2026 Audi Q5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$52,800 to $60,700

Original MSRP

6.5
of 10

expert review

--

avg user rating

(0 reviews)

Pros

  • Intuitive infotainment

  • Refined ride and confident performance

  • Good amount of standard equipment

Cons

  • Cheap interior materials

  • Ergonomic issues

  • High price

6.5
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
5/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
6/10
Cost-effectiveness
4/10
Photo by Clifford Atiyeh. 2026 Audi Q5 front quarter view.

Once the definitive compact luxury SUV, the Q5 suffers from a quality downgrade in this generation.

A year into its third generation, the Audi Q5 comes out swinging with screens, screens, and more screens in an attempt to hold its position as one of the bestselling compact luxury SUVs in the U.S. Audi customers and car enthusiasts, however, have panned the company's shift to a derivative exterior design and subpar interior materials while prices keep ratcheting higher. With thousands of test miles logged in Q5 models dating back to the first generation, we came to this Q5 review with an open yet highly critical mind, especially considering our Prestige test car’s roughly $65,000 asking price.

Verdict: Competent, not compelling, the Q5 meets expectations without setting the bar like it did in previous generations.

5/10

Audi's commitment to clean, classically handsome exterior design is fading across its lineup. The Q3, Q7, and the new Q9 mimic the last-generation Hyundai Santa Fe from the front and read Chevrolet Traverse from behind. Available in both regular SUV and Sportback body styles, the Q5 somewhat bucks that aesthetic. The headlights are thinner and set deeper into the body, while a wider grille and tall side intakes dominate the fascia. The front is the most unique and recognizably Audi styling feature, and the company did well to integrate the radar, sonar, and camera equipment within the upper and lower grilles.

Our test car’s District Green paint set against the S Line Black Optic Package, which darkens all the chrome trim and the Audi emblem, was particularly striking. But the grille's honeycomb design, while alluring from afar, loses its luster when viewed up close. It's a mishmash of glossy and matte plastic, and the chunky, protruding bits in the top half do the Audi emblem no favors.

The rear bumper—where the honeycomb texture is inset within a gloss surround—looks better but still comes off as cheap. At least there are real exhaust tips instead of faux appliques, and like all Audis, the exterior lighting is exceptionally sharp. However, the thin rear lightbar is another element that could pass on any number of cars, as opposed to the separated twin-light design that always defined the Q5. The side proportions, too, have been compromised to basicness. The previous-generation Q5 had a taller roof that played well against its short wheelbase, like viewing a designer handbag with its handles raised. Now the roof is lower and the rear slopes ever so slightly, creating an unusual ratio of glass to body panels.

The interior is equal parts offensive and tasteful. On the plus side, the seats are perfectly sculpted, delicately stitched, and covered in durable leather. The four-spoke steering wheel is another fine touch—a nod to the early 1990s and a prime example of clean, functional design (and for 2026, the touch-sensitive buttons are replaced with real buttons and scroll wheels). The column stalks are weighty, the window switches have a satisfying resistance, and the doors—despite a secondary electronic latch that sometimes requires an extra pull of the handle—close with a solid thunk. The angles of the dash, the wood trim, and the center console with its leatherette and aluminum trim are all fine elements.

It's the abundance of shiny black plastic and the disjointed trio of screens that ruin the Q5's interior. The displays appear disconnected, as their rectangular shapes are nestled between thick, oddly protruding screen bezels. The passenger display (standard on the Prestige) may be fun to play with for a while, but it's highly reflective and becomes an oily, smudgy mess after a few swipes. Audi also doesn't try to cover up the lack of a screen on the lower Premium and Premium Plus trims; it's the same shiny black plastic, but entirely blank.

Clifford Atiyeh
Published Sep 7, 2026 by Clifford Atiyeh
Clifford Atiyeh has hosted, directed, and produced more than 300 series-length videos for CarGurus since 2016. He has reported and photographed for dozens of websites, magazines, and newspapers over 20 years, including The Boston Globe, Car and Driver, and Road & Track. Clifford runs CHA Creative, which provides industry analysis and brand marketing to automotive clients.

User reviews for 2026 Audi Q5

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2026 Audi Q5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$52,800 to $60,700
Price range
$54,220 to $55,742
Average price on CG
$54,236
YoY price change
$55,742 to $54,236

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 · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Internet radio app: Spotify · AM/FM 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 folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · 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: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: electric · 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: 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

Battery: maintenance-free

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: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 11.9 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction cross · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction cross · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · 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: contrast stitching

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

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 · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

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 · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · Watts: 685

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 · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · 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 · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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: power 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

Battery: maintenance-free

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: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 11.9 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

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: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction turn · Rear pre-collision warning system: rear-end impact · 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: 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

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 · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: over-the-air map updates (OTA) · 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: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

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 · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 15 · Watts: 685

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 · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · 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: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · 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 · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Remote parking assist: smartphone operated · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · 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

Battery: maintenance-free

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: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Apple Music · Front passenger screen size: 10.9 in. · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 11.9 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction cross · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction cross · Rear 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: contrast stitching

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · 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 front side · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

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