes.  It's worth bearing in mind while overall capacity is good still doesn't match its rivals. 

The Q5's load bay is easy to access thanks to its square shape and flat loading lip. Moreover, every model of the Q5 comes with a standard power liftgate which makes loading items into the cargo area easier. However, the only problem here is that the rear seats don't fold flat, unlike its rivals. Rest assured, the Q5 is a decent cargo hauler. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)	29.1	30.8	19.4	27.6

The Volvo XC60 offers a maximum cargo space of 67.4 cubic feet which is by far the best in this segment and the closest to it is the BMW X3 with 63.3 cubic feet. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's cargo space is slightly less than the Q5 standing at 56.5 cubic feet. Even with the rear seats up, its cargo volume is less than the rest of the rivals. 

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The 2017 Audi Q5 boasts sheet metal that embodies low-key elegance- Carfax

2017 Audi Q5 Dimensions and Weight

Audi's style is generally been considered conservative and that's definitely going on with the Q5. Upfront, you get the traditional Audi grille design with four rings embedded on it. The LED DRLs running around the headlamps looks attractive and emits an aggressive look. You also get front and rear fog lamps on every model of the Q5. A pair of 18-inch alloy wheels are standard but 19 and 20-inch aluminum wheels are also available. It has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, which is good enough for driving on wed mud roads or rough terrain. 

The Q5 strikes an elegant and relatively simple side profile. Its wheelbase measures 110.5 inches while its overall length is 182.6 inches, which is on par with some of its rivals. The optional Offroad Style package adds 19-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels, offroad front and rear bumpers, black fender lip moldings, and rugged contrast cladding. The rear profile is raked, giving a crossover look. The simple and elegant design continues across the rear. The same headlight design is carried out at the back too. 

Models	2017 Audi Q5	2017 Volvo XC60	2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	2017 BMW X3
Curb Weight (lbs)	4,090 lbs	4,092 lbs	3,891 lbs	4,030 lbs
Length (in)	182.6	182.8	183.3	183.6
Width (in)	74.7	74.4	74.4	74.1
Height (in)	65.2	67.4	64.5	66.1
Ground Clearance (in)	7.9	9.1	5.9	8.0
Wheelbase (in)	110.5	109.2	113.1	110.6
Track Width(in) F/R	63.7/63.5	64.3/62.4	63.9/63.7	62.8/63.4

The high ground clearance of the Volvo XC60 doesn't mean it's an off-roader. It is to reduce the potential of underbody damage. The low ground clearance and wide wheelbase of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class will assist in better aerodynamics and handling. Although the BMW X3's wheelbase is almost equal to the Q5, its rear-seat room is slightly more. 

2017 Audi Q5 Exterior Features

Some noticeable exterior features of the Q5 are:

• HID headlamps with cleaners
• LED DRLs & taillights
• Front & rear fog lights
• Power-folding, heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Polished aluminum exhaust tips
• Chrome grille
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Aluminum window trim
• 18,19 & 20-inch aluminum wheels

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There are no lane-departure or collision-avoidance technologies available in the Audi Q5- CarGurus

The Audi Q5 received a good response from NHTSA for its crash tests. An overall safety rating of 4 stars was given to the Q5. Section-wise, it scored 4 stars for the frontal crash test, 4 stars for the rollover crash test, and 5 stars for the side-impact crash test. The detailed NHTSA ratings of the Q5 are given below:

NHTSA Ratings

Overall rating	4 stars
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	4 stars
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	4 stars
Overall side crash rating	5 stars
Side barrier rating	5 stars
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 stars
Combined side rating rear seat	5 stars
Rollover rating	4 stars
Side barrier rating driver	5 stars
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 stars
Combined side rating front seat	5 stars
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 stars

IIHS honored the Q5 with their highest rating which is the 'Top Safety Pick+' award. It received 'Good' ratings in most of the crash tests, a second-highest 'Advanced' rating for the front crash prevention. It also received an 'Acceptable rating for its headlights and a 'Marginal' rating for LATCH ease of use. 

IIHS Ratings

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Marginal
Child seat anchors (LATCH)	Good

Therefore, for enhanced protection of the passengers, six airbags are provided including dual front front side and side curtain airbags. Unlike its rivals, the Q5 doesn't come with any standard driver-assist features. The optional safety features list is not long either. Only a few of them are available on the Q5.

Many of its rivals offer more safety features than the Q5, which is a dealbreaker. The list of safety features available in the Q5 are:

• Rearview Camera
• Lane Change Assist
• Radar Cruise Control
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Automatic Emergency Braking

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2017 Audi Q5 vs 2017 Volvo XC60

Similarly priced at the Q5, the Volvo XC60 comes standard with an FWD drivetrain and is more powerful. Therefore, its agility is quicker and is also more fuel-efficient than the Q5. When it comes to towing, the Q5 has the upper hand. The XC60's cabin offers slightly less rear-seat space but its cargo capacity exceeds that of the Q5. Both SUVs have good ratings but the XC60 is the best pick as it offers a long list of driver-assist features. 

2017 Audi Q5 vs 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's initial price is less and makes 21 horses more than the Q5. In terms of performance, the GLC-Class has the best stats in this competition but its towing capacity is less. Moreover, it is more fuel-efficient and practical. Moving to the interior, the GLC-Class offers more luxury features and is as spacious as the Q5. The GLC-Class also earned the same safety ratings but packs more safety features.

2017 Audi Q5 vs 2017 BMW X3

Priced at $40,050, the BMW X3 is a powerful SUV with sportier handling and strong engines. Therefore, it's quicker than the Q5 in both performance tests. The X3's efficiency is far better but loses in terms of towing capacity. Its cabin has a much better infotainment system and an impressive cargo capacity too. The Q5 may have won the 'Top Safety Pick+' award but the X3 has more advanced safety features. 

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There's an awful lot to like about the Audi Q5. The cabin is beautifully finished while the engines are extremely refined and it's a comfortable cruiser. However, it's not quite as exciting to drive as the BMW X3 and it's definitely not as involving as the Porsche Macan but Audi have strengthened those areas that have appealed to so many Q5 customers over the years.

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2017 Audi Q5 FAQs

Is the 2017 Audi Q5 reliable?

The 2017 Audi Q75 scored 79 points for its reliability. It is a decent score but there are many rivals in its class with a better score and rank. 

Is the Audi Q5 expensive to maintain?

Yes, the Audi Q5 is an expensive car to maintain. It costs nearly $3,800 every year for its maintenance and repairs. 

Do Audi Q5 have problems?

According to NHTSA, the 2017 Audi Q5 received a total of 22 complaints from the buyers. The most common problems were no airbags deployment, failure of brakes, and a defective coolant pump. 

Does the 2017 Audi Q5 have Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is an optional feature in the 2017 Audi Q5. 

What is included in the Audi Premium Plus package for the Q5?

The Premium Plus package consists of power-folding, heated and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless entry and 2-position memory settings for the driver's seat.