Fresh off a full redesign, the 2019 Audi Q5 is back with only minor changes. It hasn’t received the latest powertrain technologies, but it still carries the torch for Audi’s usual virtues: comfort, quality, and top-notch safety.
What's New for 2019
The Q5 gets a few aesthetic and trim changes. Heated front seats are now standard, along with electric rear child locks, Audi Connect CARE, a seven-inch driver display, and roof crossbars. There’s a new Black Optic Package, and the Premium Plus trim gains a few standard infotainment perks.
Choosing Your Audi Q5
Audi is making a clear effort to bring hybrid and electric technologies to many of its cars, but the Q5 hasn’t gotten the memo yet. It’s powered by a single engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard on every Q5. The combination is good for an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 combined, which is average among similar vehicles.
Perhaps because of the newly standard heated seats, Audi has rearranged the Q5’s interior slightly for 2019. The result is more rear leg room, but less cargo capacity – the rear can only hold 25.1 cubic feet of luggage, expanding to 53.1 cubes with the seats down.
In the safety department, the Q5 is up to date. Audi’s pre sense suite of safety technologies is included on all Q5s, including low-speed automatic emergency braking. The upper trims get even more tech, up to adaptive cruise control and a limited AI-driven traffic jam pilot.
Three available trims delineate the feature set:
The 2019 Audi Q5 Premium Plus gets excellent tech, but it sees a huge price hike. Better value is found in the base trim, which holds plenty of luxury for most buyers.