45 S line Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sportback
2022 Audi Q5

The 2022 Audi Q5 soldiers on in its second model year after a mid-cycle refresh, which included the addition of the Sportback versions of the Q5 and SQ5. As we predicted last year, the Q5 has remained the brand’s top-selling vehicle. Q5 sales actually increased 20% last year, as customers continue to favor the SUV format, with this particular nameplate hitting a sweet spot as the brand’s compact crossover, with a nice combination of luxury, drivability and roominess. We particularly like the Q5 55 TSFI e plug-in-hybrid, with its impressive acceleration, good fuel economy and available $7,500 federal EV tax credit. By nature of its positioning, the Q5 faces stiff competition among its segment. Compered to its rivals, the Audi finds itself lacking in interior quality and space. Still it’s not a bad choice, thanks to its comfort, sporty styling and driving dynamics that feel at home both in urban traffic, winding rural roads and the open highway. Still, you ought to take a look at competitors including the Volvo XC60, BMW X3, Porsche Macan or Genesis GV70. You might still land on the Audi, but there’s a great, wild world of compelling luxury compact SUVs out there. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? While big changes came to the lineup for the 2021 model year — like the addition of the Sportback body style — the 2022 Q5 sees mostly minor updates. The biggest news is the arrival of a new base model. As of this writing, Audi has not officially launched its new Q5 40 TFSI, but Audi has told Autoblog its introduction is “imminent.” In changes to current offerings, the 45 TFSI gets the S Line exterior as standard. The 45 TFSI (including the Sportback) and 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid get an optional Black Optic package. There’s also a new 18-inch wheel option for the Premium trim, and a standard power-adjustable steering column for Premium Plus. The SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback get standard carbon fiber inlays. The 55 PHEV gets standard sport seats and, most importantly, a 3.8-kilowatt-hour increase in battery capacity, for a total of 17.9 kWh. That boosts its electric range from 19 to 23 miles, and makes it eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit (as opposed to $6,712 for the 2021 model).  What are the Q5’s interior and in-car technology like? The Q5 and Q5 Sportback’s interior is tasteful, with a design that doesn’t distract or repel. The leather sport seats are firm but comfortable, providing good support underneath your legs. Materials appear high quality, but look closer, and many of the plastics lower down in the cabin are disappointingly cheap. Its functionality is also disappointing – the center console is peppered with small bins of questionable value. One must also choose between using the cupholders and …
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