• . 2011 Audi Q5
    • Overview
    • Expert Reviews
    • Owner Reviews ()
    • Photos ()
    • Video Reviews ()
    • Compare Models & Key Features
    • Detailed Specs
    • For Sale Near Me ()
    • Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover
    • Safety Features ()
    • Long-Term Reliability
    • Safety Recalls ()
    • Payment Calculator
  • . Vehicle Research
  • . VIN Search
  • . Cars For Sale
  • . About Us
    • Company Overview
    • Careers
    • User Reviews
    • In The News
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Advertising

2011 Audi Q5 Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$12,196 - $15,440
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
Crash Test
Source: NHTSA.gov
MPG (up to)
20 City / 27 HWY
Horsepower
211-270
Seats
5
4.27 Owner Reviews (15) Photos (79) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (5)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff

Editor's Overview

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Audi Q5 Models & Trims

2.0T Premium - $12,196 - $14,193

Horsepower: 211 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 18 x 8.0 (in.) Alloy
  • Bluetooth (Optional)
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

2.0T Premium Plus - $12,196 - $14,193

Horsepower: 211 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 18 x 8.0, 19 x 8.0 (in.) Alloy
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera (Optional)
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

3.2L Premium Plus - $13,271 - $15,440

Horsepower: 270 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 19 x 8.0, 20 x 8.5 (in.) Alloy
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera (Optional)
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

3.2L Prestige - $13,271 - $15,440

Horsepower: 270 hp
Engine Type: Gas V6
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 19 x 8.0, 20 x 8.5 (in.) Alloy
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.27
5 star
53%
4 star
27%
3 star
13%
2 star
7%
1 star
0%

Once a year for an oil change and the tires last 50, 000 miles.

My Audi q5 was bought new in 1911 and was initially used by my wife. She loved this car but after 3 years she decided to lease a Mercedes and change every 3 years. So I sold my SUV and made the Audi my car and it is the best vehicle I have owned in the 75 years of my life. I like to smooth ride and quick acceleration and the leather seats. And it is not a gas hog. This 2011 vehicle now has only 50, 000 miles on it. I have never had any major problem with it and just change the oil once yearly at my local mechanic. I have only changed the tires on my Audi once in its 50, 000 miles! Great car and when it has 100, 000 miles I will buy another.
James P
Helpful

It looks good, feels good, runs good. . . For now.

I love my Audi q5, it is comfortable, it is been very reliable, it is fun to drive. I feel safe in this car when I drive it. It is got performance like no car I have ever driven. I am disappointed with the fact that it is had 3 major recalls on it, 1st it was the Takata airbag, then it was oil usage, and now it is got a timing chain and timing gear recall which I am expected to pay a major portion of the expense of the repair or replacement of the engine. As much as I love this car, I feel cheated by VW and Audi. I will not buy another car made by them.
Berne M
Helpful

It is very safe and reliable and family friendly.

It is reliable and convenient and offers a lot of room especially for my family of four. I like the leather seats, it is very comfortable. The trunk space is very large and has come quite handy on numerous occasions.
Michelle R
Helpful
See All Reviews (15)

Video Reviews

2011 Audi Q5 - Impressions

2011 Audi Q5 - Impressions

174,118 views
2011 Audi Q5 - Impressions
2011 Audi Q5 - Impressions
174,118 views
Audi Q5 SUV review - CarBuyer
Audi Q5 SUV review - CarBuyer
847,855 views
2011 Audi Q5 2.0T quattro - Drive Time Review | TestDriveNow
2011 Audi Q5 2.0T quattro - Drive Time Review | TestDriveNow
167,855 views
Audi Q5: 9 Important Tips for Buying Used
Audi Q5: 9 Important Tips for Buying Used
118,065 views

Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety

  • Overall
  • Front
    Not Available
  • Side
    Not Available
  • Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side G
  • Roof Strength G
  • Driver-side Overlap Front N/A
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • Anti-lock brake system (ABS) w/electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
  • Hydraulic brake assist
  • Electronic stabilization program -inc: roll-over mitigation, ABS, EBD, EDL, ASR, off road mode w/hill descent control
  • Daytime running lights
  • Impact protection w/reinforced high strength steel & aluminum crossmembers
  • Driver & front passenger advanced dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints
  • Driver & front passenger seat-mounted side thorax airbag supplemental restraints
  • Front passenger occupant detection
  • SIDEGUARD head curtain airbags for both rows of seats
  • Front row three-point safety belts w/automatic pretensioning, height adjustable upper mounts, force limiters
  • Rear second row three-point safety belts w/automatic pretensioning, automatic locking retractor
  • LATCH (lower anchors & tethers for children) provisions in rear seats (including third row)
  • Integrated child door locks in rear doors
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (5)

  • .
    Air Bags Jan 30, 2018
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jan 30, 2018
    NHTSA Campaign:
    18V082000
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Audi Q5 and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
  • .
    Fuel System, Gasoline Nov 19, 2018
    Report Receipt Date:
    Nov 19, 2018
    NHTSA Campaign:
    18V818000
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
    Consequence:
    The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 31, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
  • .
    Air Bags Feb 10, 2016
    Report Receipt Date:
    Feb 10, 2016
    NHTSA Campaign:
    16V078000
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf and Jetta SportWagen, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
  • .
    Fuel System, Gasoline Sep 13, 2016
    Report Receipt Date:
    Sep 13, 2016
    NHTSA Campaign:
    16V660000
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel cap flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
  • .
    Visibility, Air Bags Jan 3, 2017
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jan 3, 2017
    NHTSA Campaign:
    17V001000
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles. The sunroof drainage system may allow water to soak into the foam surrounding the side head air bag inflator canister resulting in the corrosion of the canister. This corrosion can weaken the canister and, during deployment of the side head air bag, the inflator may fracture and propel fragments into the passenger compartment.
    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69P1.

Payment Calculator

Estimated Monthly
Payment

--
Expert Rating What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment
About VehicleHistory.com

VehicleHistory.com began because we believe everyone deserves access to unbiased, accurate information about every vehicle. Simplifying the research process is at the heart of what we do and remains our number one priority. Learn About Us

Best Rated Vehicles VIN Lookup Contact Terms Privacy

Update ZIP Code

Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (Used)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

Kelly Blue Book® values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

2. J.D. Power’s Power Circles Ratings do not include all information used to determine J.D. Power awards. See jdpower.com for more information. Your experience may vary. All information provided by J.D. Power is owned by J.D. Power and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power, other than printing copies of the J.D.Power content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power.

Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

Write a Review

Select Year

Select Make

Select Color

2011 Audi Q5

Review Process Provided By: The Car Connection

The Car Connection is VehicleHistory.com’s trusted resource for unbiased expert reviews of the vehicles you find on our site. If you’re curious about their review process, we encourage you to read the “How We Rate Cars” explanation from The Car Connection’s website:

Our Approach

Our reviews are the product of decades of experience from some of the most experienced automotive writers working today.

Our automotive experts have over 50 years of collective automotive journalism experience writing for outlets such as Automobile, Car and Driver, Auto Express, Edmunds.com, MSN Autos, more than 75 newspapers across the country including The Chicago Tribune, and more. Now we have harnessed their talents to create a unique type of review that brings the best of the web together in a single opinion that readers can act on.

Our team of experts drives nearly 200 new vehicles each year between them, including advance drives of new vehicles not available to the general public. The Car Connection’s experts also travel to the world’s auto shows to learn firsthand about vehicles nearing production.

How We Test Cars

The Car Connection’s experts test-drive completely new models as well as cars that have been substantially updated with new styling, new safety gear, and new engines and transmissions. The team also drives some models that haven’t seen major changes as needed to refresh their opinions of the car. In nearly all cases, our experts have driven the vehicle in question in its current form, for the hands-on experience needed to bring you the best advice.

There are a few vehicles that have not been driven by our experts due to availability. In those cases, The Car Connection’s reviews bring you the highlights from the most respected sources around the Web. In the rare cases where The Car Connection’s team of experts has not recently driven a car, we will still bring together the consensus opinion from around the Web and update the review when they get some “seat time” in the car.

What Is The Rating System

We’re rating cars based on Style, Performance, Comfort, Quality, Safety, Features, and Green. Most categories start at 5 (average) and go up or down from there.

Style: Points can be earned or lost based on above- or below-average interior and exterior style; excellent or poor interior or exterior style; and exceptional (or very poor) style.

Performance: Points can be earned or lost based on powertrain performance; braking and handling performance; ride quality; and transmission. An additional point can be awarded (or lost) for exceptional circumstances, i.e. off-road prowess, or supercar credentials.

Comfort: Points can be earned or lost based on comfort in the front seats, back seats, or third-row seats (where applicable); good or bad interior storage; and good cargo capacity. Cars, SUVs, or trucks with significant cargo capacity can earn an additional point.

Safety: Cars with official crash data gain points for a five-star overall rating by the NHTSA, or Top Safety Pick status by the IIHS. Cars with Top Safety Pick+ status are awarded an additional point for those advanced safety features. An additional point is awarded for cars with exceptional safety features such as parking assistance, surround-view camera systems, or autonomous-driving features. Cars with official crash data lose points for a four-star overall rating by NHTSA, “Poor” ratings by the IIHS, any three-star NHTSA ratings, no standard rearview camera, poor outward vision, or any special notes by the IIHS or federal testers. Cars without crash data aren’t given a rating at all.

Features: Cars with excellent base equipment earn a point above average. Extra points can be added for exceptional available features, good customization options, good infotainment systems with screens larger than 5.0 inches, and good warranty or service programs. Cars may lose points for sub-standard or expensive features; bad feature packages; poor relative value; or bad warranty or service availability.

Green: Cars are assigned a rating based on their EPA-estimated highway and combined mileage ratings. Plug-in and battery-electric vehicles start at 8. Electric-only cars with a range of more than 250 miles; plug-in electric cars with an EV range of more than 50 miles; or cars with a combined equivalent MPGe rating of more than 100 mpg earn a perfect score.

What’s New?

Our rating system better reflects how people look at their cars. We start in the middle, and add or take away points based on features, usability and driveability. It’s pretty simple!

A clearer path to 10—and 0. Our system is designed to better identify what’s exceptional in new cars.

Our ratings are reviewed by experts, every week. Editors constantly evaluate every new car rating to make sure we’re giving readers the best information.

We’re asking for discussion. We want to be as transparent as possible, so we’re inviting readers to discuss our ratings with the experts.

It’s not like grade school. Our ratings go from 1-10 with 5 being an average score. In the past, most of our ratings have fallen between 6 and 8 and while our new ratings may have lower scores, it doesn’t mean we like the car any less. An overall score of 5 is average—anything above is better than average.

How Do We Get There?

For most ratings, we start at 5 and work our way up—or down. Cars gain and lose points based on feature availability, affordability, comfort, and quality relative to their competition.

Some of our ratings are based on specific criteria. Safety ratings, for example, are based on official crash data from both of the major U.S. safety organizations. Green scores are calculated on mileage estimates from the EPA.

All of our ratings are open to the public. Wherever possible, we’ll tell you how we’ve rated a car and why we arrived at the score we did.

We’ve added an “N/A” rating. For cars without official crash safety ratings or other data by authorities, we’ve removed those numbers from the overall score to give readers a better measure for that car’s actual performance. We’ll tell you why we’re withholding a score, and we’ll add those in as those become available.

We’ve factored “Green” into the overall average. We know many readers and shoppers prioritize fuel economy and we’re rewarding efficient cars.

The Car Connection’s experts consult these professional review sources when writing our reviews:

  • Autoblog
  • Automobile
  • Car and Driver
  • Cars.com
  • Consumer Reports
  • Edmunds
  • Kelley darkBlue Book
  • Motor Trend
  • Road & Track
  • Top Gear

How Often Are Ratings Changed?

We re-evaluate our ratings for new cars at least once a month—if not more.

How Can I Tell If You Recommend A Car?

We’ll tell you! For most models, we’ll identify our picks for powertrain and popular combinations we think are important to buy.

We’re changing our rating system to better serve our readers and start a conversation about new cars on the road today. We take seriously our responsibility to you and we want to be open and transparent.