2016 Audi Q5 review
Audi Q5 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Understated classiness across entire range
- Good range of models, without any real weak choices
Cons
- Infotainment and connectivity aren't as polished as newer rivals' equipment
- Not as fun to drive as a Porsche Macan or BMW X3
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $18,998*
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2016 Audi Q5 is a solid pick for a luxury compact SUV
Audi has cornered the marketplace on timeless appeal, which explains why the Q5 continues to sell so strongly against much newer rivals. Get in it and it's easy to understand why. Even though the 2016 Audi Q5 is in its twilight years, its interior fit and finish still stands up to scrutiny against the very best of its rivals. It is showing its age, notably in the functionality of the infotainment system and lack of things like USB ports.
Trim levels remain much the same, and with tweaking of equipment levels, you don’t feel shortchanged by the standard offerings in the base Premium trim. As always, there are option packages to add luxury touches and connectivity to meet your needs. The engine choices remain impressive, too, with the 2.0T, 3.0T, and Hybrid models all sitting under the range-topping SQ5 high-performance model. The TDI diesel was quietly dropped following issues with its emissions ratings. All-wheel drive comes standard on all trims. A fine all-arounder, the 2016 Q5 might be advancing in years, but it's doing so very nicely indeed.
All Audi Q5 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Audi Q5 generation from 2012 to 2025
What is new for the 2016 Audi Q5?
- The Premium trim now comes with Sunroof(s) and Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
2016 Audi Q5 trims
Curious how Audi Q5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesPremium
Includes power-adjustable front seats, 6.5" infotainment system, 10-speaker audio system, and keyless entry.
Premium Plus
Includes heated front seats, push-button start, and driver's seat memory settings. Premium Plus is available with 2.0L four-cylinder engine or 3.0L V6 engine.
Prestige
Comes with a V6 engine as standard and includes ventilated seats, 14-speaker audio system, back-up camera, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Prestige Hybrid
Combines the features of the Prestige trim with a hybrid engine.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Audi Q5
1. Nimble handling
The 2016 Audi Q5 is particularly agile. Its precision steering is able to handle corners with ease and the engine options make for a spirited drive. The base trim has a sturdy 2.0L, 220-hp four-cylinder engine at its disposal, giving it plenty of grunt. The optional 3.0L supercharged V6 engine combines that agility with even more power (354 hp). Both versions come with AWD as standard, meaning you can put your mind at ease on rough terrain.
2. Panoramic sunroof
Previously an optional add-on, a panoramic sunroof became standard on the Audi Q5 in 2016. Panoramic sunroofs are larger than the average sunroof and add lots of light to the inside of your vehicle, which can make all the difference during long drives in the countryside.
3. Good looks
Quite simply, the 2016 Audi Q5 is a very handsome compact SUV. The clean lines of the exterior are reflected inside, and the vehicle comes with leather seats as standard. The luxury materials continue throughout the cabin, with an elegant design and comfortable, highly adjustable seating—including reclining rear seats.
4. Road trip ready
The 2016 Audi Q5 is an ideal candidate for road trips or weekends away, thanks to its 57.3 cu ft (with the rear seats folded) of cargo space, comfortable seating, and AWD. To keep you entertained on long journeys, there's also a 10-speaker audio system and a 6.5-inch infotainment system. Throw your luggage, your sports kit, or your golf clubs in the back and be on your way.
5. Standard all-wheel drive
Every version of the 2016 Audi Q5 comes with Quattro® AWD as standard. The ability to send power to all four wheels gives this vehicle an edge when it comes to driving on rough terrain, as it provides more traction when and where it's needed. This means you can easily go from the highway to country roads without worrying whether your Q5 can handle it.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2016 Audi Q5, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The BMW X3 features sharp, responsive handling and plenty of space, with a generous 62.7 cu ft of cargo room with the rear seats folded for 2017–2021 models. Lively and good-looking, it also comes with AWD as standard. This compact SUV was fully redesigned for 2018, with the standard engine power boosted to 248 hp.
2019 introduced a rear-wheel drive model and an increased roster of driver aids, including lane departure warning, surround-view parking camera system, and parallel parking assist. A plug-in hybrid of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2020.
These features come as standard on BMW X3 2017–2021 models:
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Rain sensing wipers
Keyless entry
Memory seats
Comfort and elegance combine to create the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. A generous 56.5 cu ft of cargo space with the rear seats folded (2017–2021 models) makes it perfect for weekends away or shopping sprees, and it comes in RWD or AWD. Engine power starts at an impressive 241 hp for the base trim from 2017–2020, rising to 255 hp in 2021.
Each version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class between 2017 and 2021 offers impressive, turbocharged engine choices, making it easy to find the one that suits your lifestyle.
The following additional features come as standard for the 2017–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class:
Rearview camera
Crosswind assist
Driver's seat memory settings
The Volvo XC60 is a compact SUV that offers an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (2017 base model).
Loaded with a range of features, the Volvo XC60 also offers leather seats as standard for 2017–2018 models, as well as other high-end, comfortable materials throughout the cabin. 2018 saw it fully redesigned with a new look and the introduction of a plug-in hybrid model.The Volvo XC60 offers a smooth ride with plenty of driver aids for peace of mind. Features of the 2017–2021 Volvo XC60 include:
Rear cross-traffic alert
Auto-off headlights
Available remote engine start6
Android Auto™ integration (2018 onwards)
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.1 out of 5
14 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 6 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
RepairPal gave the Audi Q5 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi Q5 19th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi Q5Audi Q5 features and specs
Curious how Audi Q5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Prestige 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Supercharged Engine
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Mirrors
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
272
Torque (ft-lbs)
295
Engine type
Supercharged Gas
Fuel capacity
19.8
Wheelbase
110.5"
Overall length
182.6"
Width
74.7"
Height
65.2"
Leg room
F 41"/R 37.4"
Head room
F 39.4"/R 39"
Front tires
P235/55HR19
Rear tires
P235/55HR19
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
440/4400 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Audi Q5 FAQ
The 2016 Audi Q5 is spacious, has luxurious interiors, standard AWD, handles nimbly, and offers two powerful engine options. 2016 also introduced the panoramic sunroof as a standard feature for the Audi Q5 and updated the aesthetics of the car to make it even better looking.
The Audi Q5 is an attractive compact SUV with plenty of cargo space and standard all-wheel drive, making it an ideal choice for anyone needing a nimble, powerful car for road trips and staycations, carpooling with the kids, and driving on varying terrains. The 2016–2020 generation updated the aesthetics to create a timeless, luxurious look inside and out.
The Audi Q5 has an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, which RepairPal® describes as above average. RepairPal reliability data is based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. Many factors can affect the reliability of an Audi A6, including its driving history, maintenance records, and mileage.
More about the 2016 Audi Q5
Exterior colors:
Brilliant Black
Cuvée Silver Metallic
Daytona Gray Pearl
Florett Silver Metallic
Glacier White Metallic
Ibis White
Lava Gray Pearl
Monsoon Gray Metallic
Moonlight Blue Metallic
Mythos Black Metallic
Sepang Blue Pearl
Scuba Blue Metallic
Utopia Blue Metallic
Interior colors:
Aluminum Satellite
Dark Brown Walnut Wood
Fine Grain Ash Natural Brown Wood
Piano Black
Interior details
The interior of the 2016 Audi Q5 comes with leather seats as standard, with the Prestige trim boasting a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are four interior color options which feel upscale and luxurious. The front seats have a generous 39.4 inches of headroom, with 41 inches of legroom. Almost as impressive is the space in the rear seats—39 inches of headroom, with 37.4 inches of legroom. All seats recline and slide forward and back. Plus, there's plenty of cargo space, with 29.1 cu ft behind the rear seats, and 57.3 cu ft with the rear seats folded.
Child seat details
The 2016 Audi Q5 offers seating for five and can fit up to three car seats in the rear. Each outboard rear seat includes a full set of LATCH child-seat connectors, and the middle rear seat has an upper tether.
Performance
The 2016 Audi Q5 is nimble yet powerful, small enough to be agile enough for city driving while the base trim engine gives it a hefty 220 hp. The Prestige Hybrid engine creates 245 hp, and if you get your hands on one of the 3.0L models, you've got 354 hp at your fingertips.
All trims are AWD with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard 2.0L version of the 2016 Audi Q5 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined.
The hybrid version gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined, and the 3.0L V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the 2016 Audi Q5's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 395 grams per mile for the standard 2.0L engine, 337 grams per mile for the hybrid 2.0L engine, and 429 grams for the 3.0L engine.
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