2021 Audi Q5 review
Audi Q5 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Sportback model adds a new body style choice
- New, larger touchscreen for 2021
Cons
- Trunk space isn't generous
- SQ5 performance model has lower output than some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 28 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $24,998*
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Audi expands the Q5 lineup with a new Sportback model
Audi has given its Q5 luxury compact SUV a refresh for 2021, with slightly revised styling inside and out and improved equipment across the three familiar trim levels of Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. A key change is an updated infotainment system, and the larger touchscreen interface raises the Q5's game against its many luxury compact SUV rivals.
Also helping is Audi's addition of the Q5 Sportback to the lineup. The Q5 Sportback transforms the upright rear styling of the regular SUV with a roofline that's more coupe-like in shape. That does, inevitably, hurt outright utility—the trunk is slightly smaller and less usefully shaped. But if practicality isn't high on your list of priorities, the Sportback's eye-catching style will almost certainly appeal. It comes at a cost, though: The Q5 Sportback will set you back several thousand dollars more than the standard Q5 SUV. Still, that's also true of its key rivals, including the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, and buyers are seemingly happy to pay extra for the head-turning style of these SUV coupes.
All Audi Q5 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Audi Q5 generation from 2012 to 2025
What is new for the 2021 Audi Q5?
- The Titanium Premium, Titanium Premium Plus, and Titanium Prestige trims have been discontinued for 2021.
- The Premium Plus trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel, Automated Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The Prestige trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel, Head Up Display, and A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment.
- The Premium trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
2021 Audi Q5 trims
Curious how Audi Q5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesPremium:
18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels for the PHEV model), leather upholstery with wood inlays, 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven-inch driver display, tri-zone climate control, LED headlights, heated front seats, power liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, universal garage remote, and more
Premium Plus:
adds 19-inch wheels, Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, top-view camera system, active lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and more
Prestige:
adds Bang & Olufsen® 19-speaker premium sound system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system, head-up display, matrix-design LED headlights, and more
Audi Q5 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Audi Q5
1. Integrated Toll Module (ITM)
If daily toll road driving or weeks away on the road feature in your schedule, Audi's integrated toll module is a smart tech feature that keeps you on the road and focused on your destination. This built-in transponder sits behind your rearview mirror and is compatible with most toll road services in the United States; signing up to the service means you'll never have to worry about fines or keep track of business payments while driving.
Need to switch it off? Audi makes it easy; it's controlled from your Q5's touchscreen interface.2. The Audi virtual cockpit
Available as a standard feature with the Premium Plus and Prestige trims, the Audi Virtual Cockpit places futuristic tech into the hands of drivers right now. This customizable driver display elevates every journey experience, making light work of those longer journey components that would otherwise feel overwhelming to navigate smoothly. The 12.3-inch high definition view of the navigation map, media, phone controls, speed, and tachometer can be tailored to your own style. This is what luxury looks like for drivers, and how welcome that is.
3. A deluxe cabin
Audi does deluxe and understated well, and the 2021 Q5 is no exception. But this SUV is also full of character; its updated exterior has an eye-catching wider grille and offers two new paint colors (District Green and Ultra Blue) while the interior makes sure everyone has a relaxed and elegant ride. Front seats have multi-level heating, with reclining rear seats complimenting the overall feeling that this is a smooth, mature, and generously built vehicle. The finishing touches such as leather upholstery and walnut wood inlays provide the luxury feeling that only certain vehicles can.
4. Standard driver-assistance features
The 2021 Audi Q5 received more driver-assistance features as standard during this current refresh and it's an impressive roster that really translates to on-the-road driver confidence. Audi Pre Sense Rear uses rear bumper radar sensors to help detect impending rear-end impacts and can initiate preventive action. Lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring come into their own on cross country trips, while mall parking lots feel a whole lot easier thanks to the rearview camera and acoustic sensors.
5. Available package variety
You're certain to be impressed with the standard three trim options of the 2021 Audi Q5 – this is a luxury vehicle after all. Audi has also thought of some very attractive optional packages that can tailor the Q5 to your environment and lifestyle, or simply add some treats to elevate your daily commute. Lucky enough to live in year-round sunshine? Look for the warm weather package on the Premium Plus trim Q5, and you'll get front sport seats with ventilation and rear window sunshades. Want to add some tech or sports styling? The 2021 Audi Q5 has an available Technology Package that adds navigation, and a Sports Plus Package that adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, and more. If you think the Audi Q5 has thought of everything, you might just be right.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Audi Q5, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017-2021 Audi Q3 offers a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive is available on the Q3. Equipped with premium features and modern technology, even the base model feels top-of-the-line.
Standard features of the 2017-2021 Audi Q3 base model include:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Satellite radio
Bluetooth streaming audio for compatible devices
Panoramic sunroof
Leather seating
The Audi Q7 brings street cred with its cutting-edge exterior, finely tuned handling, and lovely interior. The second-generation Q7 (2017-present) features Audi's distinctive grille and headlights, a sport-tuned suspension, and a flexible interior for all your cargo needs.
The three-row, seven-passenger Q7 comes with Audi's Quattro AWD system as standard, paired with one of two engine options: a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder with 252 hp or the optional supercharged 3.0L V6 with 333 hp (2017-present models). The 3.0L V6 delivers an estimated 7,700-lb. towing capacity, when properly equipped.2 The Q7 is fun to drive, and the beautiful interior materials will have your passengers enjoying the ride, too.
The 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige impresses with:
19-speaker Bose® 3D sound system
Four-zone climate control
Head-up display and virtual cockpit
Power soft-closing doors
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV with seating for five. Model years 2016–2018 come standard with a 279 hp, 3.5-L V6 engine paired with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available option. In 2019 Acura redesigned the RDX, swapping the V6 for a 272 hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Even in the base trim, the Acura RDX has standard leatherette seats for all model years.
2016–2021 Acura RDXs come with the following features:
279-horsepower V6 on model years 2016–2018; 272 hp turbo-four on model years 2019 and later
Standard seven-speaker audio system with USB and Bluetooth connections
Standard leatherette seats, heated in the front
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Audi Q5 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi Q5 19th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi Q5Audi Q5 features and specs
Curious how Audi Q5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Premium 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
261
Torque (ft-lbs)
273
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
111"
Overall length
184.3"
Width
74.5"
Height
65.5"
Leg room
F 41"/R 38"
Head room
F 41.7"/R 39.3"
Front tires
P235/60HR18
Rear tires
P235/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
440/4400 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Audi Q5 FAQ
The Audi Q5 has not been discontinued in the North American market, with details about the 2023 model already beginning to emerge as of November 2021. The Q5 was temporarily discontinued in India during the 2020 model year but is being reintroduced to the market in 2021.
While the VW Tiguan and Audi Q5 do have some similarities, they are still very different vehicles. One difference between the 2021 Q5 and the 2021 Tiguan, for instance, is that the Tiguan offers an optional third row of seating. Both models come standard with a turbocharged engine and are available with all-wheel drive.
Feature-wise, both the 2021 Tiguan and Q5 are well-appointed. However, the Q5 comes with a much larger standard 10.1-inch touchscreen display (compared to 6.5 inches on the Tiguan). The Q5 also offers more luxurious standard equipment, such as leather upholstery and heated front seats.
Yes, the BMW X5 is a larger SUV than the Audi Q5, measuring about 10 inches longer and three inches wider on the 2021 model. The 2021 X5 also offers more cargo space at 33.9 cubic feet (compared to 25.8 cubic feet on the 2021 Q5).
Yes, the 2021 Audi Q5 comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive on every trim level.
The 2021 Audi Q5's turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque; it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just under six seconds.
Color options for the Audi Q5 will vary from one model year to the next. However, the 2021 Q5 is available in the following exterior colors:
- Brilliant Black
- Ibis White
- Florett Silver Metallic
- Glacier White Metallic
- Manhattan Gray Metallic
- Mythos Black Metallic
- Navarra Blue Metallic
- District Green Metallic
- Ultra Blue Metallic
- Daytona Gray Pearl
More about the 2021 Audi Q5
Color options
Exterior colors:
Brilliant Black (mild hybrid models only)
Daytona Gray Pearl (PHEV models only)
District Green Metallic (PHEV models only)
Florett Silver Metallic
Glacier White metallic
Ibis White
Navarra Blue metallic (mild hybrid models only)
Manhattan Gray metallic (mild hybrid models only)
Mythos Black metallic
Ultra Blue metallic (PHEV models only)
Interior details
LATCH connectors on outboard second-row seats
Seating for five passengers
25.8 cu-ft of standard cargo volume (base trim)
Leather upholstery
Two front row cup holders and center console armrest
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi Q5 received received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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