Audi Q5 FY vs Renault Kadjar KAD

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Q5 (FY), on MLB Evo.

Renault Kadjar

KAD · 2015 – 2022

The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the FY for the 3.0 TDI’s 620 Nm and quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with MIB3 touchscreen.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (diesel) or 40 TFSI (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Kadjar

Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	Audi Q5	Renault Kadjar
Power	245 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,3 s Winner	9,6 s
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t Winner	100,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km	125 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	Renault Kadjar
Boot	550 L Winner	472 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.478 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,65 m
Length	4,66 m	4,45 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	Renault Kadjar
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	CMF-CD
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	6-speed manual · EDC7
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q5

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Pros

Audi Q5

55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
3.0 TDI (50) has 286 hp and 620 Nm
Air suspension optional

Renault Kadjar

Roomy boot and comfortable ride
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Cons

Audi Q5

55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts boot space from 550 down to 465 litres
Pre-facelift MIB2 infotainment has no touchscreen

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
Interior less modern than newer rivals

Driving experience

Audi Q5

Refined, effortless and supremely polished. Steering is light and accurate rather than talkative, the ride is supple and isolating, and the Q5 settles into a calm, confident lope. quattro ultra shuffles torque seamlessly for all-weather security, though it favours safe, neutral grip over playful engagement. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed and hushed on rough roads. The 40/45 TFSI petrols are smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 55 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and smooth; the V6 8-speed tiptronic even more so. Overall a quiet, tech-rich SUV that puts long-distance comfort and easy confidence ahead of outright driver involvement.

Renault Kadjar

A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.