Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is the brand's bread-and-butter compact luxury SUV, redesigned for 2025 on a new platform shared with the latest A5. It pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive and a cabin that leans heavily on screens. Rather than chasing outright sportiness, the Q5 aims for everyday refinement: a quiet ride, a usable back seat, and the understated styling Audi buyers expect from a daily driver.

Under the hood, every US Q5 uses a 2.0-liter turbo four paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. With 261 horsepower it feels brisk rather than quick, reaching 60 mph in around six seconds, and the mild-hybrid system smooths out stop-start running. The SQ5 ups the ante with a turbocharged V6 for buyers who want genuine pace. For most owners, the standard engine is more than adequate and returns a reasonable 25 mpg combined.

Inside, Audi has gone all-in on digital displays. A large curved panel houses the gauge cluster and central touchscreen, and a separate passenger-side screen is optional. It looks modern but buries some everyday functions in menus, and the loss of physical climate buttons will frustrate some. Material quality remains a strong suit, with tight panel gaps, supportive seats, and genuinely good sound insulation that makes highway trips relaxing.

Practically, the Q5 is sensible without being class-leading. Rear legroom is decent for two adults, the cargo area is competitive, and the standard adaptive features make towing and long hauls easy. Ride comfort is the priority here; the suspension soaks up broken pavement well, though enthusiasts will find the steering light and the handling secure rather than thrilling.

Value is where buyers should think carefully. The base price is reasonable for the segment, but Audi's option packages add up quickly, and a well-equipped Q5 can climb close to SQ5 money. Cross-shop carefully, because rivals from BMW, Mercedes, and Genesis all make strong cases at similar price points.