Audis are high-tech luxury cars with eye-catching styling and great handling capabilities. The range covers everything from subcompact SUVs to large sedans and supercar scaring electric SUVs. Many are class-leading in certain categories, but of them all, there is one that has performed consistently above expectations across the board.
It isn’t the fastest, most expensive or even the most spacious Audi on sale, but the Audi Q5 is the one model in the range that has proven itself to be the best all-rounder, all without falling into the trap of being mundane. By assessing data from trusted sources like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book, we looked into what made this particular model stand out.
The 2026 Audi Q5
Audi
Audi
Audi
- Base MSRP: $52,800
- Model Years: 2025-on (third generation)
Audi’s Q5 has been around for many years, but the latest generation was launched only last year, so it is as fresh inside and out as any of its major rivals. We’ll get into how it compares to other compact luxury SUVs further down, but it’s worth seeing just what the new model offers first.
Being the best-selling vehicle in Audi’s lineup meant that the recent update was an important one. While its silhouette will be immediately familiar to existing to owners of the older Q5, the new model is sharper, sleeker and fitted with some of the marque’s latest tech. The interior is dominated by a new 11.9-inch virtual cockpit which blends seamlessly into a 14.5-inch MMI touch display.
There is now also an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display, and the steering wheel once again has physical buttons instead of the hit-or-miss haptic touch items on the older model. In an unusual move for a new model, cargo space is slightly less now, but still enough for a family of four, although adults may find the second row a bit cramped on longer journeys. The coupe-shaped Sportback cuts even further into the rear headroom and cargo space, so it’s best to stick with the regular model if you need more rear space.
Reliability has historically been a strong point for this model, and time will tell if the third-generation Q5 follows suit. Considering that it shares much of its underpinnings and running gear with other Audi models, it shouldn’t throw up any surprises.
The 2026 Audi Q5 in Detail
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Audi
Audi
| Spec | 2026 Audi Q5 (Base Trim) |
| Base Price (MSRP) | $54,095 |
| Engine Size | 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 |
| Engine Power | 268 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 seconds |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Hwy/Cty MPG | 30 / 22 |
As you might expect, the Q5 delivers a driving experience that is composed, refined and reassuring, even over poor road surfaces or during inclement weather. This is thanks to the standard all-wheel drive setup on all trims and a chassis that has been tuned to deliver vice-free responses when pushed.
The standard Q5 is fitted with the latest iteration of Audi’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder power unit. In the Q5 it produces 265-hp which is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a claimed 5.8-second 0-60mph time, the Q5 is no slouch even in base trim, but for those wanting a bit more, the SQ5 with its 362-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 does the same benchmark sprint in 4.6 seconds.
Considering the $13,000+ price difference and harsher ride of the SQ5, the regular model is arguably the better choice for daily driving duties.
The Rivals
Porsche
BMW
Mercedes-Benz
The compact luxury SUV class is packed with great options, and the Audi Q5 is up against impressive rivals like the recently redesigned BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. It also has to contend with long-time dynamic class-leader, the Porsche Macan, which despite its age is still as impressive as ever. However, the recent redesign has given the Q5 fresher interior tech, and while it is nowhere near as dynamically competent, or potent in a straight line, the Macan prices itself out of contention here.
| Vehicle | Base MSRP | Engine Power (Base Trim) | Trim Offerings |
| BMW X3 | $51,300 | 255 hp | Curved Display infotainment and new mild-hybrid powertrain options |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | $49,550 | 255 hp | Highly efficient plug-in hybrid drivetrain and rear-axle steering |
| Porsche Macan | $64,600 | 261 hp | Sports-tuned adaptive air suspension and legendary track-ready dynamics |
The Mercedes-Benz GLC was redesigned in 2023, so is still relatively fresh, and its base MSRP comes in below the others here, but that’s for the rear-wheel drive model which can easily reach $60,000 and more once you tick a few options. Its still a great drive, with enviable refinement and decent performance, but the newer Q5 is a worthy rival that is just as plush inside.
The BMW X3 poses a more serious challenge and has plenty of great tech and is more dynamically capable than the Q5. However, the base model is slower than the equivalent Q5 model, and the interior fit and finish, as well as material quality are also below the class average in some places. The potent 393-hp X3 M50 xDrive is the pick of the range, but with a base MSRP of $66,500 it certainly isn’t going to be the volume seller.
Audi
So, the Audi Q5 now poses a far larger threat to its main rivals, and while it has historically trailed the X3 and GLC in overall sales, the new model has the prefect combination of features, practicality and overall competence that make it far harder to ignore. The compact luxury segment has always been a tough place to stand out, but the Q5 certainly stands out as a worthy competitor.
Data Sources:
- All vehicle data and technical specifications were sourced from the official manufacturer websites
- Pricing figures represent the base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and exclude destination charges, taxes, title, and license fees.
- Comparative testing data, acceleration times, and safety/reliability insights were sourced from Consumerreports.org, and Kbb.com.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor