2021 Audi Q5 Test Drive And Review: Just Right

Audi’s 2021 lineup is jam-packed, with over three dozen vehicles among the A, Q, R, S, RS, SQ, and TT models and variants. And the best-selling model in the whole lineup is the Q5, which I wouldn’t have guessed at first blush. Then I spent a few days behind the wheel of a 2021 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro (a long name that Audi tells me is EPA-regulated), and it made sense to me.

There’s a reason the mid-sized crossover SUV like Q5 has exploded in popularity over the past few years – it’s the Goldilocks Phenomenon. Not too big, not too small, but just right.

The Q5 is a sharp-looking crossover vehicle that carries the Audi design language well, while still maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It has an expressive face, with LED headlights squinting out beside the big Audi Singleframe grille, all sporting horizontal elements that emphasize width. The body features crisp character lines, and the greenhouse is like a protective shell. The rear features bold, large taillamps. Overall, a very classy, modern appearance from stem to stern with exceptional fit and finish everywhere you look 

Inside, things are similarly classy and modern. While the Q5 is packed with technology, it maintains an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs are smartly grouped and segregated by function, and there’s a unity of design that is very pleasing. There’s a real authenticity to the materials, with real wood, real metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen floats at the top of the center stack, just where it should be to be in the driver’s line of sight. The second row is also nicely appointed, with standard leather seating surfaces throughout. 

Q5 gets Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen interface, and as always, it’s impressive. The new center-console touchpad is easy to use and master. The Audi virtual cockpit plus is available with a 12.3-inch HD display with three views: classic, sport and dynamic. It’s a clear, good-looking and customizable instrument panel that elevates the cabin to another level of futuristic tech. Combine this with the color/mood-adjustable LED ambient interior cabin lights, and Q5 achieves an impressive level of customization. Choose the Prestige Package, and the Navigation package is included. Navigation is available as an option on Premium Plus, and not available on the base model. 

A new feature, the Integrated Toll Module (ITM) is standard on all Q5 models. It is a built-in transponder that’s compatible with most toll road services in the United States – a great upgrade from the lumpy transponders that Velcro to your windshield. 

A great-sounding Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier is available on Premium Plus models and standard on Prestige. Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, and works like a charm.

Thanks to smart packaging, there’s 25.85 cubic feet of space behind the second row; fold down the second row, and you can haul up to 54.06 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row. 

There’s a reasonable amount of legroom in the second row (38.0 inches) and plenty of headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). Two adults can sit comfortably behind adults in the first row, and a third adult can squeeze in for shorter rides when absolutely necessary. Front seat passenger and driver are treated to a pair of Audi’s super-comfortable and supportive seats with a wide range of adjustment, heating and, on Prestige models, ventilation. 

The front row gets a pair of cupholders, and several cubbies and nooks for phones, change, chargers and junk. The center console armrest lifts to reveal a small storage bin. Reflective of its uncluttered design, everything inside functions well and has been laid out smartly. 

Q5 is a fun crossover vehicle to drive. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct gasoline-injection engine puts out 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and uses a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission with standard quattro all-wheel drive, capable of producing 0 – 60 mph runs of 5.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 130 mph. Q5 uses speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering, and has a wider-than-expected turning diameter of 39.4 feet. This can come as a surprise during a first drive if you attempt perpendicular parking maneuvers (as you should), but quickly becomes a non-issue with familiarity. Four-wheel independent suspension is standard, with five-link setups front and rear. Handling is good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balances comfort with road feel. Body roll is minimal and controlled, and braking is powerful and predictable. 

The Q5 is equipped with six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi pre sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks in the rear doors, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, anti-theft alarm, interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, LATCH connectors on outboard rear seats, a rearview camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). 

Available driver assistance features include Audi advanced key, Audi pre sense rear, Audi side assist with rear cross-traffic assist, parking system plus, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, park steering assist, traffic sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro is available in three trim levels: Premium (starting at $43,300); Premium Plus (starting at $48,100); and Prestige (starting at $54,000). There’s also an Audi Q5 55, a plug-in hybrid version of Q5 (add about $8,000 to the price of a Q5 45), and a high-performance SQ5 (add about $8,500 to the Q5 45). If you’re in the market for a compact luxury crossover, you should also drive the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Lincoln Nautilus, Cadillac XT5, and others in this popular class.

The Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro has a lot going for it. A fun driving experience, impressive technology, and overall quality look and feel, it’s a compelling vehicle – no wonder it’s the best-seller in Audi’s compelling lineup.