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Audi Q5 (2017-2024) - Reliability and safety

The Q5 has plenty of safety kit, but its expired Euro NCAP score and low Driver Power score is disappointing

Reliability and Safety rating

3.5

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Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2017-2024 Q5. If you are interested in information about the latest Audi Q5, or news about the current Audi models, please follow the links provided.

​​The Audi Q5 didn't feature in our 2023 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but the Audi brand did. According to our manufacturer rankings, the Ingolstadt car builder was two places from the bottom in 30th, which is concerning when other premium brands such as Mercedes, BMW, and even Land Rover placed much higher on our list. 

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The Q5 was a top performer, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating when tested in 2017. That rating has since expired because the test has become much more stringent since then. That’s not to say that the Q5 won’t still protect you well in a crash; it's just that there will be more modern alternatives that might perform even better despite having a similar score, and will probably include crash prevention technology that might help you avoid getting into a collision in the first place.

The entry-level Sport versions feature a reversing camera, cruise control with a speed limiter, front and rear parking sensors, brake assist and Audi's Pre sense city system which warns of a potential collision and can initiate emergency braking if required.

Go for the optional Tour Pack, and you’ll gain a host of safety kit, including adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign recognition system, Turn Assist, and Active Lane Assist. The optional Driver Assistance Pack includes Side Assist, Park Assist, and an Exit warning. The latter alerts occupants to any vehicles or cyclists approaching from behind before they leave the vehicle.

Warranty

Audi offers a standard three-year warranty with a 60,000-mile limit. This is slightly behind BMW's warranty, which lasts for the same amount of time, but has unlimited mileage cover.

Audi offers extensions to its cover that can take it up to five years and 90,000 miles, which can be added when you spec up your new Q5.

Servicing

Audi advises fixed servicing (every 9,300 miles/1 year) or flexible servicing schedules (up to 18,600 miles/2 years). The manufacturer recommends the flexible option if you drive longer distances, typically on motorways and main roads, while a fixed schedule is more appropriate if you cover lower mileages and do more city and town centre driving. 

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Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

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