2022 Audi Q5 / Q5 Sportback

Overview

While they aren't the most engaging SUVs to drive, the 2022 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback offer an upscale look, a host of high-end features, and a refined nature. Two powertrains are offered—a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or a 362-hp plug-in hybrid—with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive standard on both versions. From its touchscreen infotainment to its available digital gauge display, the Q5 is dressed to impress technophiles. Rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the BMW X3, and the Porsche Macan are more thrilling to drive on a twisty road while the Q5 is tuned more for everyday comfort than outright performance. Leave that to the hotter SQ5, which we review separately.

What's New for 2022?

Audi has made its S line exterior appearance package standard across the Q5 lineup for 2022 along with a new 18-inch wheel design. The mid-range Premium Plus trim now includes a power-adjustable steering column; Audi's Black Optics appearance package is now optional and includes blacked-out exterior trim and unique 20-inch wheels. Plug-in hybrid models now come standard with sport seats.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Audi distinguishes the Q5's powertrains with the numbers 40, 45, and 55, the first two refer to the standard turbo four and the third indicates the optional plug-in hybrid setup. We'll let you choose between the regular Q5 and the coupe-like Q5 Sportback, but we'd recommend sticking with the mid-range 45 models. Of those, the mid-range Premium Plus trim offers the best balance of features and price, and comes standard with Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2022 Q5 40 features a standard 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. Stepping up to the 45 model boosts horsepower to 261. The turbo four provides plenty of punch to scoot the Q5 45 around town or blast down a highway on-ramp, and it is smooth, quiet, and mellifluous. At our test track, the Q5 45 delivered a brisk 5.5-second run to 60 mph. The plug-in-hybrid variant adds an electric motor that increases output to a combined 362 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque, which helped it snap off a quick 4.5-second run to 60 mph in our hands, beating the performance oriented SQ5 Sportback by 0.3 seconds. The luxury compact crossover's suspension is well damped and imparts a stable feeling no matter the road or driving condition. The ride is smooth and controlled—with or without the optional adaptive suspension—even over pockmarked asphalt. The steering is accurate and lightly weighted but provides no discernible feedback from the front wheels. In the Dynamic drive mode, the steering feels heftier but still artificial. Pitch the Q5 down a twisty two-lane and it'll handle it reasonably well, but a Porsche Macan will show you a much better time.

View Photos

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates for Q5 40will earn 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway while the 45 is rated for 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The plug-in-hybrid variant has a combined estimate of 27 mpg and an electric-only range of 23 miles. On our 75-mph fuel economy test route, the Q5 45 matched its EPA rating of 28 mpg; the plug-in hybrid model delivered only 26 mpg in the same test and managed to go on for only 17 of its 23 estimated electric-only miles. For more information about the Q5's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Q5 provides enough room for four adults to get comfy and offers plenty of upscale features, even on the base Premium model. The cabin is both quiet at speed and easy to get in and out of. Moving up through the three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige—nets more luxury features, including Audi's slick Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. When it came to seeing how many of our carry-on cargo boxes fit, the Q5 didn't impress. It beat the smaller Macan, but only just and held 18 cases with the rear seats folded. The Q5's rear seatbacks easily fold in a 40/20/40 fashion, however, providing flexibility that the Lexus RX doesn't have.

View Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

Buyers of even the least expensive Q5 will enjoy an intuitive infotainment system displayed in a dashtop 10.1-inch screen. Most of the expected infotainment features are present and accounted for in the base Q5, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Things get much more interesting if you jump to the Premium Plus or Prestige trims, as they come with a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster that Audi calls Virtual Cockpit. It provides a wide, 12.3-inch view of the nav map plus selected media, phone controls, trip computer, speed, and tachometer, or a combination of these.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Q5 comes with standard driver-assistance technology, such as automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning. Other assists are available on the pricier models. For more information about the Q5's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi's warranty coverage for the Q5 is average, and many rivals offer longer coverage periods.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs