2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Review: Suave Urban Cruiser
The coupe-fashioned SUV body style is still relatively new in the USA but, as Mercedes-Benz and BMW have demonstrated with the GLC-Class Coupe and X4, respectively, there's plenty of potential for the all-new 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback to quickly climb the sales charts. Beneath its hood is a polished 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that's been finely augmented with a mild-hybrid electrical system resulting in overall outputs of 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, Audi claims the Q5 Sportback will launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds from off the line and, while it's not the most performance-focused and engaging car out there, it's still very pleasant to drive and highly proficient. These qualities, along with its 4,400-pound maximum towing capacity, make the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback both enjoyable and pragmatic, and if its all-rounder qualities don't intrigue you, then its high-value pricing certainly will.
2021 Q5 Sportback Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184.6 in | 111.0 in | 65.4 in | 74.5 in | 63.6 in | 63.3 in | 3,913.0 lbs |
2021 Q5 Sportback Performance
2021 Q5 Sportback Interior
2021 Q5 Sportback Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback A Good SUV?
If the coupe crossover design appeals to you and you're an Audi fan, then the Q5 Sportback is an exceptional choice as a design-alternative to the polished and capable Q5 SUV. The engine augmented with the MHEV system delivers plenty of punch and its responses are always precise and silky smooth. Though it does ride slightly firmer than the regular Q5, it's still a very comfortable cruiser and runabout. Unfortunately, it doesn't return the best fuel economy figures, but it's not too far off from its compact 5-door competitors. You'll have to aim for the mid-spec Premium Plus trim to get most of the more desirable Audi tech, but even the base model offers plenty of value for the money - the entry-spec 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback SUV's price coming in at $47,800. With the NHTSA's and the IIHS's consummate review of the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback and its high reliability expectations, it's undeniable that the coupe-crossover is a brilliant vehicle.
What Audi Q5 Sportback Model Should I Buy?
Direct competitors from both Mercedes-Benz and BMW are more expensive than the 2021 Q5 Sportback by a fairly large margin. You can, in fact, opt for the mid-spec Premium Plus and still pay less than what you would for the base models from competitors. Some of the more notable features the Premium Plus gets over the entry-spec Premium model includes a heated steering wheel, Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display, a top-view camera system, and a good selection of advanced driver assists, including active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.