by Aiden Eksteen
Eco-friendly cars and crossover SUVs are booming in popularity throughout the USA, so electric and hybrid sport-utility vehicles are perhaps the most in-demand products right now. With its 362-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four hybridized-gas engine, suave and contemporary design, and comprehensive standard consignment of modern features, the 2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid is a genuinely enticing option within the eco-friendly SUV realm. These cardinal qualities, along with Audi's stellar build quality have the Q5 Hybrid measure up admirably against its core rivals, the venerable BMW X3 xDrive30e and the Volvo XC60 Hybrid. It's not quite as engaging as those premium cruisers, however, and it's a really expensive buy, especially considering how much more value the regular Q5, with its MHEV system, offers at a significantly lower price. Nevertheless, the second-gen Q5 Hybrid bears some great advantages such as strapping acceleration, a tranquil ride quality, and thrifty fuel economy returns, but is it enough to justify its premium price?
For the new model year, the Q5 has received a visual nip and tuck to keep it fresh. The changes include a thinner singleframe grille that has also increased in width, along with taller side air intakes. New side sills and a trim element that links the taillight clusters are among the other design updates, while all versions now have LED headlights with a special DRL light signature and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals. Distinct Green and Ultra Blue have been added to the list of exterior colors.
The latest MIB 3 infotainment system is standard, and is faster than before; it can be accessed via the new 10.1-inch touchscreen display. There are also some upgraded materials such as new walnut wood inlays and leather with classy contrast stitching. On the Premium Plus trim, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and a top-view camera system are now standard. All versions also receive an Integrated Toll Module as standard.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium 55 TFSI quattro e Plug-in hybrid |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$51,900 |
| Prestige 55 TFSI quattro e Plug-in hybrid |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$51,900 |
| Premium Plus 55 TFSI quattro e Plug-in hybrid |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$51,900 |
Put the pedal to the metal and the 2021 Q5 Hybrid's 2.0-liter turbo-4-cylinder engine and electric motor transfer their combined 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque through a 7-speed automatic transmission to the SUV's quattro all-wheel drivetrain. The Q5 Hybrid SUV's powertrain delivers strapping but refined responses - power is immediate and remains readily available throughout the engine's rev range thanks to the cooperative and intuitive transmission. Charging the 14.1 kWh battery pack to full affords the Q5 a 20-mile electric-only driving range but takes around six hours on a standard 110-volt household outlet.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
In review, just considering the fact that the 2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid is very nearly as quick as the high-performance SQ5 is fantastic and outrageous, nevermind that it's also far more efficient on fuel, too. It's a consummate example of the balanced performance a modern hybrid vehicle can deliver when properly actuated. Along with some impressive acceleration and adroit handling dynamics, the Q5 Hybrid also proves to be one of the most refined and serene luxury 5-door SUVs money can buy. It's got a commodious interior, too, and comes brimming with modern creature comforts, conveniences, and tech to keep everyone happy. These qualities along with its exceptional safety rating and promising reliability expectations make it an ideal family cruiser.
The Q5 Hybrid SUV isn't the most engaging SUV, however, and it's really expensive for what it offers, particularly in comparison to the equally as charming and also brisk and fuel-efficient regular Q5, which seems like a far more sensible pick when seeing the 2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid SUV's price. The SQ5 is also more proficient and a lot more entertaining to drive and at the same time not that much more expensive. The Q5 PHEV fills a very niche gap within the Q5 line, but it's still a solid and well-rounded offering from Audi.
Though the entry-spec 2021 Q5 Hybrid comes nicely outfitted as standard, we still recommend the mid-tier Premium Plus and a review of the 2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid's options list. As standard, this trim comes outfitted with LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also gets Audi's sweet virtual cockpit, Audi's phone box technology with a wireless charging pad, tri-zone automatic climate control, and upgraded leather upholstery. The driver's seat gets memory settings and both front seats are installed with heating and power adjustability, too. There's a premium Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system that we'd option in along with the adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo