Audi Q5 FY vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

C11 · 2019 – 2026

The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 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…

Volkswagen T-Cross

Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	245 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,3 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	550 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,66 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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

Volkswagen T-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
High seating position and good visibility
Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

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.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.