2025 Audi Q5 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Audi’s bestselling model is the Q5. And with good reason—this compact SUV provides a compelling mix of design, luxury, tech, versatility, and performance. It’s also offered in a style-focused Q5 Sportback variant. A complete redesign is likely due in a year or two, but for 2025, the Q5 gains a few more upscale standard features. Rivals to the 2025 Audi Q5 include the BMW X3, Genesis GV70, and Lexus NX.
What’s New
- Remote engine start, garage door opener buttons on the rearview mirror, and proximity unlocking become standard on all models
- Premium Plus trim adds multicolor interior ambient lighting and built-in navigation trial subscription
- Convenience Plus package brings driver seat memory, a trial SiriusXM satellite radio subscription, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, larger digital gauge display, and upgraded wheels
- SQ5 gets standard red brake calipers; updated Black Optic and new Magnesium Gray styling packages offered
What We Think
Although the current-generation Q5 is likely nearing the end of its life cycle, it’s no wonder the SUV remains Audi’s bestselling model. How it combines crisp design with luxurious driving manners and features makes it a compelling compact crossover. But it’s not perfect.
Like nearly every Audi, the Q5 is showcases excellent materials built to a high standard of quality. That solid feeling pervades the cabin, which is equipped with upscale amenities and useful tech, even if the size and responsiveness of its screens somewhat reveal the Q5’s age. Even so, the Q5’s features and trim qualify it for luxury categorization.
But features alone don’t make a luxury car—and the Q5 has driving refinement to further solidify its positioning. Ride quality is comfortable and power from the turbo-four engines sufficient, along with surefooted traction provided by the Quattro AWD system. But there’s not much fun to be had in the Q5, mostly due to its light, low-feel steering.
Drivers seeking a cosseting yet uncomplicated everyday SUV have a good option in the 2025 Q5—but the the next-generation model that just went on sale seems even more appealing.
New 2025 Q5 Coming Soon?
Audi has revealed the new third-generation Q5, which was originally thought to be a 2026 model but actually arrives as another 2025—yes, two different versions, in the same model year. The other 2025 Q5 has a totally redesigned exterior, upscale and tech-filled interior, and an easygoing personality that makes it a pleasant daily driver. See our First Drive impressions of the new 2025 Audi Q5 here.
Audi is in the midst of redesigning many of its models, and a new generation of the Q5 is almost certainly in the works. Given the current Q5 went on sale for the 2018 model year, it’s just about due for replacement. Take a look at the new 2026 Audi A5 for hints at what’s to come from the new Q5 in terms of design, features, and performance. The new Q5 could arrive for the 2026 or 2027 model year.
Performance and MPGs
Most Q5 models use a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and Quattro AWD. This powertrain is offered in two states of tune.
The entry-level Q5 40 TFSI powertrain produces 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Audi estimates a 0–60-mph time of 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy comes in at 23/29 mpg city/highway.
Choosing the Q5 45 TFSI increases output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which cut the 0–60-mph time to 5.7 seconds in MotorTrend testing. Fuel economy falls but only slightly, to 23/28 mpg.
How Is the Audi SQ5 Different From a Q5?
Audi has long used the letter S to denote its sport-oriented models, and the SQ5 continues that tradition. The SQ5 packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to retuned Quattro AWD. These upgrades let the SQ5 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Larger brakes and adaptive suspension dampers improve the SQ5’s dynamic capabilities. Design touches like (fake) quad exhaust tips distinguish the SQ5 from standard Q5 models. This model returns fuel economy of 19/24 mpg city/highway for 2025.
Does Audi Build a Q5 Hybrid?
The Q5 55 TFSI E Quattro could be a good starting point for drivers not quite yet ready for an all-electric Audi. The Q5 E Quattro is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with an electric motor, delivering output of 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. Acceleration to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds, making it quicker even than the SQ5. However, the primary appeal of the Q5 E Quattro PHEV is its all-electric driving range of about 23 miles. It’s limited to charging at just 7 kW on a Level 2 plug, but that could suffice for owners who have charging at home and want to use EV mode for around-town driving.
Safety Ratings and Features
In 2024 NHTSA evaluations, the Q5 earned the highest five-star overall crash safety score. The 2024 Q5 earned 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.
Audi has gradually added driver assist and active safety features to the Q5 over time. For 2025, standard equipment includes front automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist (with a touch-capacitive steering wheel sensor), adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
There’s a reasonable amount of space inside the Q5. Passenger and cargo measurements are generally similar to those of its segment rivals.
Technology
All 2025 Q5 models are equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the Premium Plus and Prestige trims include a trial subscription to built-in navigation. The entry-level Premium trim has a 7.0-inch instrument display with analog gauges, while the Premium Plus and Prestige upgrade to a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display. Other tech upgrades on higher-end models include a wireless charging pad, 360-degree camera, head-up display, and 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Which Audi Q5 Trim Level Is Best?
No matter which powertrain option you choose, Audi offers three trim levels on the current Q5: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. If you just can’t wait for the next-generation Q5 to arrive, our pick in the 2025 Q5 range is the Premium Plus 45 TFSI model, as it delivers a well-rounded set of features and performance at a reasonable price. It has the more powerful turbo-four engine tune for good everyday performance. Inside, it has niceties including a 360-degree camera, all-digital gauge display, a panoramic sunroof, and Bang & Olufsen audio system. Pricing for the 2025 Audi Q5 Premium Plus 45 TFSI starts at just below $55,000.
