The 2018 Audi Q5 lasts around 150,000 miles with serious electrical and mechanical problems reported. At $21,050 to $47,250, it’s cheaper than some other small luxury SUVs, but not worth it when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.
Is the 2018 Audi Q5 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is not a good year for the Audi Q5 since it has more complaints and problems than other years. Owner reviews complain about expensive repair bills, oil leaks, along with some rust issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a compact small SUV, the seats are comfortable on longer drives, although cargo space isn’t the best.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are some electrical and engine issues reported on the 2018 Avoid models from 2018, while 2019–2022 are much more reliable as they age.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay for a small luxury SUV, although it’s not as fast as some of the competition.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Q5 is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera along with brake assist, optional features include a head-up display as well as front and rear parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is decent at up to 25 MPG, giving 462 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 higher than average at $220 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2018 Audi Q5 is more expensive than many small luxury SUVs with some expensive issues that pop up, making it a bad value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Audi Q5?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Audi Q5 offers some great improvements from the previous generation, with decent owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Audi Q5 at 3.7/5, enjoying the quiet and comfortable cabin, but doesn’t like the limited cargo space behind the rear seats.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Audi Q5 a 4.2/5, praising the excellent active safety features, but owners don’t like the relatively slow performance.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Audi Q5 Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Audi Q5 include turning off while driving, excessive oil consumption, along with a moldy smell from the A/C. Overall, these problems are worse than some other luxury SUVs, leading to more expensive repair costs as it ages.
Turning off while driving is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Q5 owners, showing up at around 35,000 miles. The gateway control module is known to fail easily, and has to be replaced to fix the problem. Under warranty the replacement is usually done for free, although out of warranty installing a new control module is over $3,000 depending on local labor rates.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem mentioned by 2018 Audi Q5 owners in the first 25,000 miles. The problem is often caused by damaged gaskets throughout the engine, which allow oil to enter the cylinders and burn. Fixing the problem is labor intensive, costing over $2,000.
A moldy smell from the A/C also shows up on some Q5 models within the first 5,000 miles. This problem is usually caused by a clogged A/C drain line, which allows mold to build up in the system. Cleaning out the drain line, and removing the mold costs around $500.
There are six recalls on the 2018 Audi Q5, which is similar to some other small SUVs on the market. The most serious recall is for the control module cover, which can get water into, Audi will install a cover on the module to prevent water from entering. Other recalls cover the wheel arches, along with the brakes, which Audi will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Audi Q5 Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Audi Q5 may last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to keep running, which is much shorter than the long-lasting Lexus NX. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $730 per year.
As a used 2018 Q5 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the mass airflow sensor for $$350, the active suspension system control module costing $790, along with the fuel injectors which cost over $1,000.
It is definitely reliable. Aside from a recall, I have not had any issues with this car since purchasing.
The 2018 Audi q5 prestige is a very reliable vehicle. I trust it with my children and relatives. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to my closest friends and family.
We have not had any problems. Two recalls regarding the wheel well trim had to be fixed. The local Audi dealer took good care of us.
I haven't had any issues. There have been a couple of recalls but I did not have an issue with what they were. There have not been any mechanical issues come up.
The brake gets a little old if you drive it a lot but you can go to Audi and they can tighten it for you
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 12.3-inch display, along with a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system.
Standard safety technology is good offering:
- Rearview camera
- Audi Pre Sense Basic
- Collision Warning System
- Audi Pre Sense City
- Pedestrian Detection
- Forward Collision Warning
- Brake Assist
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Head-up display
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree parking camera
- Vehicle Exit Assist
Is the 2018 Audi Q5 a Good Value?
No, the 2018 Audi Q5 is not a good value since it has more complaints than a lot of other model years, which can get expensive to fix. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,050 to $47,250, making it more than an Acura RDX or Infiniti QX30. When new, the price range was $41,500 to $54,300. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Audi Q5?
There are three main models of the 2018 Audi Q5 offered, from the entry-level Premium to the more luxurious Prestige. The Q5 comes standard with all-wheel drive on all models.
Premium is the entry-level model with:
- 18-inch wheels
- Roof rails and rear spoiler
- Automatic xenon headlights with LED running lights and taillights
- Rain-sensing wipers and heated side mirrors
- Power liftgate
- Push-button ignition and cruise control
- Leather upholstery and tri-zone automatic climate control
- Eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror and transmission shift paddles
- 40/20/40-split folding and reclining rear seat
- Rearview camera and Bluetooth phone connection
- Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Automatic emergency braking (Pre Sense City)
Premium Plus is a step up, adding:
- Panoramic sunroof
- LED headlights and auto-dimming side mirrors
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Keyless entry and heated seats with driver-seat memory settings
- Satellite radio
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Option for 19- or 20-inch wheels
- Options for touchscreen navigation, ventilated sport front seats
- Heated rear seats and heated steering wheel
- Upgraded audio system and Wi-Fi options available
Prestige is the flagship model with:
- 20-inch wheels and noise-insulated side windows
- Head-up display and ambient cabin lighting
- Bird’s-eye view parking camera
- Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system
- Touchscreen navigation system and Wi-Fi connection
- 3-inch digital gauge cluster display
- Options for heated rear seats and steering wheel, ventilated sport seats
- Rear airbags, aluminum or ash wood trim inlays
- Adaptive damping suspension and fixed roof option
What Engines Come In the Audi Q5?
The 2018 Audi Q5 is powered by a 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder engine that delivers 252 horsepower, while getting up to 25 MPG. Power is channeled through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The Q5 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is decent for its size.
What Colors Does the Audi Q5 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Audi Q5?
The 2018 Audi Q5 is renowned for its exceptional comfort, making it a luxurious choice among compact SUVs. The vehicle’s cabin is designed with high-quality materials that include leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, creating a refined atmosphere that passengers are sure to appreciate. The seats are ergonomically designed and offer abundant support, which is especially beneficial on long journeys. Both the front and rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom, catering to the comfort of passengers of various heights.
The Q5 is equipped with a standard tri-zone automatic climate control system, allowing each passenger to adjust the temperature to their own preference, thus further enhancing comfort. Additionally, available features such as heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, offer additional layers of comfort.
Beyond physical comfort, the Audi Q5 offers a smooth, quiet ride due to its well-tuned suspension and sound-insulating materials. It absorbs bumps and potholes effectively, providing a serene travel experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Audi Q5 Have?
The 2018 Audi Q5 is a versatile and sophisticated SUV that offers substantial cargo space to accommodate your everyday needs. It has a total of 26.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which is ample space for daily essentials like grocery bags, strollers, and small luggage.
For even more storage space, the rear seats can be folded down to unveil a significantly larger cargo area of up to 60.4 cubic feet. This expanded space can comfortably hold larger items, such as a bicycle, camping gear, or multiple suitcases for longer trips. With the ability to configure the cargo area in this way, the Audi Q5 truly shines regarding storage capacity, making it a strong choice for families and adventurers alike.
Furthermore, the Q5 also features a range of smaller storage solutions within the cabin, like door pockets, a sizable glovebox, and a center console storage compartment, providing numerous options to stow away smaller items. This combination of sizable cargo area and flexible storage options makes the 2018 Audi Q5 a practical choice for a wide array of lifestyles.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Audi Q5 was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: All Q5 models come with xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, and a power liftgate.
2016: Standard panoramic sunroof on all models, optional Bang & Olufsen audio system in the technology package.
2017: Flagship 3.0T Prestige has standard adaptive cruise control, and 2.0T Premium Plus comes with 19-inch wheels.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new exterior, more powerful engine, and updated technology.
2019: New 7-inch driver information display, optional wireless phone charging, and more standard features.
2020: Revised standard features and options, and a plug-in hybrid model added.
2021: Minor exterior styling changes, a larger touchscreen, and a more powerful four-cylinder engine added.
How Does the Audi Q5 Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Audi Q5 is a bad small luxury SUV since it suffers from some expensive mechanical and electrical problems, making it one that buyers should avoid. Both the 2017 and 2019 models are more reliable choices.
The BMW X3 is another compact luxury SUV which costs about $3,000 more. The BMW X3 offers more responsive steering, while the Audi Q5’s standard all-wheel drive is better in the snow. We recommend the BMW X3 since there are significantly fewer issues reported as they age.
The Volvo XC60 is a competitor available for roughly $3,500 less. Ownership costs are much lower on the Volvo XC60, while the Audi Q5 offers a more luxurious cabin with higher-end finishes. We recommend the Volvo XC60 since it’s a much more reliable SUV.
Do Owners Recommend the Audi Q5?
Yes, overall a good vehicle. It drive smoothly and quietly. It is spacious but not too big. It comes with a lot of good standard features. It is a comfortable car to drive.
Yes I love the luxurious look and smooth drive. It gets great gas mileage and the service offered after the purchase is fantastic! It is definitely my favorite vehicle out of all the purchases I've made in the past.
We like it very much. It replaced a Lexus rx 350. The ride is a bit stiffer but handling is sporty. Lots of features and comfortable seats.
Very good vehicle. It has a smooth ride. The off road feature makes it very useful for driving on the beach and when back home in bad weather. The cooled seats help on hot days. It has everything I could want.
Yes it drives smoothly and has a pretty great break the inside looks beautiful with the white leather it is not too big or too small it is the perfect size
