Used 2015
Audi Q5 SUV

The 2015 Audi Q5 lineup walks a fine line among its compact luxury SUV competitors. On one hand, it's not quite as hard-driving as the BMW X3 – with the exception of the sporty SQ5 – but it doesn't feel as disconnected as the Lexus RX either. Instead, Audi lets you choose softer or sportier suspension and engine performance, thanks to the available drive-select feature. No matter what setting you choose, we still find the Q5's steering feel to be a bit over-weighted at low speeds, but have no complaints once up and running. The Audi Q5 hybrid offers a smooth transition between its electric motor and gasoline engine, but with mileage estimates of 24 mpg city/30 highway, it's actually a bit less miserly than the torque-happy TDI, and not hugely better than the 2.0T, the latter with a starting price about $15,000 less than the admittedly loaded hybrid.

The base "Premium" model gets a power tailgate and xenon lighting package standard this year. That adds to the leather seats, 18-inch 5-spoke wheels, 3-zone automatic climate control, 10-speaker audio system, and hill-descent control. You'll note that Bluetooth isn't on that list, a surprising omission for a luxury brand. Q5 models with the 3.0-liter V6, diesel, and SQ5 models all start at the Premium Plus level, while the hybrid comes only in fully loaded Prestige trim. Regardless, the upper levels add things like heated front seats, keyless entry and push-button start, iPod integration, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Audi Q5's price starts high, and goes up from there, and it's easy to push the price nearly $50,000, even with the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A Technology package bundles blind spot detection and a navigation system, there's a Nappa leather-clad instrument panel, 14-speaker/505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, and an available rear-seat entertainment package as well. Other options include adaptive cruise control, and high-tech systems with navigation, rearview camera and a 3G network that turns the Q5 into a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot. One particularly ingenuous feature is an available cup holder that can keep drinks warm or cool.

The Audi Q5 comes with five possible engines, if you include the SQ5 in the mix. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a respectable 220-horsepower. Stepping up from that is a supercharged V6. The TDI offers a smooth-running clean diesel, while hybrid fans can choose the Q5's combination of a turbo 4-cylinder with a battery pack that's good for 30 mpg. Then there's the SQ5, with 354 horsepower. All Q5 SUVs come with a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and all come with Quattro all-wheel drive and the ability to tow up to 4,400 pounds. Note that gasoline-powered models require premium fuel.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (2.0T)
220 horsepower @ 4,450-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg

3.0-liter supercharged V6 (3.0T)
272 horsepower @ 4,780 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,150 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg

3.0-liter supercharged V6 (SQ5)
354 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
346 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 plus electric motor/generator (Hybrid)
245 horsepower (combined)
350 lb-ft of torque (combined)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30 mpg

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (TDI)
240 horsepower @ 3,750-4,000 rpm
428 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/31 mpg