2020 Audi Q5 Review: Reliable Small SUV With Some Expensive Ownership Costs As It Ages

Alex Showalter
Nov 1, 2023

The 2020 Audi Q5 lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average oil consumption and battery issues reported. At $31,950 to $41,998, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a nice luxury SUV with a lot of technology features.

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likeFilled The Good
The suspension is smooth, there’s a lot of passenger room in the second row and it’s very quiet at highway speeds.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The cargo capacity is lower than many competitors, the touchscreen is difficult to learn how to use and the maintenance costs are high.

Is the 2020 Audi Q5 a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Audi Q5 since it offers a combination of advanced technology and some luxury features. Owner reviews praise the responsive steering, great screens, and the smooth suspension on rough roads.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a small SUV, the seats offer great support on long drives, although the cargo space is smaller than some rivals.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2020 Q5. Avoid models from 2018, which have widespread electrical issues, while 20192022 are more dependable choices.
  • Performance 7/10 – The performance is okay for a small SUV, but the SQ5 offers a sportier driving experience with its stronger engine.
  • Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Q5 is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with Audi Pre Sense Basic, including emergency braking. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 25 MPG, offering 462 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $11 higher than average, at $266 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2020 Audi Q5 is close in price to many other luxury SUVs from the same year, with average depreciation rates, making it a decent value.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Loree M
Great mountain driving vehicle.
The only thing I am disappointed with the Audi about is periodically when driving there will be a ding and a error message will pop up on the dash. I have googled the issue and several others have experienced the same problem. The fix is to turn off a program that will turn off several other features that I do not want off so I just let the ding happen. I have not taken it in to my dealer to ask about it specifically. I took the car on a weekend trip to the mountains and was very impressed with the performance when driving on 2 lane, curvy roads. Lots of get up and go.
accountCircle Marisa D
Black on black Audi—recommend!
Great car, very comfortable and spacious. It drives very smoothly and is a good size. Enjoy it a lot and are very happy with this recent purchase. We got black with black leather—Bluetooth and apple play included in car. Wireless charging is a plus!!
accountCircle Sims C
Beautiful, comfortable, and reliable vehicle that I am very pleased with.
I feel it is a very comfortable and reliable vehicle. The only thing I wish it had as a feature is the automotive start up from the vehicle keychain. The other features are fantastic. This car is very dependable and luxurious. I am very satisfied in my purchase.
accountCircle Nick S
Great tech and a smooth ride.
This vehicle has a great technology package that incorporates many cutting edge technologies such as wireless charging. The amount of features the vehicle has is at first overwhelming, but after a few months of driving it I have figured out how to work everything. It is very easy to drive and smooth on the road.
accountCircle Rossana C
Smooth ride and comfortable SUV.
Audi q5 has a smooth drive, very comfortable but is also dynamic, fast and agile. This has been my favorite luxury style SUV that I have had. The seats are comfortable all around, there is plenty of legroom in the front and back and the cargo space is large.
accountCircle Andrea C
Beautiful, fast, hybrid and comfortable. The perfect car.
The car is really comfortable and it is really smooth when you drive it. You do not really feel how fast you are going unless you look at it. The speakers are amazing and it also has this feature that lets you connect the phone to the car so you can see maps in the car's screen and so on.
accountCircle Daniel A
Audi q5 is awesome. Make and model is perfect.
This car is so smooth. I highly recommend and the storage is great. The q5 feels the same as driving the a4 but yet it is larger and has more space as well as a larger engine. The sunroof is awesome as well. The trunk has a lot of room and the roof rack gives the opportunity to store and carry more items. It is a wonderful SUV.
accountCircle Aimee H
Audi q5 - drives like a dream.
This car moves quickly and the drive is very comfortable. It is the s model so you can change the drive style to anywhere from dynamic (very low and sporty) to a more comfortable ride. The dashboard has everything... Very easy to use and figure out. The seating is very comfortable.

What Do Critics Say About the Audi Q5?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2020 Audi Q5 offers an excellent ride and power, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
  • Edmunds rates the Audi Q5 at 4.1/5, enjoying the quiet cabin, but doesn’t like the lack of storage space behind the rear seats.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Q5 a 4.2/5, praising the excellent standard all-wheel drive system, but owners don’t like the limited rear legroom.

What Common Problems Does the 2020 Audi Q5 Have?

Common problems found on the 2020 Audi Q5 include excessive oil consumption, dead batteries, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other small luxury SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as it ages.

Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Q5 owners, showing up at around 10,000 miles. Usually, excessive oil consumption is normal operation of the engine to prevent wear and tear. It’s a good idea to check your oil levels regularly to make sure it’s full, and add oil as needed.

Dead batteries have also been mentioned by some Audi Q5 owners within the first 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Q5, which sometimes stay on even when the engine is off. Diagnosing the source of the parasitic draw costs around $100 for labor, then repairing it is roughly $20 to $200.

Stereo system issues are another issue, according to some Q5 owners within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available which improve the reliability of the stereo system. Most dealerships will update the stereo system for free, while others charge around $100 for the labor.

There are five recalls on the 2020 Audi Q5, which is similar to many other compact luxury SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers the rear axle, which may be misaligned. Audi will re-align the axle for free on affected models. Other recalls cover the wheel arch covers, and the seat backrests.

How Long Will the 2020 Audi Q5 Last?

A well-maintained 2020 Audi Q5 can last around 200,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than some competitors, including the Lexus NX. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than many other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $918 per year.

As a used 2020 Audi Q5 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the stabilizer bushings for $250, the engine oil level sensor costing $300, along with the oxygen sensor, which costs around $450.

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is great, and features a 7-inch display which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful audio system along with a larger 8.3-inch display.

Standard safety technology is very good, and includes:

  • Rearview camera
  • Audi Pre Sense Basic, which detects potential collisions
  • Audi Pre Sense City, which monitors for vehicles and pedestrians
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking

Optional driver assistance features include:

  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Head-up display
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Traffic jam assist
  • Vehicle exit warning
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Surround-view parking camera system
  • Lane keep assist
  • Adaptive cruise control

Is the 2020 Audi Q5 a Good Value?

Yes, the 2020 Audi Q5 is a good value since it offers a lot of luxury features and advanced technology compared to some other SUVs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $31,950 to $41,998, making it more than a Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX. When new, the price range was $43,300 to $52,900. Depreciation is similar to other luxury SUVs, losing about 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Audi Q5?

There are three main models of the 2020 Audi Q5 offered from the entry-level Premium to the more well-equipped Prestige. All versions of the Audi Q5 come standard with all-wheel drive.

Premium is the entry-level model with:

  • 7-inch display
  • 10-speaker sound system
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Voice command
  • HD Radio
  • Two USB ports
  • Bluetooth
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Power liftgate
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Push-button start
  • Rearview camera
  • Audi Pre Sense Basic
  • Audi Pre Sense City

Premium Plus is a step up, adding:

  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Hands-free liftgate
  • Satellite radio
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Front and rear park assist
  • Blind spot monitoring

Prestige is the flagship model, which has:

  • 19-speaker premium audio system
  • MMI All-In-Touch system with handwriting recognition
  • 3-inch Virtual Cockpit
  • 3-inch infotainment display
  • Surround-view parking camera system
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Head-up display
car
Titanium Premium
248 HP 24 MPG
car
Titanium Premium Plus
248 HP 24 MPG
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Titanium Prestige
248 HP 24 MPG
car
car
Premium Plus
362 HP 27 MPG
car

What Engines Come In the Audi Q5?

2.0-liter TFSI® four-cylinder engine: This engine produces 248 horsepower and is paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. It boasts an impressive 0-60 MPH time of just 5.9 seconds. When considering fuel economy, this engine delivers a fuel rating of 25 MPG.

What Colors Does the Audi Q5 Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 stands out for offering a lot of comfort in the luxury compact SUV segment. Both the driver and passengers are treated to an interior that is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, featuring soft-touch surfaces and elegant trims. The seats, available in premium leather, are ergonomically designed, offering ample support and cushioning. Moreover, front seats often come with both heating and ventilation options, providing comfort in various weather conditions.

The cabin is spacious, allowing for generous legroom and headroom even for taller occupants. Noise insulation is impeccable, making sure that road and wind noises are minimized, allowing for serene drives. The suspension in the Q5 is adept at absorbing road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride. To top it off, the climate control system is efficient and intuitive, making sure the cabin remains at an optimal temperature. All these elements combined make the Audi Q5 an epitome of comfort, making both short commutes and long journeys pleasurable.

How Much Storage Space Does the Audi Q5 Have?

The 2020 Audi Q5 is a luxury compact SUV that balances performance with utility. One of its notable features is its storage space, both in the trunk and within the cabin. In terms of cargo capacity, the 2020 Q5 offers 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. When the 40/20/40-split rear seats are folded down, this expands to 53.1 cubic feet, making it roomy enough to accommodate larger items like bicycles, golf clubs, or a weekend’s worth of camping gear.

Apart from the main cargo area, the Audi Q5 has multiple small storage spaces spread throughout the cabin. These include door pockets, a reasonably sized glovebox, center console storage, and various cup holders. These compartments are ideal for storing smaller items like smartphones, wallets, and beverages, making sure that the interior remains organized and clutter-free.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Audi Q5 was introduced for the 2018 model year.

2015: Standard Xenon headlights on all models, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, and a power liftgate.

2016: Standard panoramic sunroof on all models, upgraded technology package includes a Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

2017: Adaptive cruise control now offered on the 3.0T Prestige model, and the 2.0T Premium Plus offers 19-inch wheels.

2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with a stronger engine, new technology, and updated exterior design.

2019: New 7-inch driver information display, additional standard features, optional wireless phone charging pad.

2020: Updated standard features and options, plug-in hybrid model now available.

2021: Minor exterior styling changes, including an updated front bumper, a larger touchscreen, and a more powerful four-cylinder engine.

How Does the Audi Q5 Compare to the Competition?

The 2020 Audi Q5 is a very nice luxury SUV since it combines a lot of upscale features, all-wheel drive, and some of the latest technology.

The BMW X3 is another compact luxury SUV which costs around $2,500 more. Performance is better in the BMW X3, while the Audi Q5 offers a more luxurious feeling interior. We recommend the BMW X3, although both are very similar and worth checking out.

The Mercedes GLC is a popular small luxury SUV, which is available for about $3,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious on the Mercedes GLC, while the Audi Q5 handles snowy conditions better with its all-wheel drive system. We recommend the Audi Q5 since it has lower ownership costs as it ages.

Ranks #1 Luxury Compact SUV by Owners

1
car
4.89
2
car
4.88
3
car
4.86

Do Owners Recommend the Audi Q5?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sims C on June 25, 2021
Beautiful, comfortable, and reliable vehicle that I am very pleased with.
I feel it is a very comfortable and reliable vehicle. The only thing I wish it had as a feature is the automotive start up from the vehicle keychain. The other features are fantastic. This car is very dependable and luxurious. I am very satisfied in my purchase.
accountCircle Andrea C on March 23, 2021
Beautiful, fast, hybrid and comfortable. The perfect car.
The car is really comfortable and it is really smooth when you drive it. You do not really feel how fast you are going unless you look at it. The speakers are amazing and it also has this feature that lets you connect the phone to the car so you can see maps in the car's screen and so on.
accountCircle Loree M on March 10, 2021
Great mountain driving vehicle.
The only thing I am disappointed with the Audi about is periodically when driving there will be a ding and a error message will pop up on the dash. I have googled the issue and several others have experienced the same problem. The fix is to turn off a program that will turn off several other features that I do not want off so I just let the ding happen. I have not taken it in to my dealer to ask about it specifically. I took the car on a weekend trip to the mountains and was very impressed with the performance when driving on 2 lane, curvy roads. Lots of get up and go.
accountCircle Ravi K on November 12, 2020
Cool vehicle looks sturdy.
Really nice vehicle. Very sturdy and cool tech features. All wheel drive. Drives really nice. Vehicle has steel side rims. Safe SUV. Make sure to research for more details. Leasing is a good option if you want to test it out and then at the end of the lease you can buy.
accountCircle Daniel A on November 4, 2020
Audi q5 is awesome. Make and model is perfect.
This car is so smooth. I highly recommend and the storage is great. The q5 feels the same as driving the a4 but yet it is larger and has more space as well as a larger engine. The sunroof is awesome as well. The trunk has a lot of room and the roof rack gives the opportunity to store and carry more items. It is a wonderful SUV.
accountCircle Marisa D on July 22, 2020
Black on black Audi—recommend!
Great car, very comfortable and spacious. It drives very smoothly and is a good size. Enjoy it a lot and are very happy with this recent purchase. We got black with black leather—Bluetooth and apple play included in car. Wireless charging is a plus!!
accountCircle Rossana C on July 21, 2020
Smooth ride and comfortable SUV.
Audi q5 has a smooth drive, very comfortable but is also dynamic, fast and agile. This has been my favorite luxury style SUV that I have had. The seats are comfortable all around, there is plenty of legroom in the front and back and the cargo space is large.
accountCircle Aimee H on October 9, 2019
Audi q5 - drives like a dream.
This car moves quickly and the drive is very comfortable. It is the s model so you can change the drive style to anywhere from dynamic (very low and sporty) to a more comfortable ride. The dashboard has everything... Very easy to use and figure out. The seating is very comfortable.
accountCircle Nick S on September 8, 2019
Great tech and a smooth ride.
This vehicle has a great technology package that incorporates many cutting edge technologies such as wireless charging. The amount of features the vehicle has is at first overwhelming, but after a few months of driving it I have figured out how to work everything. It is very easy to drive and smooth on the road.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.