2024 Audi Q5 is a car with attractive exterior styling, multiple powertrain options, and a host of standard amenities (including all-wheel drive) The 2024 Audi Q5 helps it stand out in the crowded and highly competitive compact luxury SUV sector.
The Q5, which sits in the middle of Audi’s crossover series, delivers more practicality than the small Q3 and smoother agility than the larger – and much more expensive – seven-passenger Q7. The current-generation Q5, last redesigned in 2018, is old but good.
Apart from that, the 2024 Audi Q5 is the flagship model in the German luxury car manufacturer’s portfolio. This compact SUV is the brand’s best-selling car and is the heart of Audi’s SUV range.
Revisions for 2024 are minimal, but the Q5’s attractive exterior design and elegant, technologically advanced interior remain important. Other luxury compact SUVs that compete with the Audi Q5 include the Genesis GV70, Volvo XC60, and BMW X3.
- A variety of powerful powertrains
- Outstanding interior design and materials
- Attractive technological suite
2024 Audi Q5 Review
The 2024 Audi Q5 is a walking embodiment of the phrase “well-rounded.” Instead of cutting-edge dynamics or experimental style, it combines comfort, styling, features, and build quality for predictable behavior and appeal. If the Q5 formula has a weak point, it is fairly uninteresting handling. Nonetheless, purchasers enjoy its straightforward demeanor, which has propelled it to the top of the manufacturer’s bestseller list.
A choice of three powertrains undoubtedly helps broaden its appeal: the base 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder gives adequate performance, while a 261-hp four-cylinder is optional. The list is topped by a 362-hp plug-in hybrid, which combines power and efficiency in a socially desirable chassis.
All-wheel drive is standard throughout the board. The Q5’s digital-friendly features and driver assistance, as well as its clean and logical interior design, will appeal to technophiles.
If you appreciate the Q5’s spirit but find the hardware uninteresting, consider the SQ5 and its turbocharged V-6 (reviewed separately). If you want even more tactile and visual thrills and have a little more money to invest, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio or the Porsche Macan might be a better option.
- A plug-in hybrid powertrain is available.
- The cabin is quiet, cozy, and spacious.
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Lane departure warning and a heated steering wheel are now standard.
- Additional trim levels are available with the Black Optic package.
- Sport seats are standard on all vehicles powered by the 45 engine.
What’s New?
The Q5, like the rest of Audi’s SUVs, will come standard with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and adaptive cruise assist (ACA) in 2024. The traffic sign recognition system has been enhanced to improve those systems’ prediction ability. Remote-start functionality has been added to the myAudi app, and the new Audi App store also supports third-party services such as Spotify and Amazon Music.
Customers can now specify a Black optic package with black exterior trim and roof rails for Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. Arkona White replaces Ibis White on the exterior of the whole model line.
- Normal active lane assist
- Heated steering wheel as standard
- Hands-on detection using capacitive grip detection is standard.
- Remote engine start is available for gasoline models via the myAudi app.
- Sport front seats and Gray-Brown Birch wood inlays are standard on the Q5 45.
- The Black Optic package has been updated for the Q5 45, 55, and 45 Sportback trims.
- Arkona White has taken the position of Ibis White as an exterior paint color.
What We Believe
The Q5’s popularity plays a significant role in determining Audi’s character as an automaker. The 2024 Q5, with its tight design and premium interior, is one of the most visually appealing models in the compact luxury SUV segment. This is particularly true of the slick Audi Q5 Sportback.
The attraction of the Q5 extends to a variety of powerful powertrains ranging from the typical turbo-four units seen in most vehicles in the class to the sporty SQ5’s torquey turbocharged six-cylinder option. We particularly like the addition of the Q5 55 TFSI E Quattro PHEV, which is the fastest and most powerful model in the portfolio.
The unimaginative driving experience keeps the Q5 from dominating its market. Although we admire the SUV’s suspension settings for comfort, steering and handling engagement are lacking. We’ve also remarked that the Q5’s back seat is cramped and that its cargo volume falls short of competitors in the sector.
Nonetheless, the Audi Q5 is still popular for good reason. It backs up its badge’s brand cachet with opulent and high-tech comforts. Audi’s interior design and material choices are stunning, making the premium price tag worthwhile for certain purchasers. Those looking for a compact luxury SUV should be aware that there are other options, but the Q5 is still worth considering.
2024 Audi Q5 Interior
The large, comfortable interior and simple entry and egress are both appealing features of the Q5. Decent materials and a simple but effective layout represent the brand’s approach to luxury, however, the conventional touchscreen may be better incorporated.
The ride is quiet both in town and on the highway, and the 38 inches of rear-seat legroom helps keep passengers happy. More luxury options, like as Audi’s slick Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, are available as you progress through the three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
When it comes to how many of our carry-on cargo boxes fit, the Q5 lags behind the competition. It narrowly defeated the smaller Macan and accommodated 18 cases with the rear seats folding. However, the Q5’s rear seatbacks fold in a 40/20/40 configuration, providing the flexibility that the Lexus RX lacks.
Connectivity and infotainment
The 2024 Q5 meets all of the technological requirements, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard. A dashtop 10.1-inch screen is also standard. It’s legible and responsive, but its central mounting position necessitates a look-and-stretch maneuver for some operations that were ingrained into our brains with Audi’s earlier control-knob-based commands.
The Premium Plus and Prestige trims add Audi’s well-regarded Virtual Cockpit, a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster that provides a wide 12.3-inch view of the navigation map, plus selected media, phone controls, trip computer, speedometer, and tachometer, or a combination of these.
The Q5 will receive remote engine start capability via the myAudi app in 2024; the app is also modified to interact with third-party services such as Amazon Music and Spotify.
Comfort
The front sports seats in our Q5 Prestige were really comfy, with heating and ventilation. The cushions are a little too hard to be called comfortable, but they will come in handy on lengthy rides. The cabin is well-built and well-insulated from the outer world. Even at highway speeds, there is essentially no discernible wind noise.
Ride comfort is adequate for the class, especially given the Q5’s solid handling abilities and 20-inch wheels on our test car. Most surfaces are smooth, and severe pavement defects are treated with a subtle tautness that filters out strong sensations.
Storage
The Q5 has a maximum storage space of 25.8 cubic feet behind the seats, which is nearly typical for the class. Other luxury SUVs in this class, such as the BMW X3 (28.7 cubic feet) and Acura RDX (31.1 cubic feet), have more cargo space.
Inside, there are a few tie-down points but no underfloor storage. Inside the cabin, storage for small items is competitive but ordinary. There’s a standard-sized center console box beneath the armrest, as well as a convenient square receptacle ahead of the shift lever that retains your phone at an easily seen position.
The Q5 has a towing capability of 4,400 pounds, which is above average for the class. Only a few competitors can compete with it. The well-placed car seat anchor and tether points, as well as the spacious back seat, make life easier for parents.
2024 Audi Q5 Engine and Transmission
With three powertrain options, it’s simple to choose the correct amount of power for the money. The 2024 Q5 40 comes standard with a 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. Both are quiet and smooth. Stepping up to the 261-hp Q5 45 in the base Premium trim costs roughly $3000 more but is definitely worth it in our opinion.
Though the 40’s standard engine is adequate, the 45’s additional 61 horsepower makes a noticeable difference and injects more joy into your otherwise dreary commute. The Q5 45 reached 60 mph in 5.5 seconds on our test track. The plug-in hybrid edition, with its combined 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, making it the quickest of the three.
It also beat the performance-oriented SQ5 Sportback variant by 0.3 seconds. The suspension on the 2024 Q5 is well-tuned and provides a smooth and steady ride on a range of surfaces. There’s also an adaptive suspension option, which aims to merge that smooth ride with faster reflexes over smooth pavement, with mainly positive results.
Unfortunately, while the steering is accurate, it lacks the tactile feel and feedback that distinguishes the greatest configurations. In Dynamic drive mode, the wheel creates some resistance, although its action feels synthetic overall. Though the Q5 won’t scream when pushed, vehicles like the Porsche Macan and the BMW X3 will perform similarly with far greater involvement.
Performance
The Q5 was tested in 45 TFSI trim, which meant it had a 261-hp engine. Although the Q5 performed admirably on our test track, reaching 60 mph in 6 seconds flat, it’s hit-or-miss in the real world. Once the turbo is spooled up and you’re in the proper gear, there’s a wonderful, smooth pull to redline that’s deserving of the Audi label.
However, the transmission can be slow to engage and might feel indecisive at times. This is a capable powertrain, but its reflexes are lacking. Braking is the polar opposite – the pedal is strong and there is plenty of braking force available as soon as you request it.
Pushing the Q5 to its limits on a twisting road will reward you with outstanding grip and impressive composure. Although the Q5’s Quattro with Ultra technology all-wheel-drive system defaults to front-wheel drive in normal conditions, we saw it eager to transmit power rearward during aggressive driving. It contributes to the satisfying athleticism of this luxury SUV.
2024 Audi Q5 MPG
The EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2024 Audi Q5 40 are 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 25 mpg. The 45 only gets 1 mpg on the interstate in return for the additional 61 horsepower. The Q5 45 equaled its EPA rating of 28 mpg on our 75-mph fuel efficiency test route. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid has improved fuel economy (26 mpg combined in hybrid mode).
However, with an electric range of only 19 miles on a fully charged battery, it remains an outlier; while it is quick, it is also more expensive. In our hands, the plug-in hybrid barely managed 26 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route and just 17 of its 23 anticipated electric-alone miles.
Nonetheless, the Q5 with any of the available powertrains outperforms the competition. The EPA estimates that the Jaguar F-Pace gets 22 mpg combined, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio AWD gets 24 mpg combined, and the Acura RDX gets 23 mpg combined with AWD. Visit the EPA’s website for additional information on the Q5’s fuel economy.
2024 Audi Q5 Models
The 2024 Audi Q5 is a five-passenger compact luxury SUV available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All of them are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an all-wheel drive. The base 40 TFSI engine produces 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the 45 TFSI produces 261 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque.
The 55 TFSI e is a plug-in hybrid that adds a 17.9-kWh battery and an electric motor to the conventional engine to produce 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It can go 23 miles on all-electric power before transitioning to standard hybrid functioning, according to the EPA.
2024 Audi Q5 Pricing
The 2024 Audi Q5 is priced from $45,795 to $60,895. The base trim level comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but there’s also a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a sleek-looking Q5 Sportback. The Q5 is available in three trim levels: 40, 45, and 55 (plug-in hybrid).
The three powertrains are all within 1 or 2 mpg of one another in terms of fuel economy, and adaptive cruise control is standard on all of them, so the selection is largely based on how much extra power and luxury you are willing to pay for.
Whether you favor the basic model’s utility or the sharper design of the Sportback’s sloped backlight, we believe the extra punch of the mid-tier 45 models is well worth the investment. We believe the midlevel Premium Plus trim delivers the finest balance of features and pricing, and it also includes Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display as standard.
- Premium 40 $45,795
- Premium 45 $48,695
- Premium 55 PHEV $48,695
- Premium Plus 40 $50,595
- Sportback Premium 40 $52,695
- Premium Plus 45 $53,495
- Premium Plus 55 PHEV $53,495
- Sportback Premium Plus 45 $55,895
- Prestige 40 $56,095
- Prestige 45 $58,595
- Prestige 55 PHEV $58,595
- Sportback Prestige 45 $60,895
Verdict
The Q5 is a competent luxury SUV, but it lacks any distinguishing features that would make it a must-have. Although Audi’s best-seller is large, refined, and surprisingly agile, the small luxury SUV class is brimming with competitors who provide the same attributes but with higher performance and all-around excitement.
The Q5 is a competent luxury SUV, but it lacks any distinguishing features that would make it a must-have. Although Audi’s best-seller is large, refined, and surprisingly agile, the small luxury SUV class is brimming with competitors who provide the same attributes but with higher performance and all-around excitement.
We’ll be back shortly with more information on the 2024 Audi Q5, so be sure to bookmark the Audi Car USA website for the latest information on the Audi Q5 and other Audi future-related updates.
People also ask Audi Q5 2024
Q: Will the Audi Q5 change in 2024?
A: Audi equips the Q5, Q5 Sportback, and SQ5 with active lane assist, a heated steering wheel with hands-on detection, and RES via the myAudi app. Drivers of the Q5 plug-in hybrid must make do with active lane assist and a heated steering wheel—there is no RES for them.
Q: Is Audi discontinuing the Q5?
A: Audi has stated that it would only launch EVs beginning in 2026 and will stop selling ICE cars entirely in 2033, implying that the Q5 will be among the brand’s final ICE vehicles.
Q: Will Audi Q5 be redesigned in 2023?
A: The 2023 Audi Q5 and SQ5 will begin the new year with more standard equipment and trim changes, as part of the brand’s larger drive to improve the feature set of the majority of its models. Audi has also raised the Q5’s starting price to $45,395 (all prices include a $1,195 destination fee).
Q: Which car is better Audi Q5 or BMW X5?
A: The X5 is larger and more expensive, but it has more passenger and cargo room and easily outperforms the Q5. The Audi has a more understated appearance and outperforms the X5 in terms of fuel economy, albeit by a smaller margin than you might think.
