2012 Audi Q5 SUV Review & Ratings

The 2012 Audi Q5 is the middle child of Audi's SUV lineup, situated as a fair compromise between the small but sporty Q3 and the large, practical Q7. It is home to the typical Audi features, handsome design, excellent handling, smooth ride, and high quality features, but lacks cargo space and comes at a higher price than many competitors. The standard 2.0T uses the same engine as that in the A5, which produces respectable a respectable 211 horsepower and is the workhorse of the Audi fleet.

Those that want a little more power under the hood can opt for a 3.2 liter V6, which produces 270 horsepower. Buyers that want to tow, say, a boat to the lake, should consider the 3.2 model, though the 2.0T offers more torque. A towing packing is on the list of optional extras. Competitors had to switch to hybrid drive in order to compete with the Q5's fuel economy, which places it close the best in its class. The V6 offers a respectable 18mpg city while the I4 does better with 20 city mpg.

The 2012 Audi Q5 poses a problem for buyers which want maximum luxury and fuel economy. Many options are not even available on the 2.0T model. The 3.2 liter model has a monopoly on 20" wheels, side assist, adaptive cruise control, and an assortment of others. This is compounded by Audi providing only the basics in most models, which makes for easy customization, but drastically increases the sticker price for to make the Q5 well-equipped. One benefit is Audi's care package, which includes a warranty for 4 years/50,000 miles, as well as 24 hour roadside assistance for four years. While buyers may have to pay a premium for the Q5, Audi certainly gives premium support for the money.

To date, there have not been any crash tests performed with the Q5, but with airbags all over the cabin, "smart" anti-lock brakes, and the stellar safety rating of last year's Q5, it should be a top pick. The Audi Q5 is an overall top pick in the luxury SUV class. While it may not have the cargo space that its competitors boast and comes at a high price, it still boasts best in class fuel economy and that beautiful Audi styling.