2022 Audi Q5 Test Drive Review: Everyday Perfection
While it doesn't have the glamorous style of an A7 Sportback, the sporty handling chops of a TT, or the outright speed of an RS model, the Audi Q5 is the German automaker's most important model. At the very least, it's Audi's best-selling model. The Q5 puts Audi style, technology, and build quality in a body style that most car buyers currently want and at the right price. Packing a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a boost from a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system, its 261 horsepower gets the Q5 from 0-60 mph in a reasonable 5.7 seconds. The plug-in hybrid variant is available with 362 hp to play with for those who want more power. And, after last year's styling update, it looks sharper than ever and the infotainment is now more intuitive. Overall, the Q5 goes toe-to-toe with the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and slides into the mix with a quiet and unassuming luxury to make it the smart choice for many buyers.
2022 Q5 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184.3 in | 111.0 in | 65.5 in | 74.5 in | 63.6 in | 63.3 in | 4,101.0 lbs |
2022 Q5 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Q5 is a wholly competent vehicle, but the addition of the hybrid drivetrain adds a more purposeful feel to the whole package. It's matched with the Q5's well-damped suspension to make a confident and sure-footed crossover happy to join and hang with fast-moving traffic or zip down those little shortcuts around town. The electromechanical steering reacts quickly and is precise but doesn't feel particularly connected to the road and lacks feedback. Switching to dynamic mode adds some weight to the steering, but you don't get the kind of communication of some other compact crossovers like Mazda's CX-5 or the outright handling finesse of BMW's X3 or Porsche's Macan. There's not a lot of communication back from the brake pedal either, although there's no doubting its mechanical efficiency. What you do get is a smooth ride, even before optioning the adaptive air suspension. The Sport package adds some dynamic prowess to the Q5, but the larger wheels do impact the ride quality. Overall, we're happier to accept and enjoy the Q5 for the laid-back, uber-competent, and comfortable driving experience it delivers.
2022 Q5 Interior
2022 Q5 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 |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi Q5 A Good SUV?
The Audi Q5 is a great vehicle if you're not expecting it to deliver an engaging ride on the backroads like the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan. The hybrid drivetrain improves on the base model's already improved power output, and while not thrilling it certainly can be useful. Whether its extra efficiency will payoff depends entirely on the use case and how often it's charged. For short commuter runs on a full charge each day before using the Q5 for getting out of town at the weekend; the plugin part of the hybrid system will certainly pay off over time. Adding to its value is one of the most comfortable cabins and an array of technology designed to make life easier. We also view Audi's lack of pretension in its still sharp styling to be a bonus for buyers not looking to play the office parking-lot hierarchy game.
2022 Audi Q5 Comparisons
2022 Audi Q5 vs Audi Q3
Starting at almost $10,000 less than the Audi Q5 is its baby brother, the smaller Q3. The size differential between the two gives the Q3 a cuter, more youthful appearance, but that also means it's more cramped inside. By comparison, there's almost two inches less rear legroom in the Q3 than in the Q5. The trunk is about two cubes off the Q5, but total space with the seats down is a more significant six cubes down in the Q3. That being said, the Q3 is the one that has the more modern cabin design. It also has quattro AWD as standard, but the base Q3 is down on power at 184 hp so takes a much longer 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. For $38,200, the more powerful Q3 gets 228 hp and takes seven seconds to reach 60. That's still slower than the Q5 but not bad for a small SUV. For couples or single people, the cheaper Q3 could make a lot of sense, but the Q5 is much better-suited to the needs of a family.
2022 Audi Q5 vs BMW X3
At base level, the X3 starts at $400 less than the Q5. This version has RWD whereas the Q5 only has AWD. The Audi is three tenths faster to 60 mph but it isn't as efficient as the four-cylinder X3. In general, we have found the X3 to be more exciting to drive than the Q5, with responsive engines and sharp steering. Both crossovers have well-built, sturdy cabins that can be dressed up in even posher materials, while the BMW has a larger trunk. Things get really interesting at around the $55,000 mark, though, because you can either get the efficient Q5 PHEV or the massively entertaining X3 M40i. The latter produces 382 hp from its turbo-six engine and will race to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds. BMW's own hybrid option, the X3 30e, is not available for the 2022 model year. Neither vehicle can claim an easy victory, but the sharper, more efficient X3 steals a narrow win.