Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2025Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2010–2011, 2021More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.2× usual Extended coverage
4 serious complaints of 4, the most about structure (2) and suspension (1); per car on the road, 0.2× this model's usual year. 6 recalls.
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Was revised on 11/13/18 to include a proration table for consequential damage repair reimbursement. This bulletin explains the extended warranty for the timing chain/timing chain tensioner in certain vehicles. (AWA 18-15-201811, Nov 2018)
- Extended coverage This document contains information on the warranty extension for fuel injectors. (Customer, Jan 2015)
- Extended coverage This document contains general information on the upcoming warranty extension on the high pressure fuel pump. (Dealer, Apr 2015)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the new Takata warranty extension for 2005-2017 A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, S4 Sedan, S4, Avant, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan, Q5, R8 Coupe, R8 Spyder, RS4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S6 Sedan, S6 Sedan, TT Coupe, and TT Roadster… (AWA 22, Apr 2022)
- Extended coverage Audi: all audi 2011-2012 model year with an 2.0 tfsi engine will be extending the warranty on all fuel injectors. 7/23/15 *ta (PRI-A, Jul 2015)
- Extended coverage This bulletin explains the extended warranty for the timing chain/timing chain tensioner in certain vehicles. (AWA 18-15, Aug 2018)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
4 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–22 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 3.2L 6-cyl · Drive: AWD
2012 Q5 trims
| Premium | Premium Plus | Prestige |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Audi reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Audi aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | — | — | — | Not rated | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 268 hp | AWD | 24 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 7 | Forward collision avoidance (3) | — |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 261–362 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid, 261–362 hp | AWD | 25–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 50 | Forward collision avoidance (25) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 261–362 hp | AWD | 24–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 40 | Forward collision avoidance (17) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 261–362 hp | AWD | 25–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 52 | Electrical system (15) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 261–362 hp | AWD | 25–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 9 | 51 | Electrical system (15) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 261–362 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo mild hybrid, 261–362 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo plug-in hybrid, 261–362 hp | AWD | 25–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 8 | 116 | Electrical system (37) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248–363 hp | AWD | 24–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 45 | Electrical system (12) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248 hp | AWD | 24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 71 | Electrical system (15) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 252 hp | AWD | 25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 231 | Electrical system (82) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 220 hp 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged, 272–354 hp | AWD | 21–22 mpg | 4 of 5 | 5 | 47 | Engine (19) | No |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 220–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid, 220–245 hp 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged, 240–354 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel, 240–354 hp | AWD | 21–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 5 | 83 | Engine (27) | No |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | AWD | 21–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 7 | 107 | Engine (38) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | AWD | 21–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 118 | Engine (37) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged | AWD | 21–26 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 93 | Engine (35) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.2L 6-cyl | AWD | 20–22 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 4 | Structure (2) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.2L 6-cyl | AWD | 20–22 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 143 | Air bags (67) | No |
| 2010 | 3.2L 6-cyl | AWD | 20 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 100 | Air bags (50) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Q5 2018–2025, Q5 2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | AUDI Q5 SUV ICE AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2027 | AUDI Q5 SPORTBACK SUV ICE AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2027 | AUDI SQ5 SUV ICE AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2027 | AUDI SQ5 SPORTBACK SUV ICE AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | AUDI Q5 SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | AUDI Q5 SPORTBACK SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 3 |
| 2026 | AUDI SQ5 SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 4 |
| 2026 | AUDI SQ5 SPORTBACK SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Audi All-new Q5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | Audi All-new Q5 Sportback SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Audi All-new SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 3 |
| 2025 | Audi All-new SQ5 Sportback SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 42 |
| 2025 | Audi Q5 PHEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Audi Q5 Sportback SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 7 |
| 2025 | Audi SQ5 Sportback SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 20 |
| 2024 | Audi Q5 PHEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 14 |
| 2024 | Audi Q5 Sportback SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 6 |
| 2024 | Audi SQ5 Sportback SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Audi Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 6 |
| 2023 | Audi Audi Q5 PHEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Audi Audi Q5 Sportback SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 6 |
| 2023 | Audi Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | Audi Audi SQ5 Sportback SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Audi Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 8 | 45 |
| 2022 | Audi Audi Q5 PHEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | Audi Audi Q5 Sportback SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 8 | 45 |
| 2022 | Audi Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 5 |
| 2022 | Audi Audi SQ5 Sportback SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 8 | 74 |
| 2021 | Audi Q5 PHEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 8 | 74 |
| 2021 | Audi Q5 Sportback SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 8 | 74 |
| 2021 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 5 | 13 |
| 2021 | Audi SQ5 Sportback SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 5 | 13 |
| 2020 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 6 | 25 |
| 2020 | Audi Q5 PHEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 4 | 8 |
| 2019 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 5 | 52 |
| 2019 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 5 | 19 |
| 2018 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD Later Release | 5 | Standard | Optional | 1 | 37 |
| 2018 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD Early Release | 5 | Standard | Optional | 6 | 207 |
| 2018 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 5 | 24 |
| 2017 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 5 | 42 |
| 2017 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 0 | 5 |
| 2016 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 5 | 77 |
| 2016 | Audi Q5 HEV SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 6 | 99 |
| 2015 | Audi Q5 HEV SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 88 |
| 2015 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 1 | 8 |
| 2014 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 5 | 106 |
| 2014 | Audi Q5 HEV SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 5 | 95 |
| 2014 | Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 1 | 12 |
| 2013 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | No | 5 | 92 |
| 2013 | Audi Q5 HEV SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 90 |
| 2012 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 4 |
| 2011 | Audi Q5 SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 143 |
| 2010 | Audi Q5 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 100 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Q5 Sportback TFSI quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2026 | Q5 TFSI quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2025 | Q5 Plug-In Hybrid quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2025 | Q5 S line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2025 | Q5 Sportback S line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2025 | Q5 Sportback TFSI quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2025 | Q5 TFSI quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2025 | Q5 quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2024 | Q5 S line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2024 | Q5 Sportback S line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2024 | Q5 quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2023 | Q5 S-Line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2023 | Q5 Sportback S-line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2023 | Q5 TFSI e quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2023 | Q5 quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2022 | Q5 S line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2022 | Q5 Sportback S line quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2022 | Q5 TFSI e quattro | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2022 | Q5 quattro | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2021 | Q5 | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; PHEV Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
25–27 |
| 2021 | Q5 Sportback | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2020 | Q5 | Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–27 |
| 2019 | Q5 | Auto (S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2018 | Q5 | Auto (S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2017 | Q5 | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg |
21–22 |
| 2016 | Q5 | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg |
21–26 |
| 2016 | Q5 Hybrid | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2015 | Q5 | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg |
21–26 |
| 2015 | Q5 Hybrid | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2014 | Q5 | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg |
21–26 |
| 2014 | Q5 Hybrid | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2013 | Q5 | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg, SIDI |
21–23 |
| 2013 | Q5 Hybrid | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2012 | Q5 | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L |
20–22 |
| 2011 | Q5 | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L |
20–22 |
| 2010 | Q5 | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L | 20 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.