The latest Q5 retains many of the aspects that made the previous version a strong competitor within the compact luxury SUV class, including agile handling, comfortable seats, and a quiet, well-appointed cabin.
But we don't love the new Q5's stiffer ride, and the lurches from the dual-clutch transmission mar the driving experience at low speeds.
At higher speeds, the 268-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers a healthy midrange punch and sounds refined.
The performance-oriented SQ5 has a more muscular 362-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6.
The Q5's handling is taut and agile, making it one of the sportiest SUVs in the class.
The ride often feels too firm, though.
The front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive.
The interior is nicely furnished with a high-quality look and feel.
Audi relies too heavily on capacitive-touch controls, rather than physical knobs and buttons.
Common tasks, like adjusting the climate system or media, require extra attention and driver involvement.
The redesigned Q5 gets new styling, increased performance promise, and a growing list of advanced safety features.
The new Q is also available with Audi's Virtual Cockpit, which lets you expand the cluster between the instrument panel's large gauges into a larger color screen that can display audio, phone, navigation, and travel information.
The standard audio system includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Like the A4, the Q5 is powered by an updated 252-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive is standard.
Available advanced safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Changes for the 2020 model year include standard high-beam assist, and greater availability of lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.
A plug-in hybrid version, with a claimed electric range of 20 miles, is also new. For 2021, the Q5 got a freshening with a modest power boost. Coupe-like Sportback versions are added to both Q5 and SQ5.
It also brought wireless Apple CarPlay and more standard advanced safety features.
The Q5 hits its target as a compact, luxurious and sporty SUV spot on.
Handling is agile and sporty, among the best for an SUV.
The ride is steady and supple and the cabin is quiet.
Early examples had the 3.2-liter V6 as the mainstream engine.
It provides generous power and returns 19 mpg overall.
In 2011 and later examples you're most likely to find a 2.0-liter turbo four which is less refined than the V6 but still punchy.
With the eight speed automatic, this combination returned a commendable 21 mpg overall in our tests.
The beautifully furnished interior benefits from supportive seats, but rear legroom and cargo space are rather modest.
The MMI infotainment system takes some getting used to, but ultimately proves logical over time.
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