Makes›Audi›Q5›2020

2020 Audi Q5

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Audi Q5
Pictured: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line (GU) – f 13102025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV, Tfsi E 4dr SUV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
248–363 hp
Transmission
automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 25 city / 29 hwy
Length
183.5 in
Curb weight
4,046–4,694 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2020 small SUV (23.5 MPG).
  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • 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.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Audi Q5 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version 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 (4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 29 highway), 15% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 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 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2020

  • New plug-in hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 24 to 27

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Q5 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine248 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine363 hp2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissionautomatic
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

quattro Premiumquattro Premium Plusquattro Prestige

Built in: San Jose Chiapa, Chiapas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Q5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV183.5 in74.4 in65.4 in111 in63.8 / 63.4 in4,046 lb53/47
Tfsi E 4dr SUV183.5 in74.4 in65.4 in111 in63.8 / 63.4 in4,694 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Q5 Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive25 / 29 / 27+15%$3,050165
Q52.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S7)All-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24+2%$3,400364
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.5 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2020 Audi Q5 SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Audi Q5 (this car)27 MPG★★★★★6
2020 Tesla Model Y316 mi★★★★★24
2020 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated7
2020 BMW X327 MPG★★★★★16
2020 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2
2020 Porsche Macan21 MPGNot rated2
2020 Volvo XC6027 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (6)

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable/Cord › Onboard · Dec 13, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V842000 · 93,196 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk
An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's numbers for this recall are 93U6 and 93U8.
Tires · Jan 26, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · 31,058 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
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.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 26, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · 40,993 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Seats · Aug 26, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V505000 · 5,376 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Risk
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Audi Q5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

37Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
2,300 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System12
Engine8
Unknown Or Other7
Service Brakes5
Seat Belts3
Steering3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/03: 222/05: 222/06: 222/09: 122/10: 123/01: 123/05: 123/08: 123/11: 123/12: 124/02: 124/05: 124/08: 224/10: 124/11: 125/01: 225/02: 125/04: 125/06: 125/10: 125/11: 225/12: 126/08: 226/09: 122/0322/0923/0523/1224/0825/0125/0625/12max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Audi Q5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Audi Q5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Q5 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Q524185.8 inNot rated04
2025 Q526184.3 in★★★★★147
2024 Q526184.3 in★★★★★434
2023 Q526184.3 inNot rated657
2022 Q526184.3 inNot rated846
2021 Q527184.3 in★★★★★8103
2019 Q524183.5 in★★★★★553
2018 Q525183.5 in★★★★★6208
2017 Q522182.3 in★★★★★542
2016 Q526182.3 in★★★★★578
2015 Q526182.3 in★★★★★699
2014 Q526182.3 in★★★★★596

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →