Comparison Test: 2009 Audi Q5 versus 2009 Audi A4 Avant
By John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
Crossover versus station wagon. It has become as heated an argument among our staff as The Simpsons versus South Park or iPhone versus BlackBerry, and nowhere is it more fiercely fought than over a pair of siblings: the 2009 Audi Q5 crossover and the 2009 Audi A4 Avant wagon.
For the uninitiated, a crossover (or CUV) is essentially a car-based SUV as opposed to a traditional, truck-based SUV (such as a Chevy Tahoe). A crossover retains the latter's high seating position but typically boasts superior handling, better acceleration and braking, and higher fuel economy. In other words, no longer does SUV stand for "Slow, Unathletic Vehicle." For that matter, no longer does a station wagon scream "suburbia!" as it might've back in the days of Chevy Caprices and Volvo 240s.
These Audi siblings represent their respective segments well. Both have all-wheel-drive and six-speed automatic transmissions, though the Q5 has a 3.2-liter, 270-hp V6 while the A4 Avant has a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 211-hp four-cylinder -- the only available configurations for these particular models. Our testers were loaded to the roof rails with upscale features. The Q5 also had "Audi Drive Select," which allows the driver to select one of four modes for suspension firmness, steering assist and transmission shift programming. The Avant test vehicle, meanwhile, had the Sport package, which includes 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport suspension, sport seats and a three-spoke sport steering wheel. Suffice it to say that these cars were very well equipped.
The two Audis faced our usual comparison test protocol that includes track testing, identical drive loops, use as daily drivers by Edmunds editors and comprehensive evaluations.
2nd Place: 2009 Audi Q5
Base MSRP (with destination): $38,025
As-tested Price: $48,275
For more information, please read the 2009 Audi Q5 model review and the Compact Luxury Crossover Comparison
Where it Follows:
As good as its overall performance is -- indeed, among the best in the CUV segment according to our recent comparison test -- the considerably taller Q5 just doesn't have the same confidence-inspiring, hunkered-down feeling as the low-slung A4 Avant.
On a curvy road in back-to-back drives, we noticed the Q5's greater weight (by more than 400 pounds) and taller center of gravity, as it didn't change direction quite as eagerly as the Avant. And even with its spirited 270-hp V6, the Q5 was left looking at Avant taillights both here and in the 0-to-60 mph and quarter-mile sprints.
Something else we noted was the steering's quirky variable power assist: sometimes the Q5's steering would inexplicably weight up at lower speeds, such as when turning into the company garage. This is something that we've noticed in other Audis (though not the Avant in this test), particularly those with Drive Select. Speaking of Drive Select, at nearly $3,000, it's an option we'd skip, since Audi seems to have the Q5 dialed in pretty well without it.
Then there are economical considerations. The Q5's fuel mileage numbers of 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined are about 3 mpg lower across the board than the A4's 21/27/23. In term of sticker prices, the Q5 was about $4,000 dearer than the A4 Avant. However, if you nixed the Audi Drive Select option (as we would) the difference would be reduced to about $1,200.
Where it Leads:
For many folks, much of the appeal of an SUV comes from its elevated driving position. The Q5 has it; the Avant doesn't. Also, the Q5's taller architecture allows for a higher rear seat cushion, which maximizes legroom and thigh support, as well as a higher ceiling for more head room. And the Q5's rear seat reclines and slides, unlike the Avant's.
When it comes to hauling the goods, it's Q5 all the way. With the rear seatbacks up, the Q5 provides -- at 29 cubic feet of cargo space -- nearly twice what the Avant does (17 cubes). With the seats down, there's less of a disparity, with the Q5 at 57 cubic feet and the Avant at 51 cubes. Still, that seemingly meager difference could amount to being able to take an extra suitcase for a long trip.
Best for: People with tall friends and family members, cargo-capacity connoisseurs, wedding cake bakers.
FULL 2009 AUDI Q5 PHOTO GALLERY
1st Place: 2009 Audi A4 Avant 2.0T quattro
Base MSRP (with destination): $35,325
As-Tested Price: $44,150
For more information, please read the 2009 Audi A4 model review and long-term test
Where it Follows:
As expected, the A4 Avant trailed the Q5 in rear seat comfort and cargo capacity. Like we said before, these could be concerns for those with gangly teenagers or greater cargo hauling needs. Compared to the high and mighty throne in the Q5, the lower seating position in the Avant may not be as appealing, particularly for the inseam-challenged. And although the A4 and Q5 have remarkably similar interiors, the 2009 Avant has an older version of Audi's ubiquitous MultiMedia Interface (MMI) that's less intuitive than the newer version in the Q5.
Although it's certainly a strong performer, the turbocharged four in the Avant may disappoint some with its rather downmarket sound compared to the sonorous inline-6 in a 3 Series wagon, for example. According to one editor, the Avant's four "doesn't sound any better than a Honda Civic's." Like the Q5, the Avant also has expensive options packages that can quickly jack up the price and a few ergonomic missteps, such as the annoying two-step process to adjust the climate control system's fan speed.
Where it Leads:
The A4 Avant is the better athlete of the two. With its buttoned-down suspension and sticky tires, this wagon can haul more than groceries. In track testing, the Avant blazed through the slalom significantly quicker than the Q5 (69.3 mph versus 64.3). It also braked better (103 feet from 60 mph versus 123 feet) and had quicker acceleration despite having fewer horsepower (0-60 in 6.4 seconds versus 7.2).
We also thought the Avant looked better, though that counts for very little numerically on our score sheet. Sure, both vehicles definitely share Audi's handsome styling genes, but the A4 Avant is arguably the sharper looking of these siblings, with a lower, sleeker look that's more attractive than the Q5's upright and bulky stance.
But it was more than just performance and styling that allowed the A4 Avant to take the win. It also provided plenty of comfort and space in its own right. The A4 Avant's optional sport-tuned suspension was firmer than the Q5's, but it still sopped up bumps and poor pavement well. There was also the A4's better fuel economy, lower price and the fact that it had the same high quality interior and security of all-wheel drive as the Q5.
Of course, the war of wagon versus crossover isn't over, but in this Audi versus Audi battle, the A4 Avant scores a victory for wagon-kind by ultimately being the more rational car purchase.
Best for: Sport sedan enthusiasts who need more than just a trunk, people equally interested in fuel economy and cargo space, sheet cake bakers.
FULL 2009 AUDI A4 AVANT PHOTO GALLERY
The manufacturer provided Edmunds with the Q5 for the purposes of evaluation while the A4 Avant used in this test was purchased by Edmunds for evaluation in our long-term vehicle program.
- Posted by
- James Riswick August 31, 2009, 1:00 AM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Audi, Comparison Road Tests
For 2010, A4's also get the new HDD based navigation system. How would that affect your scores?
If you are looking at a wagon or CUV, then it is usually all about utility and the Q5 wins over the A4 with its larger passenger accommodations and cargo room.
However, I also realized that even the Q5 is too limited in utility for the price you pay. At least in my judgement.
Neither ended up in my driveway.
kotialt: It would have increased the A4's margin of victory. Not by a lot, but some.
Nice article. I have a 2005 A4 Avant. It seems that these two models almost fill the same market niche. As a wagon owner and for the sake of variety, I would hate to see Audi stop selling the Avant here.
The cars both look nice, but the Q5 looks a lot like the other CUVs on the market. The Avant, to me, is a little more unique, if you are interested in something "different".
leescott,
Re. the Q5's advantage in passenger room and cargo capacity, that's true and that's exactly what we stated in the Q5's "Where it Leads" section.
As far as the Q5 not being the best luxury CUV for the typical consumer, that's the chief reason why the Volvo XC60 beat it in the comparison test I referenced in this piece.
What about towing capacity?
7driver,
The Q5 is rated to tow 4,400 pounds.
Audi doesn't list a towing capacity for the A4 Avant.
However, given the Q5's more powerful engine (the V6 is not available in the Avant), we imagine that would be the vehicle of choice anyway for those planning to tow.
Good comparo!
I believe the shoulder room for the rear seat is also the same for both the Q5 and the A4?
Also, if/when the Q5 comes out with the 2.0T you will need to take them to the dragstrip again.
The Q5 will outsell the A4 Avant many times over irrespective of evaluations made by the automotive press. The fact that Audi doesn't offer the Avant with a standard gearbox makes the niche it fills in the model lineup that much more limited.
I was all lined up on the Avant, then realized it was not possible to add a trailer hitch. I am not planning any serious towing - class 1 only to carry bikes and pull utility trailers - so it was very disappointing to learn Audi has no option for this. So now I guess I will look at the Q5...