2023 Audi Q5

Audi’s best-selling vehicle is the Q5 crossover, and it earns this via sharp styling, a quiet and comfortable cabin, decent load space and a wide array of available tech. Other rivals may be more fun to drive, but the Q5’s broad spectrum appeals to a wide audience. Audi adds a host of new standard features for 2023 – memory for driver’s seat and mirrors, shift paddles, wireless phone charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and front and rear park sensors.

Performance

The base Q5 40 Komfort uses Audi’s 2.0L turbo-four making 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The three subsequent “45” models get an upgraded version of the 2.0L with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system that pushes output to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. Power is routed through a 7-speed S tronic auto and quattro all-wheel-drive. Handling is stable, but not particularly involving.

Practicality

The Q5 might not be the roomiest in its class, but with 725 L of cargo space (seats up) and 1516 L (seats down) it is plenty useful. The 40/20/40 rear bench enables multiple load configurations. We would ask for more useful front cabin storage. When properly equipped, the Q5 will tow up to 4400 lbs.

Canadian Pricing

Part of the Q5’s market success is its pricing which undercuts rival Europeans in this segment. The Komfort 40 starts at $45,250 and this comes with 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, 10.1-inch display, power tailgate, leather and a comprehensive list of safety systems. The 2023 Q5 line tops out with the $59,450 Technik 45.