Does the Audi Q5 Have a Turbo?

Yes, every current-generation Audi Q5 sold in the U.S. and most global markets uses turbocharged engines, including the mainstream Q5 45 TFSI, the plug-in hybrid Q5 55 TFSI e, and the high-performance SQ5. Below is a detailed breakdown of how turbocharging is used across different Q5 models, trims, and model years.

Understanding Turbocharging in the Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 has moved decisively toward turbocharged powertrains over its production life. Earlier models included both naturally aspirated (non-turbo) and supercharged engines, but modern Q5s rely on turbocharging for efficiency, torque, and performance.

Current Audi Q5 (Second Generation, Facelifted: ~2021–2025)

In the latest model years available as of 2025, every Q5 variant uses a turbocharged engine. Audi pairs these engines with mild-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid systems in many trims to further improve efficiency.

The following list outlines the main engine options for the current Audi Q5 and their turbocharging status.

• Q5 40 TFSI (where offered): 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, lower output variant, typically around the mid-180–200 hp range depending on market.
• Q5 45 TFSI: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with mild-hybrid technology in many markets, usually around 260 hp (varies slightly by region and model year).
• Q5 55 TFSI e (plug-in hybrid): 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 combined with an electric motor; total system output generally over 360 hp, offering strong acceleration and electric-only driving capability.
• SQ5 (gasoline in North America and many markets): 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering roughly 350+ hp and significantly more torque than the 2.0-liter versions.
• SQ5 TDI (in some diesel markets): 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel with mild-hybrid and sometimes electric compressor assistance, focused on high torque and long-range efficiency.

Collectively, these engines confirm that the modern Q5 lineup is fully turbocharged, whether in conventional gasoline, diesel, or plug-in-hybrid form, with no naturally aspirated or purely supercharged engines remaining.

First-Generation Audi Q5 (2009–2017, U.S.; up to ~2017–2018 globally)

Earlier Audi Q5 models featured a mix of turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines, including supercharged V6 options. Knowing the exact year and engine code is crucial to understanding whether a particular older Q5 has a turbo.

The following list summarizes key powertrains used in the first-generation Q5 and how they were boosted.

• 2.0 TFSI (gasoline): Turbocharged inline-4; this is one of the most common engines in early Q5s and is indeed turbocharged.
• 3.2 FSI V6 (gasoline, early years): Naturally aspirated, no turbo or supercharger; offers smooth power but less torque than modern turbos.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 (gasoline): Despite the “T” in TFSI, this is a supercharged—not turbocharged—engine in older Q5s and SQ5s; it uses an Eaton belt-driven supercharger.
• 3.0 TDI V6 (diesel, in some markets): Turbocharged diesel V6, employing a variable-geometry turbocharger for strong low-end torque.
• SQ5 (early performance model, some markets): 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (gasoline) or 3.0 TDI turbocharged diesel V6, depending on region.

This makes it clear that while many first-generation Q5s had turbochargers (notably the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI), others were naturally aspirated or supercharged, so not every early Q5 is turbocharged.

How to Tell if a Specific Audi Q5 Has a Turbo

If you are looking at a specific used or new Q5 and want to confirm whether it has a turbo, there are several reliable ways to check beyond the marketing badges on the tailgate.

The following list outlines practical steps to identify whether a particular Q5 is turbocharged.

1. Check the engine designation: Modern Q5s labeled 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, or 55 TFSI e use turbocharged engines. The SQ5’s current 3.0 TFSI is also turbocharged.
2. Look up the VIN: Use the Vehicle Identification Number with an Audi dealer or reputable VIN decoder; it will show the specific engine code and whether it is turbocharged.
3. Consult the owner’s manual or window sticker: Official documentation usually specifies “turbocharged” or “TFSI with turbocharger.”
4. Inspect under the hood: A turbocharged Q5 will have visible turbo plumbing, including an intercooler and distinctive intake and exhaust routing to and from the turbocharger housing.
5. Review the model year: From the second generation onward, mainstream gasoline Q5s and SQ5s are turbocharged across the board in the U.S. and most major markets.

Together, these checks provide a reliable confirmation method whether you are shopping online, at a dealership, or already own the vehicle and want technical clarity.

Why Audi Uses Turbos in the Q5

The shift to turbocharging in the Q5 mirrors broader automotive trends: stricter emissions rules, demand for better fuel economy, and drivers’ expectations for strong, low-end torque in SUVs.

The following list highlights the main reasons Audi relies on turbocharged engines in the Q5 lineup.

• Improved efficiency: Smaller-displacement turbo engines can deliver the power of a larger engine while using less fuel under many driving conditions.
• Stronger torque at low RPM: Turbos boost torque early in the rev range, which is especially useful in a heavy SUV for brisk starts and confident passing.
• Better emissions performance: Downsized, high-efficiency turbo engines help automakers meet tightening CO₂ and emissions standards worldwide.
• Compatibility with hybrid systems: Turbocharged engines pair well with mild-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid systems, as seen in the Q5 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI e.
• Performance variants: The turbocharged V6 in the SQ5 allows Audi to offer sports-sedan levels of acceleration in an SUV without resorting to very large displacement engines.

These factors explain why turbocharging is now effectively standard across the Q5 range, making naturally aspirated or purely supercharged engines a thing of the past in this model line.

Regional Differences and Diesel Variants

While the general rule is “modern Q5s are turbocharged,” some details vary by country, especially regarding diesel offerings and performance trims like the SQ5.

The following list outlines regional nuances that can affect which turbo engines are available in Q5 models.

• North America: Primarily gasoline Q5 45 TFSI and Q5 55 TFSI e, plus the SQ5 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6; diesels are no longer offered.
• Europe: Wider range of TFSI (gasoline turbo) and TDI (diesel turbo) engines, including mild-hybrid turbos and, in some years, SQ5 TDI with advanced turbo-diesel technology.
• Other markets (Asia-Pacific, Middle East, etc.): Engine lineups typically mirror either European or North American offerings but may include lower-output turbo variants like the Q5 35/40 TFSI for tax or regulatory reasons.
• Diesel focus in some regions: Where diesel remains popular, multiple TDI turbo engines are offered, often all turbocharged regardless of displacement.

Despite these regional variations, the unifying factor is that virtually every current Q5 engine, whether gasoline or diesel, relies on turbocharging as part of its core design.

Summary

Modern Audi Q5 models are built around turbocharged powertrains. In current generations, both mainstream gasoline versions (such as the 45 TFSI), the plug-in-hybrid 55 TFSI e, and the performance-oriented SQ5 all use turbocharged engines. Earlier Q5s were more mixed: some used turbocharged 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI engines, others were naturally aspirated, and some performance variants relied on supercharging instead of turbocharging. If you are considering a specific Q5, checking the engine designation, VIN, or official documentation will confirm that, in most contemporary cases, yes—the Audi Q5 does have a turbo.