Audi Q5 SUV (2008-2016) - Reliability & safety

The Audi Q5 only scored exceptionally well in one category in the 2016 edition of our annual Driver Power owner satisfaction survey; unsurprisingly that category was build quality, where it came 11th overall out of 150 cars surveyed. A great result.

It also comes with the kind of safety features buyers demand from a £30k-plus SUV – enough to secure it a five-star crash-test rating from Euro NCAP. However, it was tested back in 2009, so newer models that have been subjected to tougher test criteria are even safer.

The Q5 scored 11th overall (out of 150 cars surveyed) for build-quality in our 2016 Driver Power survey– a particularly impressive result when you consider this model first hit the showrooms back in 2008. While perceived quality – the construction of the interior as well as the general look and feel of the car – is excellent, readers tell us that the Q5 is nowhere near as mechanically durable as that suggests.

For outright reliability, the Q5 finished in 96th place, and it was singled out for particular criticism in the area of running costs, where it finished 142nd overall. Road handling and ease of driving could have been better, too. Audi as a brand finished 21st overall out of 32 manufacturers surveyed.

Safety

The Q5 received the maximum five-star rating when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP and it comes fitted with electronic stability control, six airbags, and a system that warns you if you’re too tired to drive and need to take a rest.

If you want to make your Q5 even safer, there’s a long list of extras that’ll do just that, including auto-dipping headlights (£110), lane-keeping assistance that can steer the car on the motorway (£370) and side assistance (£450). The latter warns of approaching vehicles in your blind spot.