2023 Audi Q5

　　

2023 Audi Q5 Review

byNick YekikianNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　, rating written byNick YekikianDirector of Content Strategy

　　Josh Sadlier has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Josh is director of content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autotrader and Automobile. Under his stewardship, zzdcar' own 1989 Yugo GVL won first place at the Concours d'Lemons, taking home a jar of borscht, a can of beets, a cutting board and a pint of VIP vodka.

　　You certainly have plenty of choices when it comes to small luxury SUVs. Audi, for its part, hopes you pick the 2023 Q5. Taking its place between the smaller Q3 and three-row Q7, the Q5 offers the expected Audi traits of a quality cabin design, standard all-wheel drive and plenty of technology features. There's even an available plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers strong power plus about 23 miles of all-electric range. It's a pricey model, but available tax credits might help offset the cost. And frequently recharging can really help save on gas.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi Q5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$149/mo  for Q5 Premium

　　Q5 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $44,200 MSRPPremium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $46,700 MSRPPremium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $57,400 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $49,400 MSRPPremium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) (Most Popular) - $51,900 MSRPPremium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $61,700 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $54,900 MSRPPrestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $57,400 MSRPPrestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI e (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 7AM) - $67,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Changes for 2023 are minor but useful. Adaptive cruise control now comes standard (and arguably overdue at this price), and the Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade is now included on the Premium Plus trim. Otherwise, there's not much else that helps the Q5 race past other rivals in small luxury SUV rankings such as the Genesis GV70 or Acura RDX. And with the Mercedes-Benz GLC sporting a from-the-ground-up overhaul for 2023, competition is bound to be stiffer than ever. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about where the Q5 shines and where it comes up short.

　　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

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Q5 drive? We tested the Q5 in 45 TFSI guise, which means it had the 261-hp engine. Although the Q5 put up competitive numbers at our test track, accelerating to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat, it's hit-or-miss in the real world. Once the turbo's spooled up and you're in the right gear, there's a nice, smooth pull to redline that's worthy of the Audi badge. But the transmission can be slow to engage and sometimes feels indecisive. This is an adequate powertrain, but its reflexes are not sharp. Braking is the opposite — the pedal is firm and there's plenty of brake force as soon as you ask for it.

　　Push the Q5 toward its limits on a winding road and you'll be rewarded with good grip and impressive poise. Although the Q5's Quattro with Ultra technology all-wheel-drive system defaults to front-wheel drive under normal circumstances, we noted its eagerness to send power rearward during enthusiastic driving. It helps give this luxury SUV some rewarding athleticism.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Q5? Our Q5 Prestige had superbly comfortable front sport seats with heating and ventilation. The cushions are a little too firm to be called plush but would provide welcome support on long drives. The cabin feels well built and is thoroughly insulated from the outside world. In particular, there's almost no detectable wind noise, even at highway speeds.

　　Ride comfort is satisfactory for the class, especially given the Q5's respectable handling capabilities and our test car's 20-inch wheels. You glide over most surfaces, while major pavement imperfections are met with a refined tautness that filters out harsh feedback.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below