2019 Audi Q5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
Hot off the heels of last model year's successful redesign, the 2019 Audi Q5 still has quite a bit to offer drivers this year. You can take your pick from numerous optional high-tech features and easily customize the Q5 to fit your unique needs. With the quiet and smooth ride you get in the Q5, the lack of cargo space can be easily forgiven. The only real issue is that the Q5 is not competitively priced; expect to pay more than you would for, say, a new Acura RDX.
What's New for 2019?
Not a whole lot is new this year since 2018 saw a total redesign. A few features have been tweaked, but drivers will not notice much of a difference between the outgoing 2018 model and the 2019 Audi Q5. There is some speculation that a mid-cycle refresh is on the horizon within the next model year or two, so changes will likely remain minimal until then.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Audi Q5 – The Pros
1. A Smooth Ride Quality
One of the biggest reasons that the 2019 Audi Q5 stands out is that it offers an incredibly smooth ride quality. You can only feel the minor surface flaws coming from the road, but you will never feel anything remotely jarring make its way into the cabin. You can certainly equip the adaptive suspension for an extra boost in ride quality, but the base suspension already does an excellent job. On many of the Q5's competitors, you would have to upgrade to a higher trim level just to get the ride quality provided by their adaptive suspensions.
2. A Quiet Interior
Not only is the ride well-mannered on the Q5, but it is enhanced by the cabin's muted space. The engine will make some noise when pushed hard to accelerate but otherwise remains hushed. Wind and road noise barely seep into the cabin, even when you take the vehicle up to speed on the highway. You will not have to worry about cranking up the volume on the audio system just to hear what is playing.
3. A Long List of High-tech Features
If you are looking for a vehicle that comes packed to the brim with the latest and greatest in safety and infotainment features, look no further than the 2019 Audi Q5. This vehicle's list of standard, as well as optional, features is rather extensive. On the base trim alone, you get rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking for speeds up to 52 mph, and smartphone app integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is an optional Navigation and Telematics package that adds a digital gauge cluster, WiFi hot spot connectivity, and navigation.
4. Standard All-wheel Drive
Those who live in climates where inclement weather conditions basically demand that vehicles have all-wheel drive will appreciate the fact that it comes standard across the Audi Q5 line-up. Known as the Quattro, last model year's updates made it so that the front wheels receive most of the power until rear-wheel engagement is required. The distribution switch takes only a split second to occur.
5. Brakes That Inspire Driver Confidence
The braking system on the 2019 Audi Q5 gives the impression that it is quite secure in all of its abilities. The pedal maintains a moderate amount of firmness while driving under typical circumstances. Push the vehicle as hard as you want, but the brakes will not show any signs of fading. Also, the Audi Q5 can come to a panic stop from 60 mph in just 114 feet, which is a considerably short distance for vehicles in this segment.
6. High-quality Interior Materials
As most Audi fans will tell you, the company uses some seriously impressive high-quality materials inside of its vehicles. From the base Premium trim to the line-topping Prestige, the leather upholstery that graces the cabin looks and feels expensive. Nothing rattles or rolls about while driving, and there are no gaps in the panels. Looking at the different elements present inside of the Q5, it is plain to see that a great deal of craftsmanship went into making this vehicle stand out.
7. Controls Are Easy to Use
Some luxury cars suffer from the problem of having controls that are counter-intuitive and downright confusing for the average driver. This is not the case with the user-friendly 2019 Audi Q5. Controls are laid out along the dash in an intuitive fashion, and finding the right button on the touchscreen display is made simple thanks to the well-designed interface. Even non-tech savvy drivers should have no problem learning which buttons are located where in the touchscreen's menus.
8. A Spacious Cabin
The Audi Q5 is not a large vehicle, but Audi makes the most of the interior space that it does have. The whole cabin actually feels quite cavernous, which is an impressive feat for a vehicle in this class. A lot of the Q5's competitors suffer from a lack of leg room in the rear, but the Q5 provides ample space up front and in the rear for heads, shoulders, hips, and legs. Even taller adults can fit comfortably into the rear seats.
9. The MMI Infotainment System
There is a general consensus that Aud's MMI infotainment system is one of the best that is out there on the market right now. It is certainly one of the most attractive tech features on the 2019 Audi Q5. The MMI infotainment system has a simplistic design that allows users of all types to easily find and use different functions. There is a dial controller that allows you to rapidly scroll through menu options and make your selection.
10. Excellent Visibility
Visibility from behind the wheel is truly superb, as everything seems to be put in just the right place to allow for maximum visibility. The roof pillars are slender, and the infotainment screen is situated so that it does not take up excess space in the driver's line of vision. Rear visibility is also quite clear due to the shape of the roof pillars, making so that the driver has little need to rely on the standard rearview camera for assistance.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Audi Q5 – The Cons
1. Limited Cargo Space
One of the biggest downfalls to owning the 2019 Audi Q5 is the fact that it, like some of its rivals, suffers from a lack of cargo space. With all seats in place, there is only 26.8 cubic feet of cargo space available. When you fold the rear seats down, this number gets maximized to 60.4 cubic feet. While this is pretty average for the class, there are other vehicles in Audi's array this year that offer more cargo space.
2. A Single Engine Option
There is only one engine that you can have equipped on the Audi Q5. This is not necessarily a bad engine (it is a 2.0-L inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine capable of producing 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque), but it makes customization difficult. Other luxury vehicles of this ilk often have at least one other engine option to choose from, and not having this could put top rivals ahead of the Q5 for sales.
3. Interference From Stability Control
Stability control on the 2019 Audi Q5 is rather annoying with how much interference it causes. The Q5 does handle well when traveling along winding roadways, but the stability control kicks in far too quickly and forcefully for the driver to really push the limits of the Q5's handling capabilities. This likely will not be an issue for most drivers, but for those who love a good, thrilling drive along a mountain road, it could get a bit annoying.
4. Small Item Storage Could Be Better Arranged
While some storage spaces in the Audi Q5 are big enough, quite a few of them seem to be placed in awkward areas. For example, having the cupholders sitting in front of the front arm rest makes it difficult for the driver to access the infotainment touchscreen display.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
2019 Audi Q5 vs. 2019 BMW X3
A top contender against the 2019 Audi Q5 is the new 2019 BMW X3. The X3 offers up two powerful engines that are also rather fuel efficient. There is a ton of space to be found throughout the cabin, and the list of standard and optional infotainment and safety features is rather impressive. However, the X3 has a few overly-sensitive driver aids and, for whatever reason, does not offer smartphone app integration with Android Auto at all.
2019 Audi Q5 vs. 2019 Jaguar F-Pace
Another big competitor for the Audi Q5 is the 2019 Jaguar F-Pace. Even though it is only in its third year of the first generation, the new Jaguar F-Pace offers a lot of great things. It easily bests most rivals in terms of cargo space, and the brakes and handling make this vehicle feel like a sedan. There is a powerful supercharged V6 engine available as well as a diesel option for those looking to save on fuel. On the downside, the interior materials look a bit cheap, and the ride quality suffers from extensive wind and road noise as well as a bumpy ride from the larger wheels.
Conclusion
The 2019 Audi Q5 might not be the vehicle for you if you absolutely need a higher-powered engine than the one that is offered. If Audi added another engine option or two, it could really spruce up sales. Still, there is plenty to like about the Q5, from its user-friendly MMI infotainment system to the spacious interior.
