The Audi Q5 is a handsome SUV, one that effectively blends styling, performance, and luxury. All models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine while one grade adds an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid.
Like its German competitors, pricing is divided by grade with further divisions by trim. Consumers should carefully weigh their options before committing to a particular vehicle.
2022 Audi Q5 Review
The Audi Q5 is a midsize, two-row sport utility vehicle with room for five. It comes with standard all-wheel drive.
The 2022 Q5 is available in three standard grades: 40 TFSI ($43,500/$49,000/$54,500), 45 TFSI ($46,000/$51,500/$57,000), and 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid ($55,400/$60,000/$65,300). Add $1,195 for the destination charge.
The three grades include three sub-grades or trims each: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All grades come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with a dual-clutch transmission. The plug-in hybrid adds an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to the mix.
Audi markets the Q5 in Standard and Sportback body styles, the latter offering a rakish roofline and other sporting embellishments. This model starts at $50,300. Lastly, a range-topping SQ5 Sportback model can be had for $59,200. We won’t discuss this last trim as it is marketed separately.
Exterior Remarks
For 2022, the S Line body kit is included across the Q5 range. It’s a fetching look with handsome striping and badging.
It takes some inspection, but there are two types of SUVs offered with the Q5. The first one offers a sweeping roofline and was our test model at hand. The second delivers a Sportback design. This means the roof tapers and the overall demeanor is sportier.
We’re not sure why both are offered and certainly do not think paying thousands of dollars more for a Sportback justifies the modest changes.
Everything else, though, about Audi’s canvas we praise. The Q5 offers a clean, yet upscale look with a trapezoid grille dominating the front fascia. The LED headlights are narrow, yet sleek while lower cutouts house the fog lamps. This represents a better expression than the twin “beaver teeth” grilles plastered on most BMW models.
Side body sculpting, signature lines, and beautiful wheel choices mark the profile along with a high beltline. From the rear, wraparound tail lamps, fog lights, and dual-exhaust ports make a handsome statement.
Interior Highlights
The Q5 offers excellent room for four adults and even decent space for five. The passenger compartment is comfortable and roomy, while the cargo space is average. With the standard design, the Audi Q5 delivers 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space or 54 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.
Leather-wrapped seats come standard and even wood trim slices are included. It’s a cut above what some competitors offer with imitation leather seats common.
Choose select packages or move up the grade range and plush Nappa leather seats raise the luxury quotient. Aluminum trim and carbon fiber inlays can also be had.
The base model comes with firm, yet supportive front bucket seats while the 55 TFSI has sport seats with enhanced bolstering. Three-zone climate control is included everywhere.
The available panoramic sunroof is a welcome feature as it allows for copious amounts of natural light to flood the cabin.
Technology Features
Audi is in the thick of things in all matters of technology. It wasn’t always this way as the company once required proprietary cable connections for USB access. These days, though, a pair of normal USB ports are included.
The list of standard features befits this model and includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, a 10-speaker audio system, and HD Radio. Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless device charging are incorporated.
Although not standard, satellite radio is available as is navigation. Opting for the available 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio package brings concert hall quality sound to the cabin. Lastly, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is available, making for a strong option for the standard 7-inch digital instrument cluster display.
Safety Features
Strong safety equipment along with superior crash-test performance means the Audi Q5 garners the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ rating. As of this writing, no data from the NHTSA is available, but we’re confident that the Q5 would attain similar results.
Credit strong standard LED headlamps and standard automatic emergency braking enabling this Audi to achieve top scores. Even better headlights are available with the top trims, recognized for maximizing nighttime visibility to help reduce accidents.
Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors come standard. Active lane control and adaptive cruise control come with the Premium Plus grade. Luxury manufacturers typically charge extra for this feature whereas some mainstream brands, such as Toyota and Subaru, offer excellent standard safety equipment.
Powertrain Choices
Audi is part of the Volkswagen Group and as such shares powertrains with other brands, including Volkswagen. However, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood of the Q5 makes 261 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque and that’s considerably more power than the 184 horsepower that drives the Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q3.
Choose the 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid and this one makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of an electric motor. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission routes power to the wheels on all Q5 models.
Driving Highlights
Think “Audi” and Quattro may come to mind. Quattro is this brand’s excellent and cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system that has helped Audi win races for four decades running. The system has evolved tremendously since software and sensors now work with electronics and mechanics to shift power front to back or side to side as needed.
Other manufacturers have attempted to challenge Audi in this sphere, but the company always seems to stay one step ahead. In any case, Quattro delivers responsive performance and handling wherever it is found.
SUVs cannot match sedans and coupes in driving performance. They do well on straight lines, but the high-profile composition of these vehicles means body roll remains a factor.
Still, we’d take an advanced all-wheel-drive system any day to find an edge on twisty roads and when cornering. Direct steering and confident handling are two attributes of the Q5 that we prize. The brakes are firm and help bring this model to a sure stop.
The Q5 moves away from a dead stop with ease and throws down an ample amount of power under hard acceleration. The engine never strains and the quick work of the dual-clutch transmission heightens the driving experience.
We can see where the SQ5 and its 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine would appeal to enthusiasts. This model comes with air suspension, variable-ratio steering, and a rear limited-slip differential. No wonder it costs upwards of $60,000 to acquire one.
Audi Q5 Considerations
The Audi Q5 cleans up in a strong segment. The competition is fierce with the Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC Class, and BMW X3 chief among them. The Cadillac XT5, Volvo XC60, and Acura RDX are other models to consider.
With the persistent chip challenge contributing to shortages, we advise ordering your Q5. That’s one way to ensure you get the grade and packages you want without unnecessary add-ons.
Even still, we suspect that your final cost will top $55,000 when all features and options are taken.
Exterior photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved. Interior photos courtesy of Audi USA.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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