2022 Audi Q5 Sportback

　　

2022 Audi Q5 Sportback Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Among recent entries to a growing crop of coupe-style SUVs is the 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback. Introduced last year, the Q5 Sportback looks like its designers grabbed the regular Q5's roof from just behind the driver and front passenger, then pulled it down to the car's back edge. In contrast to the Sportback's other straight, sharp lines, it's a striking look, one that telegraphs a message of performance over utility. This is true in practice, too. While the Sportback is mechanically identical to the Q5, its tapering roof cuts into rear headroom and cargo space. It's not a deal-breaking amount surely, but space is already at somewhat of a premium given the Sportback's compact size.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$187/mo  for Q5 Sportback Premium S line

　　Q5 Sportback Premium S line

　　Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $50,100 MSRPPremium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) (Most Popular) - $53,500 MSRPPrestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $58,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　You'll also pay more for the Sportback's sense of style. It starts about 15% higher than the Q5 counterpart (when new) and comes with the same basic features. That price aligns with competitors, however, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4 and even the new Volvo C40 Recharge, an all-electric twist on the coupe SUV priced competitively after its federal tax rebate. Read our Expert Rating below to learn our test team's detailed opinions about the Q5 Sportback.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Q5 Sportback drive? Our Q5 Sportback accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds at our test track. That's a respectably quick time for a small luxury SUV with a base engine. Out in real-world driving, however, the engine sometimes feels overworked and there's a noticeable delay when you press the gas pedal.

　　Braking is the opposite — it feels good on the street and makes it easy to bring the Audi to a smooth stop. But in our track performance braking testing, our Sportback needed 129 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is longer than average. The antilock braking system is pretty noisy too.

　　Other downsides include overly vague and imprecise steering (you don't get a good feel for the road) and an engine stop-start system that's overly jarring when it fires the engine back up. The Q5 Sportback does have good grip and poise when you push it hard around turns, but it's the singular bright spot for otherwise middling performance.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Q5 Sportback? Our test Q5 Sportback came in the Prestige trim with the superbly comfortable front sport seats that have heating and ventilation. These front seats are the single most premium item in the cabin. Sitting in the driver's seat, you feel very well insulated from the outside world.

　　However, there are issues with ride comfort. The suspension sends vibration from the road to your seat, making it unavoidable that you will feel cracks and bumps in the pavement. It's not especially firm or sporty — it's just constantly busy. The lack of a refined ride quality is unusual in luxury SUVs of this caliber, and we expect more from the Q5 Sportback.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below