One of the most popular models in Audi’s lineup, the luxurious, capable and stylish Q5 has allowed the German automaker to stand out in a crowded segment. And thanks to Audi’s reputation for all-weather performance, the Q5 is easily able to distance itself from its rivals.
Below we’ve compiled a list of the best tires for the Audi Q5 based on factors like performance, driving style, price, capability and warranty.
Audi Q5 Tire Size
Below is a list of tire sizes for the Audi Q5. Most of the tires listed below should be available in all of these fitments.
- 235/60/18
- 235/55/19
- 255/45/20
- 255/40/21
What Are the Best Tires for an Audi Q5
Best Tire for Audi Q5
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tire is often featured on our lists of recommended tires, however, it’s not often in the number one position. The reason we chose to place it first here is due to its true four-season capability, something that just meshes perfectly with the desires of an Audi Q5 driver.
Perhaps most importantly, this tire is a true four-season tire and features the three peak mountain snowflake logo on its sidewall. This means it is certified for true winter use. Not only does it resist freezing in colder temperatures, but it grabs on to snowy surfaces extremely well and even does a great job at clawing its way through slush.
Far more than just a winter tire, it has plenty of water evacuation channels to clear deep water from the tread surface. Plus, those channels are actually designed to widen as the tire wears to help it maintain the same level of grip throughout the tire’s life.
Summer performance on dry roads is also excellent thanks to tread blocks that lock together under hard cornering. Normally these smaller blocks might lead to reduced cornering grip, but here they work together to maintain friction and provide a larger contact patch with the road.
The only real drawback is the 60,000 mile tread life guarantee which is less than other tires in this segment. Then again, it’s a small drawback to not have to worry about changing your tires. Or, if you didn’t really plan on getting winter tires but would like the advantages of having them, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is a perfect option.
Best Tire for Audi Q5 (alternative)
Continental Cross Contact LX 25
For those less concerned with true four-season grip, a more conventional, albeit premium, all-season tire like the Continental Cross Contact LX 25 might be in order.
As a performance all-season it offers an engaging drive as well as excellent braking performance in both the wet and the dry. There are some other offerings out there from Michelin or Pirelli, but we find these Continental’s deliver the best mix of performance, safety and price. In fact, they’re quite affordable for what they are.
In addition, we like the 70,000 mile tread life warranty and brand’s additional warranty features that include a free replacement tire for any road hazard damage in the first year of ownership, as well as either a free roadside tire change or a 150 mile tow.
Longest Lasting Tire for Audi Q5
Goodyear Assurance MaxLife
Another quality tire that would be a solid alternative for a best-overall tire, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife wins out in a category all of its own.
The Goodyear Assurance MaxLife is, as it’s name suggest, the longest lasting tire you can buy. With other tires in this category boasting as much as 70,000 miles guaranteed, this tire offers 85,000 miles.
Goodyear does this by continuing to innovate in this segment with tire materials and a unique tread design aimed to deliver the longest life.
On top of this, it’s an all-around solid performer in terms of braking power in the wet and dry, as well as in terms of quietness.
Best Budget Tire for Audi Q5
Falken Pro G5 CSV
If you need new tires for your Q5 but don’t have any specific demands, then the Falken Pro G5 CSV is a solid choice. Its not a stand-out in any area. At the same time, it’s not bad in any area either.
Offering performance that’s above average at a price that is essentially right in the middle of the spectrum, it delivers value, enough driving engagement for most drivers and a solid 60,000 mile warranty.
Best All-Terrain Tire for Audi Q5
Falken Wildpeak AT Trail
If you do take your Q5 off-roading more than on rare occasions, then you might want a true all-terrain tire. Not just for the grip, but for the durability as well.
Traditionally this wouldn’t be ideal, as most all-terrain tires are heavily off-road focused (particularly for a premium machine like an Audi) and compromise too much when it comes to on-road driving dynamics, road noise and tire life.
Here, Falken has innovated with a new type of tire made for lighter off-roading, but still regular use, so it won’t wear out. The less-aggressive tread pattern means it’s still quite refined on-road and it even manages to come with a 65,000 mile tread life warranty.
Cheapest Tire for Audi Q5
GT Radial Touring VP Plus
If saving money on your next set of tires is priority number one, then the GT Radial Touring VP Plus is the easy choice. As both a touring and a performance all-season it aims to bring together a quiet and comfortable ride, with extra driving engagement and a long life.
Wet braking performance is decent, while dry braking is quite good. It’s all-weather capability is limited, however, and performance in colder temperatures is compromised.
The 50,000 mile tread life guarantee is low, but considering the price, it’s not bad.
Overall, if you need to save some funds and live in a warmer climate, these tires are incredibly affordable.
What Tires Come on the Audi Q5?
For a vehicle that’s available with just one engine and three trim levels, Audi offers a wide selection of tires from the factory on the Q5. Versions running 18-inch wheels come fitted with either Michelin Premier LTX tires,Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, Hankook Venstus S1 Evo 2 SUV tires or Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season tires. For Q5 models with the larger 19-inch rims, many also make use of the same Michelin, Continental and Pirelli rubber, or one of the following: Kumho Crugen Premium, Continental Conti Sport Contact 5 SUV, Goodyear Eagle LS-2, Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport.
How long do Audi Q5 Tires Last?
Most versions of the Audi Q5 come equipped with tires that should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Both the factory Michelin and Kumho tires are guaranteed by their respective brands to last 60,000 miles. Other, higher-performance tires on the list, like the Continental Conti Sport Contact 5 SUV should be on the lower end of the spectrum.
Tire Buying FAQ
Where can I find the best price on tires?
There is no one answer to this question unfortunately. Sites like Tire Rack and Discount tire offer deals all the time on specific brands. You can also find deals on Amazon though they are much harder to find and often only apply to a specific size or group of sizes. Visit our Tire Deals page for more info.
When is the best time to buy tires?
It’s common that many shoppers buy tires once its already too late. At that point you don’t have a lot of choice and can often over-pay. If you’re planning ahead, generally, retailers offer significant tire deals around major holiday weekends (especially in the summer), as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
How much is Shipping?
Shipping is often included when you purchase tires online. Many retailers offer free shipping if you get your tires shipped to an installer that they recommend. Even if you ship to your home, Tire Rack offers free shipping on purchases over $50. And if you’re buying new tires, that won’t be hard.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping can take just a few days, or over a week in the worst cases. Often it depends on where you live. anyone in a larger urban center or living closer to a tire distribution center can get them quite quickly.
Does anyone offer mobile tire installation?
Depending on where you live, there may be numerous local mobile tire installers available. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of tracking one down, TireRack offers its own service. You don’t even have to purchase tires from TireRack to use it.
While it’s more expensive than bringing your tires to the shop, it’s also a lot more convenient. Prices start at $25 per tire.
How much does it cost to install a tire?
Generally you’ll pay between $25 and $50 per tire for installation services. This includes mounting and balancing, while using the latest tools so your rims don’t get scuffed or scraped.
Do I need to replace the tire pressure monitoring system when I change tires?
It’s not necessary to replace TMPS sensors when you change tires, but you may want to consider it. The units can fail over time due to damage or corrosion. Also, most units contain a battery and as a sealed unit, they must be replaced when the battery wears down. While most tire installers will handle sourcing these parts for you, you can also buy your own here.
Do online tire retailers offer rebates?
Absolutely! In fact, rebates are offered by most brands (even premium ones). Often these incentives are offered with other deals including up-front discounts and credit card offers.