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.
2014GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.2× usual Extended coverage
101 serious complaints of 118, the most about engine (37) and steering (21); per car on the road, 1.2× this model's usual year. 6 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle briefly lost motive power and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the daughter's residence.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Apr 2025
“The contact owns a 2014 audi q5. The contact stated that while reversing out of his driveway, he lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel became loosened. There was no warning light illuminated.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jan 2021
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage The communication contains the details of the water pump extended warranty. (AWA 19, Dec 2019)
- Extended coverage This communication asks dealers to contact Audi Warranty if they have any questions about the extended warranty coverage for 2.0L and 3.0L TDI vehicles. (AWC-18, Mar 2018)
- Extended coverage Reminders - TDI Approved Emissions Modifications, Emissions Compliant Repairs, corrections and extended warranty / warranty policy and loaner vehicle overview (EmailAUTDI2L-3L, Sep 2020)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the new electromechanical steering unit warranty extension for 2012-2015 Model Year Audi B8 (A4, Q5 & SQ5) and C7 (A6) Vehicles (AWA 21, Jun 2021)
- Repair program Diagnosed and confirmed malfunction of the vehicle’s AEB system that resulted from failure or malfunction of the AEB system’s control unit, camera(s), LIDAR, and/or sensor(s) which enable automatic emergency braking functionality. (AWA 24, May 2024)
- Repair program Removed expiration date, Updated part numbers in parts and claiming sections, General circular updates (Circular, Mar 2025)
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.
118 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–26 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2014 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; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid; 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · Drive: AWD
2014 Q5 trims
| 2.0 S Line Progressive, 3.0T TDI S Line Technik | 2.0T Premium, Hybrid Prestige, TDI Premium Plus | 3.0 S Line Premium Plus, TDI Premium Plus w/ S Line Pkg | 3.0T S Line Prestige, TDI Prestige w/ S line Pkg | 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.