# Audi Q5 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Audi Q5 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/audi-q5

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2020
- **Ideal trim**: S Line
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £23,360

## Why this model

The Audi Q5 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a premium SUV that blends comfort, practicality, and a touch of luxury. It feels solid and well-built, offers a smooth ride, and the interior quality is top-notch. The 2.0 TDI engine (like the 40 TDI) is a popular and efficient choice, offering a good balance of power and economy for UK roads, especially if you do a mix of motorway and urban driving. It's a reliable workhorse and holds its value reasonably well for a premium brand.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data (February 2026), a 2020 Audi Q5 40 TDI S Line with around 30-50k miles typically sells for around £23,360. Prices have softened a bit since the pandemic peaks, so you're getting good value for a premium SUV. Expect to pay slightly less for a Sport trim and a bit more for a Black Edition or if it has desirable optional extras.

## Which trim to buy

The S Line trim is definitely the sweet spot for the Q5. It gives you that sporty, aggressive look with the S Line exterior styling and larger alloy wheels, without going overboard on price like the Black Edition. You also get a great set of features like sport seats, LED headlights, and the excellent MMI Navigation Plus system, making it feel properly premium. It's also the most popular trim, which helps with resale value down the line.

## What to check before you buy

- AdBlue system sensor/injector failures
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) clogging if not driven on long journeys
- MMI (Multi Media Interface) software glitches or freezing
- Water pump failures leading to coolant leaks
- Occasional electrical gremlins

## Running costs

Running a 2020 Audi Q5 40 TDI will involve a few key costs. Fuel will be around 20-22p per mile, based on current diesel prices and real-world MPG. Road tax (VED) for a 2020 model will be £190 per year from 2026 onwards, as it will have passed its 5-year premium tax period. Insurance can vary widely but budget roughly £600-£1200 annually depending on your personal circumstances. Servicing costs can be higher than mainstream brands, so budget £300-£600 per year for routine maintenance, potentially more for larger services or unexpected repairs. Overall, it's a premium car, so expect premium running costs, though the diesel engine helps with fuel efficiency.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Diesel
- **Horsepower**: 190 PS
- **Mpg**: 32–36 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Above Average
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sport | £40,500 | £21,500 | MMI Navigation Plus with 10.1-inch touchscreen; Audi Virtual Cockpit; LED headlights with LED rear lights |
| S Line | £43,500 | £23,360 | S Line exterior styling (sportier bumpers, side skirts); Sport suspension; 19-inch '5-twin-spoke star' design alloy wheels |
| Black Edition | £46,500 | £25,800 | Black styling pack (black grille, window surrounds, roof rails); 20-inch '5-arm rotor' design alloy wheels in gloss black; Flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £23,360 | 100% |
| 2027 | £21,725 | 93% |
| 2028 | £20,204 | 86.5% |
| 2029 | £18,790 | 80.4% |
| 2030 | £17,475 | 74.8% |

Buying a 2020 Q5 in 2026 means you're picking it up after its steepest depreciation curve has already passed. New cars lose a huge chunk of their value in the first 3-4 years. By buying a 6-year-old model, you're getting a premium SUV at a significantly reduced price, and its future depreciation will be much slower, making it a smarter financial move.

Total value lost since new: 25.19%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [BMW X3](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-x3.md)
- [Mercedes-Benz GLC](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mercedes-glc.md)
- [Volvo XC60](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/volvo-xc60.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.