2023 Audi Q5: Reviews, Pricing, and More
The 2023 Audi Q5 is comparable to the Apple iPhone of the SUV market in that it is renowned for its exact construction, strong performance, and elegant exterior. Some high-end SUVs come with more flashy looks and comparable tech capabilities, but for drivers who don’t tolerate boring handling, the Q5 is a sure thing. Starting with a 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that includes Quattro all-wheel drive as standard, there are three other powertrains available.
Both the optional 362-hp plug-in hybrid and the more potent 261-hp four offer rapid and swift acceleration. The Q5 has many digitally friendly features and driver assistance, thus it seems to be aimed more at technophiles than enthusiast drivers. The performance-focused SQ5 (reviewed separately) might be your vehicle of choice if you’re like us and like something a little zestier. If so, be aware that competitors like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Porsche Macan provide greater driver involvement but both have higher starting prices than the Q5.
What’s new for the Audi Q5 in 2023?
This year, Audi changed the order of a few items in the Q5 lineup, beginning with the inclusion of adaptive cruise control as standard equipment on all models. Bang & Olufsen sound systems are now standard on Premium Plus trims, while OLED taillights are now available on plug-in hybrid “55” versions. On the Q5’s exterior color scheme, Quantum Gray has taken the place of Chronos Gray.
Which 2023 Audi Q5 should you buy?
The numbers 40, 45, and 55 are used by Audi to differentiate between the Q5’s available plug-in hybrid and conventional turbo four-cylinder engines. You may select between the standard Q5 and the Q5 Sportback, which resembles a coupe, but we advise sticking with the mid-range 45 versions. The Premium Plus trim, which is in the middle of the range, has the best features-to-price ratio and includes Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display as standard equipment.
Performance and Power of the 2023 Audi Q5
A standard 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed automated transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive are included in the 2023 Audi Q5 40. The 45 model increases horsepower to 261, which is an improvement. The turbo four is smooth, quiet, and melodic, and it has sufficient of power to propel the Q5 45 through traffic or down a motorway onramp. The Q5 45 produced a quick 5.5-second sprint to 60 mph at our test track.
In our testing, the plug-in hybrid model’s electric motor increased output to a combined 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the performance-oriented SQ5 Sportback. No matter the route or driving conditions, the luxury compact crossover’s suspension is well-damped and gives off a stable sense. Even over rough surface, the ride is controlled and comfortable, whether or not the optional adaptive suspension is used.
Although the steering is precise and lightly weighted, there is little obvious front-wheel sensation. The steering seems heavier but still fake in the dynamic drive mode. The Q5 will handle a winding two-lane pretty well, but a Porsche Macan will demonstrate a far faster time.
Fuel Economy of the 2023 Audi Q5
The EPA estimates that Q5 40 will get 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway while the 45 is rated for 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid model has a 23-mile electric-only range and a combined estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg. The Q5 45 achieved its EPA-rated 28 mpg on our 75 mph fuel-economy test route, whereas the plug-in hybrid variant only achieved 26 mpg in the same test and only managed to travel 17 of its anticipated 23 miles on electric power alone. Visit the EPA website for more information about the Q5’s fuel efficiency.
Interiors and Comfort of the 2023 Audi Q5
Even on the lowest Premium variant, the Q5 delivers plenty of luxury features and enough space for four persons to feel comfortable. At high speeds, the cabin is both quiet and simple to enter and exit. More opulent options are unlocked as you go through the three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige—including Audi’s stylish Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. The Q5 wasn’t impressive when it comes to how many of our carry-on cargo cases fit. With the back seats folded, it could fit 18 cases and narrowly defeated the smaller Macan. Yet, the versatility of the Q5’s rear seatbacks, which effortlessly fold in a 40/20/40 configuration, is superior to that of the Lexus RX.
Even the cheapest Q5 buyers will like the user-friendly infotainment system that is shown on a 10.1-inch dashtop screen. The base Q5 comes equipped with the majority of the anticipated infotainment capabilities, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto functionality. If you upgrade to the Premium Plus or Prestige trims, things get much more fascinating since they have what Audi calls the Virtual Cockpit, a changeable digital gauge cluster. The 12.3-inch display offers a wide view of the navigation map in addition to selected media, phone controls, a trip computer, speedometer, and tachometer, or a combination of these.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features of the 2023 Audi Q5
Driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning are included as standard equipment with the Q5. On the more expensive models, more aids are accessible. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for more details regarding the Q5’s crash test results. Important safety elements include:
- With forward collision warning, automated emergency braking is standard.
- Standard adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring
Coverage for Warranties and Maintenance
The Q5’s warranty coverage from Audi is standard, while many other premium SUVs provide lengthier warranties. Competitors like the Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 also offer free maintenance contracts.
- Four years or 50,000 miles are covered under the limited warranty.
- Four years or 50,000 miles are covered by the powertrain warranty.
- There is no free scheduled maintenance
