2017 Audi Q5

The 2.0T Premium Plus trim is the most value-for-money 2017 Q5 trim. Apart from the standard features, this trim adds heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button start, keyless entry, power-folding exterior mirrors, and memory settings for the driver's seat. We also recommend buying the $2,300 Navigation and Convenience package as it adds a navigation system with voice controls, HD radio, SiriusXM, Audi Parking System Plus, and Bluetooth.

Some features in the higher trims are available in lower trims as options, including the upgraded MMI system - Autotrader

The 2017 Audi Q5 comes in three different trims which are Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The Premium trim has a base price of 40,900 and comes only with a 2.0L engine. The Premium Plus is the middle child in the lineup and comes with two engine options. Starting at $53,200, the Prestige trim is the top-spec trim and is powered by a 3.0L engine. These prices exclude a destination charge of $950.

The Q5 is a host of a good set of standard comfort features but technological features are limited compared to its rivals. Some of the standard interior features include tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power front seats, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and many more. If you are looking for more technological and safety features, the top-end Prestige trim has it all.

Despite being one of the older competitors in the segment, the Audi Q5 is fairly fuel efficient- The Car Connection

The fuel ratings of the Audi Q5 would surely surprise you. The EPA-estimated ratings of the 2017 Q5 are 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on a highway, and 22 MPG combined. Note that the Q5 comes standard with an AWD system. These ratings drop down to 21 MPG combined for the V6 engine. Considering the power it makes, the V6 has decent fuel ratings. The fuel tank of the Q5 measures 19.8 gallons and is probably the largest in its class. It delivers a combined range of 465 miles owing to its large fuel tank while the V6 models can drive up to 435 miles only. All in all, the Q5's fuel economy is average in its class.

The Volvo XC60 has the best MPG figures and driving range in this competition. But, being an RWD car, the efficiency of both the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is really good. The Q5's fuel efficiency is not that great compared to its rivals but its large fuel tank saves the day in terms of range.

Nobody even comes close to Audi's sophisticated in-cabin tech system- Kelly Blue Book

Inside the 2017 Q5, you'll get Audi's typical top-notch materials and construction. As far as the dashboard layout goes, there's no hiding that the Q5 is one of Audi's older designs. This SUV seats up to 5 people while leather upholstery is standard. The front seats offer excellent comfort and support and are power-adjustable too. Higher models also add heated functions. You get a commanding driving position that SUV buyers like.

The sporty looks don't limit the car's practicality. There's plenty of space for adults, be it in the front or at the back. The standard panoramic sunroof gives an airy feel to the cabin. Having said that, the Q5 is wide enough to seat three across, which is excellent. The seats also have a backrest that reclines slightly for a more laid-back seating position.

A 7-inch infotainment display is the main source for the infotainment functions in the Audi Q5. It is mounted inside the dash and the overall layout looks dated. This screen supports only the basic functions such as SiriusXM, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary audio input, A single-disc CD player is also available. The top-end 3.0T Prestige trim upgrades the infotainment system to an 8.3-inch infotainment display that uses Audi's MMI interface. It supports optional Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface is intuitive and the graphics look slick.

The MMI infotainment system is easier to use when you are driving than a touchscreen thanks to the rotary push-button at the center console. A 10-speaker sound system is standard but a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 14 speakers is only exclusive to the 3.0T Prestige trim. The responses are quick while the menu layout is logically laid out. Still, the MMI infotainment system is behind in this field as many of its rivals have switched to touchscreen displays. There are various buttons below the screen for a quick change of settings.

The Audi Q5 offers 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place. Compared to its rivals, it boasts one of the best trunk volumes. If you need access to more cargo space, fold the rear seats and you will see a maximum space of 57.3 cubic feet before your eyes. The Q5's load bay is easy to access thanks to its square shape and flat loading lip. Moreover, every model of the Q5 comes with a standard power liftgate which makes loading items into the cargo area easier.

The 2017 Audi Q5 boasts sheet metal that embodies low-key elegance- Carfax

Audi's style is generally been considered conservative and that's definitely going on with the Q5. Upfront, you get the traditional Audi grille design with four rings embedded on it. The LED DRLs running around the headlamps looks attractive and emit an aggressive look. You also get front and rear fog lamps on every model of the Q5. A pair of 18-inch alloy wheels are standard but 19 and 20-inch aluminum wheels are also available. The 2017 Q5 has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, which is good enough for driving on wed mud roads or rough terrain. 

The Q5 strikes an elegant and relatively simple side profile. Its wheelbase measures 110.5 inches while its overall length is 182.6 inches, which is on par with some of its rivals. The optional Offroad Style package adds 19-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels, offroad front and rear bumpers, black fender lip moldings, and rugged contrast cladding. The rear profile is raked, giving a crossover look. The simple and elegant design continues across the rear. The same headlight design is carried out at the back too.

The high ground clearance of the Volvo XC60 doesn't mean it's an off-roader. The low ground clearance and wide wheelbase of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class will assist in better aerodynamics and handling. Although the BMW X3's wheelbase is almost equal to the Q5, its rear-seat room is slightly more.

Some noticeable exterior features of the Q5 are:

• HID headlamps with cleaners
• LED DRLs & taillights
• Front & rear fog lights
• Power-folding, heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Polished aluminum exhaust tips
• Chrome grille
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Aluminum window trim
• 18,19 & 20-inch aluminum wheels

There are no lane-departure or collision-avoidance technologies available in the Audi Q5- CarGurus

The Audi Q5 received a good response from NHTSA for its crash tests. An overall safety rating of 4 stars was given to the Q5. Section-wise, it scored 4 stars for the frontal crash test, 4 stars for the rollover crash test, and 5 stars for the side-impact crash test. IIHS honored the Q5 with their highest rating which is the 'Top Safety Pick+' award. It received 'Good' ratings in most of the crash tests, a second-highest 'Advanced' rating for the front crash prevention. Therefore, for enhanced protection of the passengers, six airbags are provided including dual front front side and side curtain airbags. Unlike its rivals, the Q5 doesn't come with any standard driver-assist features. The optional safety features list is not long either.

The list of safety features available in the Q5 are:

• Rearview Camera
• Lane Change Assist
• Radar Cruise Control
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Automatic Emergency Braking

2017 Audi Q5 vs 2017 Volvo XC60

Similarly priced at the Q5, the Volvo XC60 comes standard with an FWD drivetrain and is more powerful. Therefore, its agility is quicker and is also more fuel-efficient than the Q5. When it comes to towing, the Q5 has the upper hand. The XC60's cabin offers slightly less rear-seat space but its cargo capacity exceeds that of the Q5. Both SUVs have good ratings but the XC60 is the best pick as it offers a long list of driver-assist features.

2017 Audi Q5 vs 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's initial price is less and makes 21 horses more than the Q5. In terms of performance, the GLC-Class has the best stats in this competition but its towing capacity is less. Moreover, it is more fuel-efficient and practical. Moving to the interior, the GLC-Class offers more luxury features and is as spacious as the Q5. The GLC-Class also earned the same safety ratings but packs more safety features.

2017 Audi Q5 vs 2017 BMW X3

Priced at $40,050, the BMW X3 is a powerful SUV with sportier handling and strong engines. Therefore, it's quicker than the Q5 in both performance tests. The X3's efficiency is far better but loses in terms of towing capacity. Its cabin has a much better infotainment system and an impressive cargo capacity too. The Q5 may have won the 'Top Safety Pick+' award but the X3 has more advanced safety features. 

There's an awful lot to like about the Audi Q5. The cabin is beautifully finished while the engines are extremely refined and it's a comfortable cruiser. However, it's not quite as exciting to drive as the BMW X3 and it's definitely not as involving as the Porsche Macan but Audi have strengthened those areas that have appealed to so many Q5 customers over the years.