2014 Audi Q5

There's a similar simplicity at work in the cabin. It's drama-free, and devoid of anything short of lovely materials. Audi does interiors uncommonly well and this is no exception. The center console creates a big divide between the front seats, but it's not a wall. The dash and console, their upright design, actually gives the Q5 a better sense of space.

Audi stocks the cockpit with lots of switches and buttons, but it wraps it all in suede and leather and wood, which brings the cabin together in a nicely understated way.

Most buyers will at least look at the 272-hp supercharged V-6. It's a second quicker to 60 mph, but has the same all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed automatic as other models. With more weight on the nose, it's not as deft to steer as the turbo-4 Q5, but this V-6 can blast away traffic inertia and hug exit ramps like a champ, even if the magnitude of difference over the turbo-4 isn't all that great.

Audi offers two fuel-conscious Q5s. The turbodiesel has EPA combined ratings of 27 mpg, and twists out 428 lb-ft of torque, which keeps straight-line performance in line with its gas-powered relatives. Tire noise is higher, too, thanks to the extra weight the diesel heaps on the nose.

Choose the Hybrid instead, and your turbo-4 gets an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack as its new besties. With 245 hp net and 354 lb-ft of torque, it can outgun the turbo-4 alone, while it turns in 26 mpg EPA combined.

Shortly, we'll have the story on the SQ5, the first Audi crossover ever to earn the S badge. With the high-output supercharged six, the 354-hp SQ5 promises 5.1-second runs to 60 mph and a 155-mph top speed. Stay tuned for more on this version, soon.

On all Q5 SUVs, the 8-speed automatic has responsive shift feel and tightly spaced gears, with paddle controls that let you take over the helm. Most versions have all-wheel drive and 8 inches of ground clearance, and the combination gives the Q5 fine all-weather traction. Depending on the engine, some Q5s can tow 4,400 pounds.

Especially as a turbo-4, the Q5 has carlike road manners with handling that's more taut than you might expect. It's a blast, pulling out of corners or passing on highways. The steering is predictable and tracks rather well, though it's not laden with feedback.

We'd skip Drive Select, which tailors steering, throttle, transmission and stability control from Comfort to Sport modes. The programming choices feel especially algorithmic, not rhythmic, and can make the Q5 feel out of touch with its own senses. We'd spend the money on the fine B&O stereo system instead.

It also delivers a high, commanding seating position for its front two passengers, and seats with firm bolsters and fine adjustment, and an option for heating and ventilation. Most drivers will be able to find a comfortable way to sit, given the power choices and a tilt/telescope steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof cuts into headroom, sure, but gives the cockpit an airy ambience.

The Q5's back bench can carry two adults with more leg room than the Allroad wagon, but three adults won't fit across. The rear seat can move to and fro on a track, and its seatbacks have a recline function for better long-distance comfort. They fold almost flat to expand cargo space from around 29 cubic feet to more than 57 cubic feet. Elsewhere inside the Q5, small-item storage covers everything from the deep console to the 1-liter bottle holders molded into the door panels.

Good outward vision extends from the Q5's driver seat. It has big side-view mirrors, and its rear headrests don't cut too much into the view directly to the back.

Still, our scores come down chiefly to crash-test data. The NHTSA says it's a four-star car overall, though it earns a five-star rating for side-impact protection. The IIHS hands it good scores in most categories, though it hasn't been through the new small-overlap test, which means it does not qualify for Top Safety Pick+ status.

Supercharged V-6 cars add 19-inch wheels and all that content. With the Prestige package, the supercharged Q5 adds navigation, blind-spot monitors, adaptive lighting, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Adaptive cruise control, Drive Select, and 20-inch wheels are among the options that can drive the price higher than $55,000.

Hybrids come in Prestige trim only, with a choice of Comfort or Sport interior, 19- or 20-inch wheels. Q5 TDI models come with Premium Plus trim, and can be outfitted to Prestige trim.

Both the 3.0T and TDI versions can be trimmed with an S line plus package, which adds 5-spoke, 20-inch wheels; summer performance tires; and black exterior trim.

Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) is probably the best of the roller-controller systems, but it still catches us off-guard on occasion. There's no touchscreen access at all, and without the level of voice commands from some other systems, you'll find yourself hunting through menus for some functions, while clicking some of the redundant hard keys arranged around the control knob. Fortunately, the MMI system can be bundled with Audi Connect, the brand's data-connectivity package that delivers Google Earth maps to the GPS. For a monthly fee of under $40, drivers get beautifully flowing and accurate maps, as well as real-time traffic information and local search. They also get connectivity for up to eight devices inside the car, all provided by Audi's 3G link to T-Mobile. Yes, you already pay for that with your smartphone--but does your navigation system look this good?

The base Q5 remains the best compromise for value and gas mileage. At 20/28 mpg, or 23 mpg combined, it's competitive in its class--and we've seen solid numbers near the higher end of the combined figure (24 mpg) in a mix of spirited city and highway driving.

The V-6 Q5 is at the opposite end of the spectrum, at 18/26 mpg, or 21 mpg combined. Consider the lower fuel economy the cost of its best-in-lineup acceleration.