DecodedCars2018 Audi Q5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 252 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 183.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,046 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 252 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2018 models.
- Many owner complaints208 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 36 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Audi Q5 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,046 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 27 highway), 8% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 208 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2018
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 25
- NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Q5 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine252 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissionautomatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
quattro Premium Plusquattro Prestigequattro Premium
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional
Keyless startStandard
Built in: San Jose, Chiapas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Q5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 183.5 in | 74.4 in | 65.4 in | 111 in | 63.8 / 63.4 in | 4,046 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q5 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 25 | +8% | $3,300 | 363 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q5 SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2018 Audi Q5 SUV AWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.3% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q5 (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Volvo XC60 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2018 Lexus NX | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Acura RDX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (6)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Structure › Body · Dec 8, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V947000 · 288,991 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
- Risk
- A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Structure › Body · Oct 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V737000 · 174,278 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
Wheels › Hub · Jun 5, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V416000 · 126,161 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Apr 8, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V277000 · 12,645 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
- Risk
- A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 1, 2018 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 18V369000 · 10,225 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 29, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V955000 · 5,947 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Not every 2018 Audi Q5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
208Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
15,483 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Audi Q5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 74 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 31 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Suspension — 25 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,483 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Audi Q5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q5 | 24 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Q5 | 26 | 184.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 47 |
| 2024 Q5 | 26 | 184.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 34 |
| 2023 Q5 | 26 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 57 |
| 2022 Q5 | 26 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 8 | 46 |
| 2021 Q5 | 27 | 184.3 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 103 |
| 2020 Q5 | 27 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 37 |
| 2019 Q5 | 24 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 53 |
| 2017 Q5 | 22 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 42 |
| 2016 Q5 | 26 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 78 |
| 2015 Q5 | 26 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 99 |
| 2014 Q5 | 26 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 96 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →