The 2022 Audi Q5 boasts an upscale cabin, handsome exterior design, a trio of impressive engine options, composed ride, confident handling, and plenty of regular and optional tech. It competes closely with the USA`s Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60, thanks to the improvements made to the 2022 model year.
2022 Audi Q5 Review
Powertrains and Trim Levels
Audi offers three powertrain choices for the new Q5 in America, starting with the standard 45 TFSI housing a 261-horsepower turbocharged engine, the 55 TFSI featuring a 362-horsepower plug-in hybrid, and the SQ5 with a 349-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 mill.
Each model is accessible in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Besides these, the German automaker also presents the regular Q5 and SQ5 in the Sportback body layout.
What`s new for the 2022 model year?
The optional S line exterior appearance package now comes standard for all the Q5 models, along with the new 18-inch wheels. The mid-range Premium Plus trim gets a power-adjustable steering column, while the plug-in hybrid models have standard sport seats and a bigger battery.
The Audi Black Optics appearance package is elective, featuring dark exterior trim and exclusive 20-inch wheels.
Engine, Transmission, Gas Mileage
The standard powerplant for the new Audi Q5 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI with a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system that produces 261-horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power output is at par with the base engines of its rivals. The engine mates to a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The PHEV has the same engine and gearbox but also gets assistance from an electric motor and a 17.9 kWh battery to generate 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
If you do not fancy the hybrid electric powertrain but still crave more thrills out of the SUV, you can opt for the SQ5, featuring a 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine.
Speaking of the engine performance, the standard mill offers ample power for quick getaways from a stop and effortless overtaking along with fast highway cruising; the PHEV gives a more purposeful feel with instant torque available for quicker acceleration than the standard engine.
The base mill delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined, which is comparable to the base RWD BMW X3 (23/29/25 mpg). The PHEV offers a combined 26 mpg on petrol and 61 MPGe combined with the electric motor. Audi claims 23 miles of all-electric range for the Q5 PHEV.
Interior
The luxury compact SUV treats you with standard leather seats and classy wood trim bits. Throw in extra cash to get Nappa leather, aluminum or carbon fiber inlays, and other amenities. The front and rear seating is spacious, even for six-foot-tall individuals.
The Audi Q5 gives you 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and up to 54 cubic feet after folding down the rear seats; the Sportback offers a tad shorter space (24.7 cubic feet) behind the second row and 51.9 cubic feet with seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The entry-level Q5 comes equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is user-friendly and quick to respond. The standard features include Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, High Definition Radio, a ten-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless device charging.
Things improve as you step up the trim ladder; you get a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster, famously known as Audi Virtual Cockpit. It gives you a 12.3-inch view of the nav map as well as phone controls, a trip computer, etc.
The base Q5 comes equipped with a 10-speaker sound system, while a 755-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system featuring 19 speakers is optional. The top-of-the-line Prestige receives a standard 3D sound system as well as navigation.
Safety
The 2022 Audi Q5 is the safest luxury SUV in its segment, and it is evident from its safety ratings. The NHTSA has honoured it with a full five-star rating; it received five stars for both the frontal and side collision examinations and four stars in the rollover assessment.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety also rewarded it with a Good rating for crashworthiness and a Superior score for crash avoidance and mitigation. The Q5 received a Top Safety Pick+ award last year.
The 2022 Q5 has ensured these top safety ratings through a rear view camera, tire pressure monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure alert at speeds over 40 mph. Furthermore, the pre-sense rear (rear-end collision avoidance), front/rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert are a standard affair for all variants.
Those who can spend more would get adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, active lane assist and a top-view camera system. The range-topper Prestige has everything we just mentioned, plus a head-up display with traffic sign recognition.
All Q5 models get six airbags – dual-front, dual-side, and front/rear curtain airbags. You can add two more airbags for the rear sides.
Having a safe car is often a necessity for parents with kids, and the 2022 Audi Q5 is certainly one of those luxury cars which are perfect for families.
Price of Audi Q5 2022
The Audi Q5 is regarded as one of the cheapest luxury cars to maintain.
The 2022 Audi Q5 Premium starts at US$45,600 in the USA., while the Premium Plus 45 TFSI goes for US$50,600. The most expensive Prestige 45 TFSI sets you back US$56,300; the good thing about the PHEV model is the availability of up to US$6,712 federal tax credit.
The SQ5 starts at US$53,900 and tops out at US$63,300. The Sportback versions are costlier, with prices varying between US$57,300 and US$67,500.
Final Words
The 2022 Audi Q5 is a competent utility vehicle featuring classy styling, punchy engines, an upmarket interior, and a refined driving experience. It should definitely be on the top of your list if you are seeking to buy a luxury compact SUV.
Information and advice in this article is general in nature and current at the time of publication, and no warranty is offered as to its accuracy or completeness.
