Audi Q5 FY vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

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

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the Q5 for refinement, a big boot and quattro traction in a premium mid-size SUV.

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

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	245 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,3 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	550 L Winner	440 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,66 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen Taigo
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 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
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) needs maintenance on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

Volkswagen Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars

Pros

Audi Q5

Refined, composed ride (quattro)
Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
High-grade interior

Volkswagen Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

Cons

Audi Q5

Firm ride on S line / big wheels
Pricier than most rivals

Volkswagen Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

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 Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.