2014 Audi Q5 TDI
The entire automotive industry is working feverishly on alternative fuel vehicles with electric and hydrogen powertrains. But, engineers are also working just as hard to improve the efficiency of traditional internal combustion engines. So, with ever higher mpg mandates ahead, clean diesels are becoming a lot more common, especially in utilities, like this Audi Q5 TDI. So, let’s see if this diesel ute is one Americans can love.
What is it about turbo diesels like this 2014 Audi Q5 TDI that we love so much? It’s certainly not the smell or more expensive cost of the diesel fuel. Perhaps it’s their simplicity as a higher mileage option, or that ability to fulfill our long range ambitions?
Or maybe it’s just that huge hit of torque you get when you stomp on the pedal. It’s a highly addictive response, and once you’ve sampled it, driving a gasoline powered equivalent is just not the same.
The Q5, Audi’s smallest crossover here for now, got a styling refresh just last year. But Audi saved the best updates for this year, a high performance SQ5 and our high miler TDI.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged clean diesel V6 is the same 240-horsepower engine that we loved so much in the larger A8 sedan. But there’s even more to love in the Q5 as torque is up 22 lb-ft. to 428. Helping the high mileage cause is an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the combination is good for a towing capacity of 4,400-pounds.
All Q5s come equipped with the same quattro all-wheel-drive formula found in Audi sedans and SUV’s for years, rear bias and all; and is as much about handling performance as it is about all-weather capability. Though we put the latter to test through a few weeks of what has been a very cold and snowy winter here in the Mid-Atlantic. We had no issues finding traction even in deep snow; a testament to both the quattro’s abilities and the TDI’s low RPM nature.
All of that white stuff did keep us from taking the TDI to our test track, but Audi claims a 0-60 time of 6.5-seconds and our informal clocking concurs.
As for the recently updated design, the Q5 is truly a modern Audi, from the large Singleframe grille to the LED DRL’s that started the whole phenomenon. 19-inch wheels come standard on the TDI with 235/55 all-season tires.
Both commute time ride, and weekend getaway handling are quite good. But if you’re looking to get the most out of it in the performance department, make sure you have the crossbars removed from the roof rails; as when they are in place, the ESC adjusts parameters for a higher center of gravity. That’s pretty trick!
Steering is electro-mechanical and felt very natural. Government Fuel Economy Ratings come in at 24-City, 31-Highway, and 27-Combined. We managed a quite good 29.4 miles per gallon. The Energy Impact Score is average for all vehicles at 14.1-barrels of oil used and 6.4 tons of CO2 emitted annually.
You’ve heard our rave reviews before about recent Audi interiors, and the Q5 does nothing to dampen our fondness for the high quality materials, simplicity of design, and ease of use of its many high tech features; including the updated MMI Navigation Plus system.
Front seats are very supportive and comfortable, and there’s good room for 3 in the back seat. All passenger’s get plenty of light thanks to the standard panoramic sunroof. Cargo space is 29.1 cubic-ft. with rear seat backs in place, but expands to 57.3 cubic-ft. with them folded.
It’s not all good news, however; as a TDI Q5 will cost you $47,395. That’s almost 10-grand over a base Q5 which starts at $38,195. Our tester, with options, was over 50-grand.
Is the TDI worth all of that extra coin? Well truth be told, our SUV money would probably go elsewhere as there are a lot of mid and even full-size choices for that kind of money. Although, if you’re even contemplating stepping up to a turbo diesel, but are hesitant due to price; our advice is don’t even test drive one. Because, once you get a taste of all the torque that the 2014 Audi Q5 TDI has to offer, you might get addicted too.
Specifications
- Engine: 3.0-liter
- Horsepower: 240
- Torque: 428 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
- EPA: 24 mpg city/ 31 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 14.1 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 6.4 tons/yr
2025 Buick Enclave
Buick’s Biggest Utility Gets More Premium Look, Less Premium Powertrain
Buick is now an all SUV brand with the three-row Enclave sitting at the top of their lineup. And for this all-new third generation, it looks like Buick has finally given it the true flagship treatment it deserves. Reason enough for us to see what else new this posh performer has in store.
Don’t think of this 2025 Buick Enclave as just a new third generation of Buick’s largest three-row SUV, but more of a total reboot for a luxury segment pioneer. Part of that reinvention is swapping out the 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, that has been the heart of this large crossover since it arrived on the scene for 2008, for a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Though using two fewer cylinders, it rates 18 more horsepower at 328. The gain in torque is even greater, climbing from 266 to 326 lb-ft.
Power from a start and when tooling around town feels pretty good, but you do notice that engine working hard under the hood; there is more engine noise and it’s not as smooth as many competitors who have also made the switch to turbo-four power. Max towing rating remains at 5,000 lbs. The new standard automatic transmission loses a gear, dropping from nine to eight, a simplifying move we applaud. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option with all trims.
The Enclave rides on the same front-wheel-drive based chassis that supports the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. It remains the most luxurious of the three, though all have made big upward strides. And that luxurious feel is very evident inside where things appear special without flaunting it. Materials are vastly improved over the last gen, especially in top Avenir trim which is the choice for most Enclave buyers.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel. It’s hard to miss the 30-inch ultra-wide display, similar to Cadillac’s. It is big, but not intimidating as operation is very logical and you can easily configure things as you want them, including bringing the nav screen up full in front of the driver.
Front seats are very comfy, well suited for long days of highway travel.
Between the seats is a very substantial console with lots of storage space and standard wireless phone charging. There is definitely room for full-size adults in all three rows of seating. Big, plush captain’s chairs with all trims for the second row; and a less plush but still comfortable three-place third row.
GM’s Super Cruise has now made it to Buick’s lineup, available as a standalone package for any trim. It remains a favorite of ours for hands-off highway cruising. Despite feeling adequately powered on the street, the Enclave’s turbo-four felt a little out of its element at our Mason Dixon Dragway test track. There was very little jump off the line, just a slow wind up to 60 of 8.0 seconds, with the quarter-mile completed in 16.0 seconds flat at 92 mph.
We could really feel the Enclave’s weight in our handling course, about 150-lbs. over last year, even with less motor under the hood. But there was very little body roll, and no excessive oversteer or understeer. In panic braking runs, there was good feel through the pedal, and solid stops from 60 averaging a fine 111 feet.
To all of our eyes, the Enclave is bigger yet much better looking than before. Now more sophisticated using Buick’s PURE philosophy which emphasizes Purity in design, Unexpected details, Refined finishes, and Exceptional execution.
With all-wheel drive, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19 City, 24 Highway, and 21 Combined; we managed a great 24.9 mpg of Regular. That’s a slightly below average Energy Impact Score, consuming 14.2 barrels of oil yearly, with 7.0 tons of CO2 emissions.
No more Essence or Premium Enclaves, as the new gen brings new trim names along with it; the base option now being Preferred which starts at $46,395, and unless you choose white, you’ll be paying extra for all exterior colors. Just a short step from there to the Sport Touring for $48,795, and then a much bigger bounce up to Avenir at $59,395.
With so many big utes now aimed at luxury and near luxury buyers, it’s getting harder and harder for Buick to stand out. Being an all-utility brand, with one of the freshest lineups in the industry, will no doubt help. The 2025 Buick Enclave is a very stylish, well-equipped, well executed large three-row crossover that’s priced right.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.5-liter turbo-4
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 328
- Torque: 326 lb-ft.
- EPA: 19 City | 24 Highway | 21 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds at 92 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 111 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 24.9 mpg (Regular)