What Are the Best Years for The Audi Q5?

Performance and prestige have been the hallmarks of Audi vehicles since inception. 

The lineup of Audi vehicle models is usually a stunner to look at and offers a wide range of styles for its customers. 

Right from Audi sedans, to the SUVs, the sports utility vehicles lineup of the Audi is the most sought after by many people. 

Even better, the Audi Q5 compact luxury SUV stands out from its peers as the most dependable of the lot. 

What Are the Best Years for The Audi Q5? 

The three model years (2009, 2012, and 2017) were some of the finest of the Audio Q5 ever to be designed. Although the latest 2021 and 2020 models pack a punch in terms of added features and enhanced technology, 2009, 2012, and 2017 still raise the bar high for the entire Audi Q5 lineup.

Specifically, you should look for these models and years of the Aud Q5:

• 2017 Audi Q5

• Audi SQ5 TFSI – 2014

• Audi SQ5 TDI – 2013

• Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid Drive – 2012

• Audi Q5 Quattro – 2009

These models received the best reliability scores both in Consumer Reports and J.D Power reliability ranking. 

The Audi Q5 has been one of Audi’s most prestigious and well-known vehicles since its debut in 2009. 

This compact crossover SUV has a stylish design and incorporates cutting-edge technology and features. 

Furthermore, the premium interior and exterior styling and convenience provided with this SUV often distinguish it from its rivals. 

Audi Q5 has gone through several refinements and re-design over the years, making it score highly in terms of engineering and stellar performance. 

The Q5 is offered in three distinct trim levels, namely: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. 

Let us delve deeper into the model years mentioned. 

2017 Audi Q5

The 2017 Audi Q5 model year was fully redesigned both inside and outside.

It was given a stylish exterior with an even more luxurious interior.

Inside, the 2017 Q5 had more space compared to the earlier model years. 

This made the Q5 ideal for drivers who plan to haul more cargo and people at the same time. 

This model year also came with enhanced handling, which made the Q5 to be the first model year in the second generation to offer superior handling and steering capabilities. 

Audi made the 2017 model more appealing to the Audi SUV enthusiast, paving way for the major developments and upgrades that came thereafter. 

The 2017 Q5 was more efficient with more standard comfort and safety features than drivers wished for. All this was achieved without losing the sportiness of the Q5. 

Audi SQ5 TFSI – 2014

A year before the Audi SQ5 TFSI was launched (2013), the S model was the only model that had a diesel engine. 

This led to a request from Audi SUV fans for an equivalent SUV that runs on gas. 

In keeping with their ethos, Audi listened to its clients and introduced the 2014 SQ5 TFSI. 

This model came with additional interior and exterior enhancements and at the same time offered the gas option that Audi lovers had requested. 

It came fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 354-hp engine mated with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. 

This powerful SUV could easily cruise at over 155 mph with stability and the signature comfort inside the cabin that the Audi lineup is known for. 

Its opulence and stunning exterior were enhanced even further by its 20-inch triple-spoke wheels and the unique quadruple exhaust tips. 

It features an aggressive look, thanks to the platinum-toned radiator grille that came standard. 

Audi SQ5 TDI – 2013

The 2013 Audi SQ5 model also features in the list of the most reliable Q5 models of the first generation. 

If you are on a budget and wish to enjoy the comfort and high-tech features that the Audi Q5 lineup has to offer, the SQ5 TDI is a great value for your money. 

This model year of the Audi Q5 was initiated as a concept and eventually given the go-ahead to enter showrooms after being exhibited at the Worthersee GTI. 

The SQ5 TDI was presented as Audi’s Q5 custom concept much earlier before it was released. 

Audi lovers who appreciate the thrill and high performance of Audi crossovers would appreciate this model year. 

This was the first Audi Q5 S model that was powered by a diesel engine. 

Under the hood, this compact SUV was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel (Direct Injection) engine with remarkable power. 

This provided it with 313 horsepower. 

The SQ5 TDI was also uniquely designed with an iron block fitted with aluminum heads. 

It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in nine seconds with an impressive top speed of 155 mph. 

This model came with tougher suspension and smooth steering that makes driving in the busy streets in the city memorable. 

Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid Drive – 2012

When this model year was released in 2012, Audi had effectively outperformed its previous 3.2-liter V6 engine that came standard on the earlier model and became the standard for the Q5 successive releases. 

It is powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine that provides 208hp and an electric motor assist with 44 horsepower. 

This SUV boasts a total power rating of 241hp giving a torque of 35 lbs.-ft. 

It comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for swift-shifting and easy handling. 

This was the vehicle of choice for Audi SUV fanatics who loved the efficiency of a hybrid vehicle but did not wish to compromise on power and performance. 

This was a total upgrade from the previous model year that came with exceptional fuel economy. 

The Quattro came with three driving modes (D, S, EV). 

The D mode offered higher fuel efficiency, while the S mode gave the Audi a sportier driving experience, and the EV was the enhanced and super quiet electric driving mode. 

Driving at D mode saw the 2012 Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid hit a high of 138 mph with an acceleration time of 6.8 from 0 to 60 mph. 

Audi Q5 Quattro – 2009

Lastly, one of the most reliable old Audi models is the 2009 Audi Quattro. 

This early release model year scored highly in dependability and is one of the most sought-after old models in the lineup of Audi Q5 SUVs. 

Besides its nostalgic looks, it was designed for high performance. 

For those buyers who are on a budget but still want to experience what the Audi Q5 lineup has to offer, the 2009 Quattro is a nice choice. 

The year should not fool you into thinking that this SUV lacks style. 

Unlike its rivals, the Quattro was built with the driver’s comfort and convenience in mind. 

This model was specifically designed to oust the BMW X3. 

And it sure did deliver the much-needed punch by coming on top of most SUVs of the same class. 

The Quattro was a stunner to look at and its performance matched the looks too. 

It came standard with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. 

Underneath the hood, the Quattro was powered by a 256-hp V6 engine and a host of luxurious amenities. 

It featured an aggressive exterior that highlighted its sportiness. Inside, the 2009 Quattro was a work of art. 

It came with a spacious interior with lots of legroom for the passengers in the rear. 

A reclining rear seat and split-folding seats in the rear helped to create more room for the passengers. 

Performance-wise, this Q5 features an electronically regulated top speed of 13 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles in 6.7 seconds. 

This made it the vehicle of choice for a family camping or fishing adventure. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best years for the Audi Q5 can be frustrating.

This is because each year came with its fair share of enhancements that improved the overall functionality and performance of the vehicle. 

Unlike its competitors, all the new models of the Q5 released were customized based on the feedback and requests from Audi Q5 SUV fans. 

The versatility of the Audi Q5 models has made it stand out from its peers and rivals. It has for a long time been the leading SUV in various categories.

Rather than waiting for the new models, you can consider one of the best model years for the Audi Q5 discussed above. 

Buying a dependable older model will save you a lot of money in depreciation and maintenance. 

Most of the used and pre-owned Audi Q5 models come with a factory warranty to protect you against any eventuality. 

 Therefore, if you are shopping for a luxury Audi Q5 crossover, the model years above will be a good value for your money. 

Latest models like the 2019 Audi Q5 have also shown promising performances and reliability ratings, according to Consumer Reports. 

They are also worth being considered by buyers on a budget. 

These SUVs will offer exceptional value since you will not pay the MSRP sticker price and yet you will have the confidence and peace of mind of driving a new Audi Q5.

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