For the latest Audi Q5 pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/audi/q5/

Ah, the Audi Q5. We like this compact luxury crossover so much it’s won multiple KBB Best Buy awards. Well, done, kid.

So, what’s new for this one. Well, I’m glad you asked.

First and foremost for this midcycle refresh…okay, sure, throw in the graphic.

The main change comes in the power department.

The Q5 gets more horsepower and a 12-volt mild-hybrid system in the base model with the standard 2.0L 4-cylinder 45 TFSI engine. Making it quicker and more efficient.

It gets 13 more horses to be exact (261 hp/273 lb-ft torque). That’s a nice little bump.

The higher-powered 55 TFSI comes as a PHEV, wow that’s a lot of four-letter acronyms, for a total of 362 horsepower. All Q5s get a 7-speed automatic transmission and Quattro four-wheel drive

While the driving dynamics haven’t changed, the extra horsepower feels great. It’s a great shot at tip-in and there’s extra juice when you need it to maneuver around.


The Q5 still rides really comfortably and provides the driver with excellent stability and balance.

I like the steering and the brakes on the Q5, they round out the driving package nicely.


Of course, this wouldn’t be a luxury SUV without a performance version and the SQ5 fills that space nicely with its 3.0L turbocharged V6 (349 hp/369 lb-ft torque).


For the other changes, the face gets a lift. The grille gets thinner and wider. The intakes (those are fake) are taller and trapezoidal. The taillights are now connected by a horizontal trim piece. Add in the diffuser and the effect is a wider more planted appearance. Who isn’t in for some stance?



The standard Q5 gets 18-inch wheels while the plug-in gets 19s. Want 20s? Either upgrade yourself or get the SQ5 for those.


I’ll always crow about the interior of the Q5. Audi’s less is more approach matches my personal style aesthetic perfectly. It’s neither flashy nor pretentious but still upscale and classic.


Even on the base model, which is the Premium trim level, you get lots of excellent standard features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone climate controls, a leather interior, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen. Not bad for the around 44-large you’ll pay for it.


Fork out more doubloons for the Premium Plus or Prestige and get more goods like Virtual cockpit plus and a panoramic sunroof as well as additional driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.


The cabin is still super luxurious and comfortable. The Audi interior remains one of my perennial favorites. Plenty of room, and materials that remind you you’ve spent your money well.


Fuel economy numbers won’t decimate the rest of your bank account. (2.0L turbo I4- 23 city/28 hwy; 2.0L turbo I4/PHEV 65 MPGe; 3.0L turbo V6 18 city/24 hwy). That PHEV version gets 20 miles of pure electric range.


For our money, the sweet spot here is with the base engine model in the Premium Plus package. You get enough extras for right around $51,000.

The plug-in hybrid starts around $52,000 but is eligible for a federal tax credit. That performance SQ5 starts closer to $53,000.


Yes, we are still singing the Audi Q5’s praises. Will it win another Best Buy award? Guess you’ll have to check that out, subscribe to our YouTube channel while you’re at it.

00:00 2021 Audi Q5
0:23 Engine
1:06 Driving Impressions
1:53 Exterior
2:24 Interior
4:02 Pricing