2018 Audi Q5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$41,500 to $50,800

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(33 reviews)
7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
2018 Audi Q5 Test Drive Review summaryImage

It might look like the same small SUV Audi has been selling since the late 2000s, but the all-new 2018 Q5 is a completely redesigned vehicle wrapped in familiar bodywork.

Audi’s best-selling model is the Q5, and this year the compact SUV gets redesigned for the first time in almost a decade. Highlights include the latest technology from the Audi grab bag, improved performance and driving dynamics, more interior room, greater overall sophistication, and remarkably subtle shifts in styling philosophy. The result is an impressive all-rounder that lacks for nothing but personality.
7/10

If you’re having trouble telling the difference between this redesigned 2018 Audi Q5 and last year’s model, you’re probably not alone. The primary visual cues that give this away as the new 2018 version are the trapezoidal grille, the pronounced wave along the SUV’s shoulder line, and questionably restyled aluminum wheels.

Given that the Q5 is Audi’s best-selling model, it’s understandable that the company didn’t want to fiddle too much with a successful recipe. Nevertheless, under that familiar skin is an improved SUV that should keep Audi competitive in a segment full of impressive choices.

Audi hasn’t strayed from last year’s model structure, either, offering the new Q5 in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. There’s also a performance variant called the SQ5, but this review is focused solely on the standard Q5.

My test vehicle had Premium Plus trim, which starts at $46,475, including the $975 destination charge. Mythos Black paint, 20-inch wheels, and every option except for upgraded interior trim, rear side-impact airbags, and a Warm Weather Package inflated the price of my test model to $52,700.

The new Q5’s styling is clearly patterned after Audi’s larger Q7 model, but the cues work to a greater degree of success on this smaller SUV, avoiding the Q7’s slab-sided and featureless appearance thanks to its bolder shoulder line, more elegant fender swells, more rakish roofline, and smaller exterior dimensions.

Still, this new Q5 looks a lot like the old Q5, and that design dates back to the 2009 model year. Personally, I don’t mind the lack of imagination here, but I can understand why Audi’s restrained approach and the Q5’s resulting lack of personality could bother some people.

If anything, I’m not all that crazy about the new Q5’s aluminum wheel designs, each of which displays a subtle pinwheel appearance and a bright silver painted finish. Wouldn’t this SUV look all kinds of better with those classic gray 5-arm Rotor designs Audi used to offer?

Inside, the Q5 looks and feels like a modern Audi, but with a single and important exception. For whatever reason, in the new Q5, designers did not include the full-width integrated air vent styling element that helps to make the latest A4, A5, and Q7 models look distinctive and feel special.

That’s a shame, because by comparison to its brethren, the Q5’s interior lacks that same sense of exclusivity that can entice luxury-vehicle customers to jump from one brand to another.

Christian Wardlaw
Published May 25, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2018 Audi Q5

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User rating:
by Baxter D
Jan 12, 2025
Awesome vehicle, fits my needs perfectly. Sports utility luxury vehicleJan 12, 2025
by Evan D
Jul 15, 2024
Terrible idle, the owner tried to tell me it was the tune.. thats a joke. I own 2 Audi q5 a 2018 and 2019 and an audi tt. I would stay clear of this car maybe if he dropped it by 10k and you put 3k back into it, it would be a good deal.Jul 15, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 13, 2024
The features are great and we previously owned a Q5 Apr 13, 2024

2018 Audi Q5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$41,500 to $50,800
Price range
$16,963 to $18,175
Average price on CG
$16,963
YoY price change
$18,141 to $16,963

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Battery rating: 420 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Battery rating: 420 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 18 · Watts: 755

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: leatherette · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Battery rating: 420 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 15

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (3)