2023 Audi Q5

From Edmunds:   You certainly have plenty of choices when it comes to small luxury SUVs. Audi, for its part, hopes you pick the 2023 Q5. Taking its place between the smaller Q3 and three-row Q7, the Q5 offers the expected Audi traits of a quality cabin design, standard all-wheel drive and plenty of technology features. There's even an available plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers strong power plus about 23 miles of all-electric range. It's a pricey model, but available tax credits might help offset the cost. And frequently recharging can really help save on gas. Changes for 2023 are minor but useful. Adaptive cruise control now comes standard (and arguably overdue at this price), and the Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade is now included on the Premium Plus trim. Otherwise, there's not much else that helps the Q5 race past other rivals in small luxury SUV rankings such as the Genesis GV70 or Acura RDX. And with the Mercedes-Benz GLC sporting a from-the-ground-up overhaul for 2023, competition is bound to be stiffer than ever. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about where the Q5 shines and where it comes up short. Edmunds Expert Rating   The Q5 is a competent luxury SUV but lacks any standout traits that would make it a must-buy. Although Audi's best-seller is roomy, refined and surprisingly nimble, the small luxury SUV class is full of rivals that offer the same qualities but with superior performance and all-around excitement. Rated for you by America's best test team. Performance 7.0/10 How does the Q5 drive? We tested the Q5 in 45 TFSI guise, which means it had the 261-hp engine. Although the Q5 put up competitive numbers at our test track, accelerating to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat, it's hit-or-miss in the real world. Once the turbo's spooled up and you're in the right gear, there's a nice, smooth pull to redline that's worthy of the Audi badge. But the transmission can be slow to engage and sometimes feels indecisive. This is an adequate powertrain, but its reflexes are not sharp. Braking is the opposite the pedal is firm and there's plenty of brake force as soon as you ask for it. Push the Q5 toward its limits on a winding road and you'll be rewarded with good grip and impressive poise. Although the Q5's Quattro with Ultra technology all-wheel-drive system defaults to front-wheel drive under normal circumstances, we noted its eagerness to send power rearward during enthusiastic driving. It helps give this luxury SUV some rewarding athleticism. Comfort 8.5/10 How comfortable is the Q5? Our Q5 Prestige had superbly comfortable front sport seats with heating and ventilation. The cushions are a little too firm to be called plush but would provide welcome support on long drives. The cabin feels well built and is thoroughly insulated from the outside world. In particular, there's almost no detectable wind noise, even at highway speeds. Ride comfort is satisfactory for the class, especially given the Q5's respectable handling capabilities and our test car's 20-inch wheels. You glide over most surfaces, while major pavement imperfections are met with a refined tautness that filters out harsh feedback.     8.5/10 Hows the interior? The Q5's cabin is spacious whether you're sitting in the front or the back seat, and it's easy to enter and exit through the well-shaped door openings. We also like the commanding driving position, which provides excellent outward visibility. One demerit is that the door-mounted armrest can feel too far away to provide the intended support. The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen looks great, but it's mounted to the top of the dashboard like a tacked-on tablet. There's also no dial or touchpad controller, so you need to poke and swipe, which requires more of a reach the farther back you position the seat. Some of our staffers are nostalgic for the previous-generation Q5's console-mounted control knob, which fell readily to hand. Technology 8.0/1