2026 Audi Q5 It will certainly enter a redesign with a new look, much more advanced technology (up to four screens in the interior), a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and more power.
The results are somewhat mixed. The Q5 is now much more comfortable to drive thanks to some suspension adjustments and a new, more responsive transmission, making the engine feel more powerful.
2026 Audi Q5 Reviews
The Audi Q5 isn’t the most distinctive SUV on the market, but it is one of the most sophisticated. Redesigned last year, the Q5 boasts a sleek body and a Bauhaus-style interior equipped with the most advanced technology Ingolstadt has to offer.
Its three-screen digital control center is an impressive setup, although less tech-savvy drivers may struggle with Audi’s complicated infotainment interface.
The Audi Q5 comes in just one variant: a 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. That’s a slight increase in power over the previous generation, but enough to make the Q5 quicker than the comparable BMW X3.
The handling is also adequate, but the less-than-responsive steering isolates the driver from the road and makes aggressive driving feel somewhat bland. Nevertheless, the Q5 is a solid choice if you prefer a compact luxury SUV with a more business-oriented attitude than pleasure.
The 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster is nicely updated and features new graphics, but it’s not as customizable as before. The Prestige model also comes with a head-up display, a 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger, and a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.
Everything is bright, easy to read, responsive, and offers good color contrast against deep blacks. You can even see the HUD with polarized sunglasses (though not as well as without them). It’s great that these displays are easy on the eyes, but Audi still makes mistakes.
All AC controls have been moved to the center screen. There’s a dedicated area at the bottom of the screen for these controls and a convenient shelf to rest your hand on when changing the temperature and fan speed, but, as always, these controls should be physical.
Controlling the air conditioning is now easier with the new Q5’s voice commands, but it’s not for everyone. In fact, the interior is so technologically advanced that it might deter some people from considering the Q5 altogether.
We certainly like that the new car is more comfortable to drive than before and more fun, but the reliance on screens and touch buttons will be a drawback for some.
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2026 Audi Q5 Updates
The A5 and Q5 are just entering their first full model years in 2025, but the 2026 models already feature a number of welcome changes. So, for those looking for one of these cars, it might be a good time to wait for the new models to arrive, or negotiate with your local dealer for a better deal. Good luck.
There’s been a lot of talk about the return of some buttons, but there’s more to it than just a few extra physical controls. This is good news, but so are the additions of several features and options, as well as improvements to the infotainment system.
Let’s talk about the buttons first. The A5 and Q5 get a new steering wheel with, *pause*, a scroll wheel instead of a haptic pad. Plus, we no longer have to dig through menus to access the parking assist feature, as there’s now a dedicated button for it. That’s pretty much it, and most controls are still handled via the touchscreen. Furthermore, the window switches still use haptic pads.
For the infotainment system, the new interface features fewer lists to simplify the user experience. Additionally, the Virtual Cockpit gets a few tweaks here and there to allow for further personalization. Part of the 2026 changes also includes the expansion of Audi drive select modes with true Individual settings.
Audi says its advanced driver assistance features have also seen several improvements. The same goes for the virtual assistant, plus the addition of the ‘Experience Worlds’ cabin ambiance system. Experience Worlds includes Activate, Relax, and Align modes, and the company added that more modes will be added soon, likely via an over-the-air update.
Notable new features on the 2026 S5 and SQ5 include Dynamic Plus Mode and Drive Select Assistant. Dynamic Plus Mode provides more freedom in the rear differential and improved rotation when cornering. Audi claims this mode allows for greater oversteer thanks to optimized braking torque vectoring and stability control.
Meanwhile, Drive Select Assistant is somewhat similar to an adaptive driving mode. This feature can tighten or relax the chassis and accelerator response in real time, depending on conditions and driver input. This feature is only available on the Prestige versions of the S5 and SQ5, but oddly enough, it’s also available on the Q5 Prestige.
2026 Audi Q5 Interior
Audi emphasizes its “soft wrap” design philosophy throughout the Q5’s interior. Luxurious materials stretch from one door, across the dashboard, and beyond, creating a comfortable cabin. Then there’s the “digital stage,” which supports the 11.9-inch Audi Digital Cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen.
A third 10.9-inch passenger screen provides entertainment and can assist friends and family in the passenger seat. From this screen, passengers can enter new navigation information for driver confirmation or change music. If they choose to watch videos or play games, Dynamic Privacy mode digitally blocks the screen from the driver’s view.
Instead, drivers can use the optional configurable head-up display, which provides information such as speed, navigation, media, and more. Audi’s infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS, allowing apps like YouTube to be downloaded and installed. This technology supports AI-powered voice commands, enabling more conversational input.
There’s also a wireless phone tray and a total of four USB-C ports in the cabin. A pair of rear ports can supply 100 watts of power, enough to power a laptop or handheld gaming device.
The armrest storage compartment is larger than the previous model, with compartments for sunglasses, keys, and other small items. Audi equips the 2026 Q5 with an available Bang & Olufsen audio system with 16 speakers and noise-cancelling technology.
Interior lighting design is another focal point of the Q5. Audi’s Dynamic Interaction Lights stretch across the entire width of the cabin and display welcome, locking, and unlocking animations. These lights also flash in conjunction with the turn signals or hazard lights.
The Q5’s interior is relatively roomy, uses decent materials, and has a simple layout. The flat-bottom steering wheel adds a sporty touch, and the interior is decorated with an attractive combination of leather, fabric, and metal, in keeping with Audi’s other SUV offerings. Despite the quality leather upholstery, the Q5’s front seats could use more cushioning.
The Q5 doesn’t have the most spacious second row in its segment, but it’s roomy enough for a six-footer to fit in without much difficulty. There are also a few second-row amenities, including two USB Type-C ports and optional heated seats.
The latest Q5 has a smaller cargo area than its predecessor, but still offers ample rear space for a vehicle in its segment. There’s 27.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats in the upright position; with the seats folded, that figure jumps to 56.9 cubic feet.
Tech
The 11.9-inch digital instrument panel is integrated with a larger 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. If that’s not enough, an additional 10.9-inch passenger display can be ordered. This screen features a privacy feature so the driver won’t be distracted while the front passenger browses the internet.
The infotainment system’s software is based on Google’s Android Automotive, but we still expect support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be standard. A head-up display is also an option, as is a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
- Infotainment system: 14.5-inch touchscreen, 10.9-inch passenger display (optional)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
- Audio System: 10-speaker audio system (standard), 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system (optional)
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2026 Audi Q5 Design
Underneath the new body, the 2026 Audi Q5 rides on the manufacturer’s Premium Platform Combustion architecture, which also powers the latest A5 liftback. The new styling is reminiscent of the sleek silhouette of the larger Q7, albeit in a compact package. Notable styling cues include a specific visual ratio between the glass and the rest of the body, giving the Q5 a distinctly SUV-like stance with a clean waistline that stretches from front to rear.
At the front, the hood extends almost to the grille, a premium touch. The headlights, shoulders, and rear are raised by more than an inch and a half in another effort to enhance the SUV-like design character. All models receive the new Audi badge. In the S-Line or SQ5 variants, the grille features a 3D honeycomb design with a surrounding frame.
Audi, known for its lighting innovation and determined to maintain that reputation, equips the Q5 lineup with a new headlight design where the upper section serves as the signature daytime running lights and the lower section houses the high and low beams. The daytime running lights (DRLs) can be configured to eight patterns, a feature shared with other models introduced as part of Audi’s new product line. Not available in the United States are the adaptive matrix LED headlights, Audi’s taillight warning and communication technology, or the animated digital lighting signature.
Audi has gone to great lengths to ensure that form follows function on the Q5’s exterior. One prominent example is the functional side air intakes on either side of the lower bumper. Fake exhaust tips are also a thing of the past, as Audi has opted to equip its SUVs with functional, all-metal exhaust tips for the Q5 and SQ5 models. The 2026 Audi Q5 gets two rectangular exhaust tips, while the SQ5 gets the automaker’s renowned four-tip design.
Along the SUV’s flanks, the bodywork has been reduced to a more subdued, refined look with large surfaces. However, the Q5 and SQ5 retain Audi’s signature “Quattro bulge,” the name the manufacturer gives to the muscular sculpting on each fender. Underneath, the Audi Q5 rides on 18- to 20-inch wheels, while the SQ5 rides on 20- or 21-inch wheels.
The Q5 and SQ5 are easily recognizable at night with their new taillight design. The sculpted lamp housings are connected via a light bar that stretches across the rear of the SUV. Following the headlights, the taillights are matched with one of eight available lighting designs. A brake light is located below the spoiler, which reflects the Quattro logo off the rear window for a unique design accent.
2026 Audi Q5 Engine
The upcoming version of Audi’s compact SUV in the United States comes with two engine options. The base Q5 gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 hp, a 7-hp increase over the upgraded TFSI 45 engine in the previous generation. All-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard. The current model reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, so expect the new model to match or slightly exceed that figure.
The SQ5 upgrade features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine producing 368 hp, a significant increase over the previous SQ5’s 349 hp. Like the regular Q5, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard. We’re confident the new SQ5 will beat the old model’s 4.7-second 0-60 mph acceleration by a few tenths of a second.
Internationally, mild-hybrid versions of the Q5 and SQ5 are available, but Audi will not bring the technology to the United States. A plug-in hybrid version may be offered in the future.
For suspension, the Q5 uses passive frequency-selective adaptive dampers, while the SQ5 gets a standard sport suspension, which is also available as an upgrade for the regular Q5. An optional air suspension setup is offered with active adaptive dampers that can be configured via Audi Drive Select modes. Audi says the sport and comfort modes of the suspension are tuned with a greater difference between the two settings. All Q5 models get an enhanced version of Audi’s progressive steering.
A 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and a seven-speed automatic transmission are standard. In our test of the new Q5, we found it to deliver a smooth and powerful performance.
The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers quick, almost imperceptible shifts and smooth operation at low city speeds, a problem with some other dual-clutch transmissions.
Revisions to the Q5’s steering system make it feel more responsive than before, but the lack of feedback leaves the driver less connected to the road during sharp turns.
The Q5’s suspension is well-tuned and delivers a smooth and stable ride on a variety of road surfaces. An air suspension is also available, which attempts to combine a smooth ride with sharper response on flat surfaces, with mostly satisfactory results.
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 268 hp
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Drive system: all-wheel drive
2026 Audi Q5 MPG
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy figures for the 2026 Q5, but last year’s model was rated at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The new model is mechanically identical, so its fuel economy estimates should be the same or similar.
- EPA City Fuel Consumption Rating: 22 mpg
- EPA Highway Rating: 30 mpg
Competitor
If you’re considering the Audi Q5, you have plenty of great competitors to consider. The Mercedes GLC has recently been updated and is arguably the most luxurious option in its segment.
The BMW X3 is also new for 2025 and features a completely new technology setup, just like the Q5. And don’t overlook the Genesis GV70; while this automaker doesn’t have the same strong brand image as others in its segment, the GV70 is a great vehicle and has a far superior warranty than its competitors.
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Security
Audi offers the third-generation Q5 with all the expected active safety features. Standard equipment hasn’t been finalized, but the manufacturer has indicated that global models will receive standard rear parking sensors, cruise control, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring.
Some features that will be optional in other markets may be available in the United States. These include Adaptive Driving Plus, which informs the Q5’s semi-autonomous system based on data and traffic to assist with acceleration, speed, safe following, and lane keeping.
Audi also offers Active Front Assist, which combines front emergency braking, collision avoidance assistance, turning assistance, and front cross traffic assistance.
Basic driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning are standard, but if you want more advanced features, you’ll have to pay for additional option packages.
Standard Safety Features: automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane departure warning
Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition
2026 Audi Q5 Price
The 2026 Audi Q5 is expected to start around $54,095 and go up to $60,000 depending on trim and options. We think the mid-range Premium Plus trim is a good choice. This trim includes attractive features like a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a heated steering wheel.
| Models | Prices |
| Premium | $54,095 |
| Premium Plus | $56,000 (est) |
| Prestige | $60,000 (est) |
2026 Audi Q5 Release Date
Audi has confirmed that the 2026 models will arrive in dealerships sometime in the first quarter of this year. There’s no specific release date yet, but it should be sooner rather than later. Furthermore, Audi needs 2026 to be a strong year, given last year’s sales performance.
Verdict
The 2026 Audi Q5 is a big step forward since it has a more comfortable interior, better performance, and a lot of digital features. The Q5 is a more sophisticated and business-focused luxury SUV thanks to its new dual-clutch transmission, more power, improved driver-assistance technologies, and multi-screen interior. The interface is heavy on screens, which may not be for everyone, but the whole package shows that Audi is dedicated to new ideas, efficiency, and a high-quality driving experience.
We will keep this post up to date with the most recent news and official facts on the 2026 Audi Q5 as the market changes. Visit our website for more in-depth and useful car articles. Bookmark this page now to remain up to speed on reliable car news and reviews.
