2023 Audi Q5 prices and expert review

What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Audi Q5? What does it compare to?

The 2023 Audi Q5 is a five-seat compact luxury SUV that does battle with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. 

Is the 2023 Audi Q5 a good SUV?

Review continues below

The Q5 is a solid choice with few downsides. It’s just as good with no options as it is loaded up, thanks to willing powertrains, a comfortable suspension, and lots of tech for the money. We rate it at 6.7 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

What’s new for the 2023 Audi Q5?

For the most part, the Q5 stands pat for 2023. Adaptive cruise control is standard across the range, and the mid-level Premium Plus trim gains upgraded audio.

The Q5 comes in conventional two-box form or as a sleeker Sportback, which has a roofline that dives rearward more like a hatchback. The basic Q5 is pleasant enough, if a bit conservative, with its broad shield of a grille up front and subtly muscular details from the side. Sportbacks are prettier yet, though without the wow factor of Audi’s own A7. 

Inside, both models share a conventional, somewhat ordinary dash, though standard leather and wood go a long way to elevate the atmosphere. The 10.3-inch touchscreen perched high on the dash can seem like an afterthought, though at least it’s a crisp display.

Audi offers four power outputs on the Q5 ranging from a modest 201 hp to 362 hp in the SQ5. Base versions are generally good enough, but we’d spend the extra $2,500 for the “45” trim that adds 60 hp and slices about a second from the 0-60 mph sprint. 

In Audi-speak, “55” refers to a plug-in hybrid that offers 23 miles of estimated range on a full charge plus SQ5-rivaling acceleration. What it lacks is the SQ5’s buttoned-down suspension, which strikes a fine balance between daily-driver utility and winding road fun. 

All models have automatics; look for a snappy 7-speed dual-clutch in 4-cylinder models and a conventional, if slightly less hurried 8-speed automatic with the SQ5’s 6-cylinder. 

Fuel economy runs the gamut, from 25 mpg combined in the most popular 4-cylinders to just 20 mpg combined in SQ5 guise. The plug-in’s 23-mile range promises eco-friendly commuting for many drivers, though. 

Inside the Q5, you’ll find comfy seats up front and a decently spacious back seat. Sportbacks slice a bit of head room and luggage space, though they’re not as cramped as some competitors. The cabin may lack pizzazz, but it comes with standard leather and an available digital instrument cluster that’s particularly nice. 

With the addition of adaptive cruise control this year, Audi has bolstered this model’s already impressive safety record. Top ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS are worth bragging about, too.  

How much does the 2023 Audi Q5 cost?

This year, the Audi Q5 costs $44,695 to start with its 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, leather seats with heating and power up front, and 10.3-inch touchscreen fitted with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

That ain’t bad, but we’d budget another few grand for the more powerful 4-cylinder, metallic paint, and a package with a heated steering wheel, keyless start, and driver-side seat memory. 

The SQ5 runs about $13,000 more, which isn’t a terrible upcharge for all that power plus an adaptive suspension. 

Where is the 2023 Audi Q5 made?

In Mexico.