2009 Audi Q5: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Audi Q5 is this German automaker's first compact SUV. This five-passenger wagon comes standard with the company's quattro all-wheel drive. A single Premium trim level is offered. The sole powertrain teams a 270-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system splits torque 40/60 front/rear, and has the ability to shift as much as 65 percent to the front and 85 percent to the rear as driving conditions warrant. Maximum towing capacity is 4400 lb. Standard on Q5 are 18-inch wheels; 20-inch wheels are available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Available features include Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which uses a dashboard screen and control knob to control audio, navigation, suspension, and other functions. Other available features include three-zone climate control, a navigation system with real-time traffic information, keyless entry and starting, a rearview camera, a power tailgate, and a wireless cell-phone link. Optional is Audi Drive Select, which allows for driver control of engine, transmission, steering, and suspension settings.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buy in this class is the Infiniti EX35. We have no Recommended picks in this class.

New for 2009 are the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.