2021 Audi Q5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Audi’s top-selling vehicle, the 2021 Q5, gets a plug-in hybrid variant.
The Q5 is a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carries the Audi design language well, while still maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It has an expressive face, with LED headlights squinting out beside the big Audi Singleframe grille, all sporting horizontal elements that emphasize width. The body styling features crisp character lines, and the greenhouse is like a protective shell. The rear features bold, large taillights. Overall, the Audi Q5 has a very classy, modern, appearance from stem to stern with exceptional fit and finish everywhere you look. The plug-in Q5 wears some S-Line trim pieces and enhancements to set it apart from the gasoline-only Q5, and looks even better, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.
Inside, things are similarly classy and modern. While the Q5 is packed with technology, it maintains an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs are smartly grouped and segregated by function, and there’s a unity of design that is very pleasing. Material selection is at a high level, and where disparate materials meet, the lines are crisp and well-defined. There’s a real authenticity to the materials, with real wood, real metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floats at the top of the centre stack, just where it should be to be in the driver’s line of sight. The second row is also nicely appointed, with standard leather upholstery on seating surfaces throughout.
The Q5 PHEV takes a good thing and makes it better. The Q5 is already a fun crossover to drive in its standard gasoline-only form; adding an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery makes it genuine adult entertainment. The total combined output for the PHEV is 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, a good match with the crossover’s 4,665-lb curb weight. An electric motor works with the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine in a boost function and then provides backup to the gas engine during coasting and low-demand situations. It’s an innovative setup that delivers convincing acceleration when needed (0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 5.3 seconds, per Audi), and contributes to impressive fuel-efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. In gasoline-only mode, the Q5 PHEV is rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5 PHEV’s battery pack can be recharged overnight with household current (Level 1, 120-volts) or in 2.4 hours with Level 2, 240-volt, service.
The Q5 PHEV's drivetrain uses a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD), and can be switched into modes to drive for a limited range on available battery power only (up to 31 kilometres depending on the state of charge); to reserve battery power for later electric driving; or to automatically drive in hybrid mode, boosting with battery power or using only battery power when most efficient and effective. As a driver, you might choose to reserve your battery power if you want to drive those last few blocks home as quietly as possible or to complete your commute to work through the most congested downtown streets in the most efficient manner. So, having control over these modes is a benefit.
Q5 uses speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and has a wider-than-expected turning radius. This can come as a surprise during a first drive if you attempt perpendicular parking maneuvers (as you should), but quickly becomes a non-issue with familiarity. Four-wheel independent suspension is standard, with five-link setups front and rear. Handling is good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balances comfort with road feel. Body roll is minimal and controlled, and braking is powerful and predictable.
There’s a reason compact crossover SUVs like the Q5 have exploded in popularity over the past few years—it’s the Goldilocks Phenomenon. Not too big, not too small, but just right. Thanks to smart packaging, the Q5 PHEV manages to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, so it doesn’t eat up cargo space. There are 710 litres of space (converted from U.S. specifications) behind the second row. Fold down the second row, and you can haul up to 1,503 litres of cargo behind the first row.
There’s a reasonable amount of legroom in the second row (960 mm) and plenty of headroom (958 mm) and shoulder room (1,435 mm). Two adults can sit comfortably behind adults in the first row, and a third adult can squeeze in for shorter rides when absolutely necessary. The driver and front-seat passenger are treated to a pair of Audi’s super-comfortable and supportive sport seats with a wide range of adjustment, heating, and, with the $1,200 Comfort Interior Package, ventilation.
The front row gets a pair of cupholders, and several cubbies and nooks for phones, change, chargers, and junk. The centre-console armrest lifts to reveal a small storage bin. Reflective of its uncluttered design, everything inside functions well and has been laid out smartly.
Q5 PHEV gets Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and as always, it’s impressive. The new centre-console touchpad is easy to use and master. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offers three views: classic, sport, and dynamic. It’s a clear, good-looking, and customizable instrument panel that elevates the cabin to another level of futuristic tech. Combine this with the colour/mood-adjustable LED ambient interior cabin lights, and Q5 achieves an impressive level of customization.
A great-sounding Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier is standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay is included and works like a charm, and wired Android Auto is also included.
The 2021 Q5 PHEV hasn’t been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) yet, but the 2020 Q5 (gasoline-only) received top “good” ratings in every category except headlights, where it received a “marginal” rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model five stars but has not yet rated the PHEV. We expect the PHEV ratings to match the gasoline-only ratings when they finally appear.
Safety features include six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks in the rear doors, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, anti-theft alarm, interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, LATCH connectors on outboard rear seats, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Available driver-assistance features include Audi Pre Sense front, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and traffic congestion assist, traffic-sign recognition, Audi active lane assist, and hands-on detection to ensure you’re actively driving while using these additional systems.
The 2021 Audi Q5 TFSI e quattro is available in two trim levels in Canada: Progressiv (pricing starting at an MSRP of $70,400) and Technik (starting at $73,100). The plug-in hybrid model adds about $25,000 to the price of a gasoline-only Q5 models and roughly $20,000 to a Q5 Sportback coupe. The Q5 is priced above the threshold for Canadian federal and provincial EV incentive programs.
It’s tough to find direct competitors in the PHEV five-seat luxury SUV class. The BMW X3 PHEV (from $59,990) is the nearest current model that matches up closely with the Q5 PHEV. The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge (starting at $66,650) is another near-competitor, and the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring PHEV (starting at $80,750) is a larger vehicle capable of seating seven but is worth measuring against the Q5. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (starting at $95,500) comes from the same parent company (Volkswagen Group) as the Q5 but is obviously in another class. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $44,198 but is also in a different class. We expect the competition to ramp up as more PHEV models enter production.
The Audi Q5 TFSI e quattro has a lot going for it. With impressive efficiency figures, fun driving experience, and overall quality look and feel, it’s a compelling vehicle – and the plug-in part of the package is the icing on the cake.
User reviews for 2021 Audi Q5
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2021 Audi Q5 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Battery rating: 420 CCA · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 261 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5250 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 273 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: starter/belt alternator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.1 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: lithium ion · Battery rating: 420 CCA · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 261 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5250 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 273 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: starter/belt alternator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 10.1 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 18 · Watts: 755
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: heated · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: lithium ion · Battery rating: 420 CCA · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 261 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5250 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 273 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1600
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: starter/belt alternator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 10.1 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.9
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent