2018 Audi Q5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

It has been nearly a decade since the Q5's last redesign, and, for 2018, Audi has finally given us an overhaul that was worth the eight-year wait. Although the exterior looks relatively similar to the outgoing 2017 model, the changes that were made to the 2018 Audi Q5 happened where it matters most. Drivers will be pleased to find that this vehicle has a refined ride quality, spacious cabin design, and plenty of high-tech infotainment and safety features to meet almost any driver's needs.

What's New for 2018?

Since the Q5 was overhauled to usher in its second generation, the 2018 Audi Q5 has many remarkable changes. All-wheel drive now comes standard on each model, and the base engine has received some much-needed upgrades. The interior has been redesigned to be more spacious, the suspension has been re-tuned, the body has been given slightly more ground clearance, and there are a number of new infotainment and safety features.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Audi Q5 – The Pros

1. Excellent Ride Quality

The all-new 2018 Audi Q5 has a better ride quality than ever before. While the 2017 model could be a bit noisy, the 2018 Q5 is extremely quiet and capable of smoothly going over any bumps or dips in the road.

2. Comfortable Cabin

The Q5's cabin is remarkably comfortable. The seats are well-bolstered, and the leather upholstery feels durable yet soft. The higher trim levels offer ventilated and heated seating options, and those in the rear seats can recline and take a snooze during a long ride.

3. Standard All-Wheel Drive

Not too many of the Q5's competitors offer standard AWD. The AWD you get on the 2018 Audi Q5 is incredibly engaging and makes driving feel both safe and fun. You will be hard-pressed to find a vehicle in this class that offers such a fantastic standard AWD system.

4. Numerous Technological Features

Even the Q5's base trim is loaded to the brim with high-tech features. The base Premium trim offers a power liftgate, push-button ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, and Android Auto and Apple CarPLay smartphone integration. Pre Sense City, which is Audi's automatic emergency braking feature, also comes standard.

5. Stellar Steering and Handling

The Q5's steering and handling capabilities have been largely improved. The steering feels solid and inspires driver confidence. You can enable the vehicle's Selectable Dynamic mode to give the Q5 more tension. The handling feels fluid, and there isn't a whole lot of body roll to worry about.

6. Swift Acceleration

The 2018 Audi Q5 has a zippy powertrain, so it has no problem getting up to speed. In fact, it gets from 0 to 60 mph about one second quicker than the 2017 model, which was already pretty fast.

7. Plenty of Space Up Front

While space is pretty generous in the back, it is truly remarkable up front. Since the vehicle is now an inch longer and two inches wider than its predecessor, the Q5 gives plenty of space.

8. Manages Most Terrains

Since the Q5 has such excellent handling and steering, as well as the standard AWD, it has no problem navigating most roadways. It handles huge bumps with ease, drives with confidence in snowy terrains, and can go along dirt roads without a problem.

9. More Cargo Space Than Ever Before

The 2018 Q5 gained 3 cubic feet of space over the outgoing 2017 model, meaning that there is plenty of cargo space. You can easily store bulky items and a big load of groceries in the cargo area.

10. Well-Designed Center Stack

The 2018 Audi Q5's center stack is simple in its design and, therefore, is quite user-friendly. Many important controls are located on the steering wheel, so the driver will not have to worry about taking their hand off of the wheel.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Audi Q5 – The Cons

1. A Lack of Space Behind the Rear Seats

When the rear seat is up, there is a noticeable lack of space behind it. Having the seat raised decreases luggage space by 0.4 cubic foot. However, there is still plenty of space in the cargo area, so this is a relatively minor gripe.

2. Just One Engine Option

The only engine that can be equipped on the 2018 Audi Q5 is the standard 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While some drivers like being able to choose between a few different options, this isn't a bad engine. Its 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque are sufficient for getting the vehicle moving.

3. Not the Most Eye-Catching Exterior

Yet again, this is a minor complaint. The Q5's body isn't as attractive as some of its competitors. It lacks some of the angular ridges and curves of other vehicles in its class. For the price tag, it would be nice to see something a bit snazzier on the exterior.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Audi Q5 vs. 2018 BMW X3

The 2018 BMW X3 is maxed out with high-tech features and has an interior decked out with aluminum to give it a more sophisticated edge. The X3 gets blazing fast acceleration for this class. However, its infotainment system has been known to be occasionally problematic for some users.

2018 Audi Q5 vs. 2018 Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace just made its debut in 2017, but it was a hot seller. The 2018 model has the handling of a sports sedan and is incredibly fuel-efficient. Also, it has a massive amount of cargo space that puts most of its competitors to shame. On the downside, the F-Pace does not have the best ride quality, especially on the bigger wheels. Also, the infotainment system is one of the most glitchy systems that is available on the market.

Conclusion

There aren't too many things wrong with the 2018 Audi Q5. Audi made some crucial changes for the 2018 model year and improved upon some already good performance aspects. It is going to be difficult to find a markedly better vehicle in this class for around the same price. Overall, the changes that Audi has made to this year's Q5 are all changes that make the overhaul well worth the wait. This vehicle is ideal for anyone looking for a safe vehicle to drive during harsh winter months or on long road trips.