“Great car, fun to drive, feel very safe and reliable, with a sense of security behind the wheel. Audi does really well holding its value and would definitely purchase another Audi in the future.”
2018 Audi Q5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2018 Audi Q5 is an all-new second-generation model, making this a full redesign rather than a light update. Its biggest change is the move to a new platform, accompanied by a new standard turbo engine, a more modern cabin, and broader safety technology.
About the 2018 Audi Q5
2nd generation (FY/B9-era Q5, 2018-2020 pre-refresh), first U.S. model year.
Audi positions the Q5 as a compact luxury SUV that blends everyday usefulness with a more polished, athletic feel than many rivals. The big selling points are standard all-wheel drive, a quiet and upscale cabin, strong turbo power, and a flexible rear seat and cargo area that make it practical for family duty. In Audi’s own messaging, the Q5 is the do-everything SUV: premium enough for daily commuting, capable enough for bad weather and dirt roads, and modern enough to feel tech-forward without becoming hard to use.
The Premium trim delivers the essentials with standard AWD, leather seating, smartphone integration, and a flexible sliding and reclining rear seat. Premium Plus emphasizes everyday comfort with a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Prestige is the technology-focused flagship, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, navigation, a head-up display, premium audio, and a top-view camera system.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Q5 moved to Audi’s newer crossover platform for its second generation, bringing more modern packaging and a larger-feeling cabin.
Powertrain
A 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder became the standard engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard quattro all-wheel drive. The outgoing 3.0T Premium Plus trim was dropped.
Styling
The full redesign brought a more modern interior layout.
Safety
Forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking became standard. Premium Plus added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and parking sensors to its equipment mix.
Tech
The redesigned infotainment setup added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New Technology Value Package configurations brought navigation and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display to additional versions of the Q5.
2018 Audi Q5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 252 hp | 252 hp | 252 hp | 252 hp | 252 hp | 252 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 60.4 cu-ft | 60.4 cu-ft | 60.4 cu-ft | 60.4 cu-ft | 60.4 cu-ft | 60.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | |||
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||
| Top View Camera | ||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||
| Power Steering | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Audi Q5 fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2018 Audi Q5 is the first U.S. model year of the second generation, with a new platform, updated powertrain, redesigned cabin, and expanded safety and infotainment technology.
What engine and drivetrain does the 2018 Audi Q5 have?
The 2018 Audi Q5 has a 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and standard quattro all-wheel drive.
Did the 2018 Audi Q5 add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the redesigned Q5’s more modern infotainment system, including the 7-inch display in the Premium trim.
What safety features changed on the 2018 Audi Q5?
The redesigned 2018 Q5 made forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking standard. Premium Plus also includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and front and rear parking sensors.
Which 2018 Audi Q5 trim has the most technology?
The 2018 Q5 Prestige is the technology-focused flagship. It includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, built-in navigation, a head-up display, Bang & Olufsen audio, and a top-view camera system.
2018 Audi Q5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Audi Q5.
4.2
2018 Audi Q5
(1,244 reviews)
“It's a great vehicle with a perfect balance of performance and handling comfort. The safety features, B&O sound system, seat comfort and CarPlay makes the drive safe and enjoyable. The road noise is the lowest compared to its competitor brands at the same level. On the flip side, the rear seat and cargo is not spacious enough like Benz or Infiniti.”
“If you are looking for luxury, reliability, safety and a vehicle from a reputable manufacturer, consider the Audi Q5. It's a must for cold weather environments!”