Based on analysis of 23 Q5 reviews and test drives.

Audi Q5 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Audi Q5 ranks 1 out of 8 Luxury Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 23 published reviews and test drives of the Audi Q5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Audi Q5 offers a complete package: refined and sporty performance, a luxurious interior and stunning exterior styling. The Q5?s main drawback? It?s nearly $35,000.

Among luxury compact SUVs, the Audi Q5 is almost as good as it gets. It comes standard with leather seats and wood trim, has good fuel economy, a respectable amount of cargo space and a lot of classy features -- like a leather wrapped steering wheel -- that make driving this car incredibly luxurious.

On top of that, the automotive press says that the Audi Q5 is a great driver. It?s one of the sportiest SUVs in the class, has spot-on handling and a suspension that absorbs road bumps well. The Q5 provides a smooth and comfortable ride for front and backseat passengers. Popular Mechanics says, "The Q5 does an incredible job balancing luxury with a genuinely sporting character.?

What?s the Q5?s biggest downfall? Its price. Starting at $35,200, the Q5 is one of the most expensive cars in the class and easily pushes $40,000 when you add optional features. You get a lot for the money, but there are other cars -- like the Volvo XC60, Cadillac SRX and the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class -- that are a few thousand less but still offer good performance and fine interiors.

Other SUVs to Consider

As one of the most expensive cars in the class, the 2011 Audi Q5 will deter a lot of shoppers. If affordability is a priority, there are a number of other options. The Volvo XC60 starts at $32,400, offers good fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city/highway, has a comparable 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine and available all-wheel drive. With a price tag about $5,000 lower than the Q5, you?ll be able to add some optional features to your XC60.

If you?re willing to sacrifice fuel economy and cargo space for more power, test drive the Infiniti EX. It has a V6 engine and starts at $33,800.  The Cadillac SRX is another press favorite. The SRX features a roomy, high-quality interior that comes standard with push button start and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

Details: Audi Q5

Audi introduced the Q5 in 2009, and for 2011, little has changed. This year Audi adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to the Premium trim. The Premium trim allows shoppers to select either the 2.0-liter or 3.2-liter engine. The 3.2-liter engine also comes with the Prestige trim. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard. While the 2011 Audi Q5 is one of the most respected cars in the class, reviewers say it?s pricey compared to the competiton. Shoppers do, however, get a lot for a $35,200 base price.

Since the 2011 Q5 is nearly identical to the 2009 and 2010 models, this review uses data from previous model years.

• "It clearly has surpassed the aging BMW X3 in terms of exterior styling, interior ambience, drivability, and comfort. Audi will face plenty of challengers in this segment, though, from the new Mercedes GLK and Volvo XC60, as well as from the existing entries from Acura, Land Rover, and BMW. " -- Automobile Magazine
• "Thanks to a sprightly V6 and underpinnings from the A4 sport sedan, the Q5 is one of the most entertaining vehicles in this segment. And thanks to its generous rear passenger space and ample cargo space behind the rear seats, this entertainment doesn't come with the usual practicality compromises." -- Edmunds
• "In what has become a recurring theme for every new car wearing the four shiny rings, the Q5 offers just-right styling outside, a beautiful and comfortable interior and equally impressive levels of comfort and performance." -- Kelley Blue Book

Q5 Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2011 Audi Q5 stands out for its stellar, sedan-like performance. New for 2011 is a base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Read More

Q5 Exterior - 9.6 (Excellent)

The 2011 Audi Q5?s exterior is sporty, sleek and aggressive, and reviewers say it poses tough competition for other cars in the class like the BMW X3, Infiniti EX and Mercedes GLK-Class. "To us, this Audi might be the only truly handsome vehicle in the class," says Popular Mechanics. "And if image-conscious luxury buyers agree, we just might have a new pack leader." Read More

Q5 Interior - 8.9 (Very Good)

The 2011 Q5 maintains Audi?s reputation for high-quality, high-tech and high-class vehicles. Reviewers have a few negative comments: the rear seat is tight for three adults and the controls are hard for the driver to access if you don?t choose the navigation system. ?As in all contemporary Audi models,? says Automobile Magazine, ?the Q5's interior is beautifully rendered in quality plastics, supple leather, and precisely engineered controls. It's a very pleasant place to be.? Read More

Q5 Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The federal government hasn't tested the 2011 Audi Q5, but the insurance industry industry has, and named it a "2011 Top Safety Pick." Read More

Q5 Reliability - NA

The Q5 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty. Read More