2022 Audi Q5

While it doesn't have the glamorous style of an A7 Sportback, the sporty handling chops of a TT, or the outright speed of an RS model, the Audi Q5 is the German automaker's most important model. At the very least, it's Audi's best-selling model. The Q5 puts Audi style, technology, and build quality in a body style that most car buyers currently want and at the right price. Packing a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a boost from a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system, its 261 horsepower gets the Q5 from 0-60 mph in a reasonable 5.7 seconds. The plug-in hybrid variant is available with 362 hp to play with for those who want more power. And, after last year's styling update, it looks sharper than ever and the infotainment is now more intuitive. Overall, the Q5 goes toe-to-toe with the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and slides into the mix with a quiet and unassuming luxury to make it the smart choice for many buyers.

The latest Audi Q5 is a handsome SUV, but it does look better with bigger wheels than the base car's 18-inch alloys. It has lost last year's vertical chrome strips in its grille and with the S line exterior package standard this year, the grille becomes a sportier honeycomb item. Both the front and rear headlights are LED units. The entry-level version comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminum roof rails, a tailgate roof spoiler, and heated side mirrors. Further up in the range, a panoramic sunroof is fitted along with larger 19-inch bi-color alloy wheels. On the top trim, Matrix-design LED headlights with washers are equipped. For those who want something even sleeker, the Q5 Sportback is available, reviewed separately.

Almost identical in width to the BMW X3, the Audi Q5 is, however, more than an inch shorter than its rival. A glance at the spec sheet reveals Q5 dimensions of 184.3 inches in length, 65.5 inches in height, and a 111-inch wheelbase. The width works out to 84.2 inches with the mirrors included and 74.5 inches without the mirrors. For the PHEV variant, the height differs slightly at 65.3 inches. At 4,079 pounds, the base Audi Q5 is almost 150 lbs heavier than the base X3, a variance that is partially attributed to that X3's lighter RWD layout. The Q5 PHEV weighs in at 4,619 lbs.

The Audi has quite a conservative color palette to start off with. For the non-PHEV models, there is a choice of seven shades but only one - Ibis White - comes at no charge. Following these are six metallics that will each add $595 to the bill: Florett Silver, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Navarra Blue, District Green, and Daytona Gray pearl, the last two new for 2022. Last year's Brilliant Black and Manhattan Gray disappear from this year's palette.

With last year's power increase, an already nippy SUV has become even quicker. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Every model uses Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system which enables a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds - three-tenths quicker than the base BMW X3. Top speed is limited to 130 mph. Likewise, the base Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is also off the pace of the Q5, with a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds. Both the BMW and Mercedes do, however, offer the availability of a base rear-wheel-drive model, whereas the Audi only offers AWD.

The more powerful Q5 PHEV produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, dropping the 0-60 time to just five seconds. It can also hit 130 mph, although while in electric-only mode, the top speed drops to 85 mph. For a similar price, BMW's X3 M40i is significantly quicker and more exciting to drive, but obviously uses a lot more gas in the process. It all depends on how much you prioritize outright power relative to efficiency.

The mild-hybrid Q5 is capable of towing up to 4,400 lbs while the PHEV has a reduced towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.

Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI turbocharged has a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system that improves the function of the start-stop system along with overall efficiency. It produces 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The PHEV uses the same gearbox but pairs an electric motor with the turbocharged engine to produce 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. This model makes use of a 17.9 kWh battery.

It remains a nicely refined and responsive engine. In most scenarios, there is enough power for quick getaways and easy overtaking. Some steeper inclines can make the Q5 feel momentarily sluggish, but not so much that it becomes a dealbreaker. The dual-clutch gearbox is a good match for the engine, executing quick and smooth shifts. The extra shove from the PHEV we tested is noticeable and welcome, as is the instant torque from the electric motor when setting off.

The Q5 is a wholly competent vehicle, but the addition of the hybrid drivetrain adds a more purposeful feel to the whole package. It's matched with the Q5's well-damped suspension to make a confident and sure-footed crossover happy to join and hang with fast-moving traffic or zip down those little shortcuts around town. The electromechanical steering reacts quickly and is precise but doesn't feel particularly connected to the road and lacks feedback. Switching to dynamic mode adds some weight to the steering, but you don't get the kind of communication of some other compact crossovers like Mazda's CX-5 or the outright handling finesse of BMW's X3 or Porsche's Macan. There's not a lot of communication back from the brake pedal either, although there's no doubting its mechanical efficiency. What you do get is a smooth ride, even before optioning the adaptive air suspension. The Sport package adds some dynamic prowess to the Q5, but the larger wheels do impact the ride quality. Overall, we're happier to accept and enjoy the Q5 for the laid-back, uber-competent, and comfortable driving experience it delivers.

The mild-hybrid system makes for good gas mileage in city driving. The EPA-estimated city/highway/combined figures are 23/28/25 mpg. The base RWD BMW X3 is about the same with numbers of 23/29/25 mpg. The Q5 has an 18.5-gallon gas tank so can cover around 462 miles before needing to be refilled.

On gas only, the PHEV returns a combined 26 mpg, along with 61 MPGe combined when the electric motor is taken into account. In all-electric mode, the Q5 PHEV will be able to cover 23 miles. A smaller 14.3-gallon gas tank applies to the PHEV, so it has a total range of just under 400 miles.

Although it doesn't have the wow factor of some other new Audi cabins, the Q5's interior gets a lot of the basics right. There is good space for front and rear occupants, the seats are comfortable, and the build quality is of a high standard. The new 10.1-inch touchscreen has that 'stuck on' look that isn't as visually appealing as a more integrated display, but at least it responds to inputs quickly and is easy to reach. Some of the many standard features include lane departure warning, Audi side assist, front/rear parking sensors, heated wing mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Higher-spec versions enjoy the Audi virtual cockpit, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.

Whether seated in the front or at the back, the Audi Q5 offers a good amount of leg- and headroom for even occupants up to six-feet tall. However, three at the back will be a bit of a squeeze in terms of shoulder room. The seats themselves are very comfortable, and even the base variant gets classy leather-upholstered seats. There are some minor quirks, such as a driver's side door armrest that doesn't feel close enough to where your elbow would naturally rest. On a more positive note, visibility from the driver's seat is good, in part aided by front roof pillars that are not too thick. Ingress and egress pose no issues as the doors are quite tall but not overly long; this improves matters when another car parks too close to you.

Leather upholstery is standard and, for the Premium model, you can choose from four color schemes: Atlas Beige with Granite Gray stitching, Black with Rock Gray stitching, Okapi Brown with Granite Gray stitching, and Rock Gray with Granite Gray stitching. These color choices will also dictate whether the headliner is finished in Gray, Black, or Beige. Brown Walnut Wood inlays and Birch Wood Natural Gray brown inlays are on offer and neither will cost anything extra.

One step up is the Premium Plus, which adds the option of sportier front seats for $1,450 in the same colors; this upgrade forms part of the Warm Weather Package and also includes front-seat ventilation, four-way power lumbar support in front, and sunshades for the rear windows. On the Prestige model, the upgraded leather sports seats are equipped by default.

While it isn't the best in the segment for carrying cargo, the Audi Q5 is still a practical SUV. Whether you go for the plug-in hybrid variant or not, cargo space is the same. That means that you get 25.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 54 cubes when these seats are folded. These numbers drop slightly to 25.6/53.5 cubes respectively if the sunroof is equipped, but this is a negligible difference. The trunk itself is a usefully square shape and, with the parcel shelf still in place, you can load one large suitcase and two smaller ones. With a 40/20/40 split-folding design, longer items can be accommodated while still transporting passengers at the back. In our Audi Q5 review, we did notice a bit of a load lip which means that heavier items can't be slid out of the back.

In the cabin, there are numerous useful solutions for stashing smaller items. There are four cupholders, a regular-sized glovebox, and a useful compartment below the center armrest. The door pockets are usefully wide and there are seatback map pockets.

Three trim levels are on offer which may lead you to believe that the base Premium is a bit sparse, but this is far from the case. Even this variant comes with a rearview camera, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, and automatic climate control. The wing mirrors are heated and power-adjustable, too, while the safety specification includes lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, front/rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. As you progress up the trim ladder, features added include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, a top-view camera system, and a panoramic sunroof. The fully-loaded Prestige models enjoy ventilated front seats with four-way power lumbar support, heated rear seats, Matrix-design LED headlights with washers, and a head-up display.

All 2022 Audi Q5 models make use of a new 10.1-inch MMI infotainment touchscreen interface running the MIB 3 software. Although the screen responds well and makes effective use of haptic feedback, one's reliance on this screen has increased as the traditional dial has been removed. The system comes with features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the usual USB/auxiliary input ports. You have to go for the mid-range Premium Plus trim to get SiriusXM satellite radio as standard, but this level does introduce the superb 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus digital gauge cluster. It offers three viewing modes and pin-sharp graphics. All Q5s come with the new Integrated Toll Module - this is a toll transponder integrated into the rearview mirror allowing for easy access to toll road services in both North America and parts of Canada.

The base model gets a 10-speaker sound system, but a 755-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system with no less than 19 speakers is available on the mid-range Premium Plus. The higher spec Prestige trim level gets this 3D sound system as standard, along with navigation.

The 2021 Audi Q5 SUV had a rather disappointing J.D. Power rating of 72 out of 100, along with a specific reliability and quality score of just 65/100; there isn't a 2022 rating available yet. All of its primary German competitors have better ratings in this area. Although the 2022 model has so far been recall-free, the 2021 Audi Q5 had two recalls, including a malfunctioning seat-belt locking retractor and lock nuts on the rear axle that may break.

Audi's limited and drivetrain warranties run for four years or 50,000 miles, which matches what BMW offers.

There's little to complain about here. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Q5 a full five-star rating for overall safety; the SUV attained five stars for both the frontal and side crash tests and four stars for the rollover test. These results are complemented by a spread of maximum It received Good ratings for crashworthiness from the 2022 IIHS's review, along with a Superior rating for crash avoidance and mitigation. In 2021, it was the recipient of a Top Safety Pick+ award.

Those exemplary crashworthiness results are no surprise considering the Q5's safety specification. All models come with a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring. At speeds above 40 mph, lane departure warning helps the driver maintain their position in a lane. All models also get pre sense rear (rear-end collision avoidance), front/rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. On the top two trims, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, active lane assist, and a top-view camera system are equipped. Finally, the Prestige gets a head-up display with traffic sign recognition.

A total of six airbags include dual-front, dual-side, and front/rear curtain airbags. Every derivative can be optionally equipped with rear side airbags, taking the total count to eight.

The Audi Q5 is a great vehicle if you're not expecting it to deliver an engaging ride on the backroads like the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan. The hybrid drivetrain improves on the base model's already improved power output, and while not thrilling it certainly can be useful. Whether its extra efficiency will payoff depends entirely on the use case and how often it's charged. For short commuter runs on a full charge each day before using the Q5 for getting out of town at the weekend; the plugin part of the hybrid system will certainly pay off over time. Adding to its value is one of the most comfortable cabins and an array of technology designed to make life easier. We also view Audi's lack of pretension in its still sharp styling to be a bonus for buyers not looking to play the office parking-lot hierarchy game.

The cheapest way to get behind the wheel of the Audi Q5 is with the Premium 45 TFSI which starts at an MSRP of $45,600 in the USA. It's followed by the Premium Plus 45 TFSI at $50,600. The priciest trim is the Prestige 45 TFSI at $56,300. These prices are exclusive of Audi's $1,095 US destination charge, as well as tax, licensing, and registration fees.

Notably, the PHEV variants could qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $6,712. That makes the overall price of the Audi Q5 PHEV a lot more tenable.

The 2022 Audi Q5 lineup comprises three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. They all share an identical drivetrain, namely a mild-hybrid-assisted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, transmitting its power via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to all four wheels.

The Premium trim runs on 18-inch alloy wheels and has full-LED headlights and daytime running lights, aluminum roof rails, and LED tail lights with dynamic turn signals. Inside, it has leather upholstery and power-adjustable and heated front seats. The infotainment system incorporates a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a ten-speaker audio system. Safety features include six airbags, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors front and rear.

The Premium Plus trim adds to these features two-color 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, wireless phone charging, and a power panoramic sunroof. Added safety features include adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist and a top-view camera.

The flagship Prestige trim adds even more features, such as Matrix-design LED headlights with washers, animated headlights and tail lights, dual-pane acoustic side glass, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The infotainment system gains navigation and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and on the safety front, traffic-sign recognition and a head-up display are added.

You can quickly elevate the cost of the Audi Q5 by way of several packages and standalone options. On the Premium, the Convenience Package costs $1,100 and adds keyless start/stop, a heated steering wheel, a driver's seat memory function, SiriusXM, and auto-dimming/power-folding wing mirrors. The power panoramic sunroof that is standard on other trims costs $1,450 here.

For the Premium Plus, there are quite a few notable options that become available. You can add the Warm Weather Package for $1,450. This will equip front sport seats with four-way power lumbar support, rear window sunshades, and ventilated front seats. At $1,500, the Navigation Package adds MMI Navigation and Audi connect Prime & Plus with a six-month trial. Another nice upgrade is the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for $950. Both the Premium Plus and Prestige have access to the $1,300 Black Optic Package with unique 20-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim.

All Audi Q5 models can be equipped with rear side airbags for $350.

Even though the more powerful hybrid is faster, the upgraded base powertrain will be enough for most and, thanks to last year's improvements, is better than ever. That makes the $54,600 Q5 PHEV something to think about but starts to look more attractive if federal tax credits are considered. Regardless of which powertrain you choose, you'd want one of the higher trim levels to give you everything you typically need from a luxury crossover. The Premium Plus strikes the sweet spot at just over $50k for the base powertrain and $58,700 for the PHEV. For music lovers, adding the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for $950 is a no-brainer as it is superb. Not much else is needed and you walk away with a great luxury SUV for less than $60k.

Starting at almost $10,000 less than the Audi Q5 is its baby brother, the smaller Q3. The size differential between the two gives the Q3 a cuter, more youthful appearance, but that also means it's more cramped inside. By comparison, there's almost two inches less rear legroom in the Q3 than in the Q5. The trunk is about two cubes off the Q5, but total space with the seats down is a more significant six cubes down in the Q3. That being said, the Q3 is the one that has the more modern cabin design. It also has quattro AWD as standard, but the base Q3 is down on power at 184 hp so takes a much longer 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. For $38,200, the more powerful Q3 gets 228 hp and takes seven seconds to reach 60. That's still slower than the Q5 but not bad for a small SUV. For couples or single people, the cheaper Q3 could make a lot of sense, but the Q5 is much better-suited to the needs of a family.

At base level, the X3 starts at $400 less than the Q5. This version has RWD whereas the Q5 only has AWD. The Audi is three tenths faster to 60 mph but it isn't as efficient as the four-cylinder X3. In general, we have found the X3 to be more exciting to drive than the Q5, with responsive engines and sharp steering. Both crossovers have well-built, sturdy cabins that can be dressed up in even posher materials, while the BMW has a larger trunk. Things get really interesting at around the $55,000 mark, though, because you can either get the efficient Q5 PHEV or the massively entertaining X3 M40i. The latter produces 382 hp from its turbo-six engine and will race to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds. BMW's own hybrid option, the X3 30e, is not available for the 2022 model year. Neither vehicle can claim an easy victory, but the sharper, more efficient X3 steals a narrow win.