2023 Audi Q5 Review: Refined Practical and Still Very Audi

The 2023 Audi Q5 review starts with a simple truth: this is not the loudest compact luxury SUV, and Audi knows it. The Q5 has never been built to chase drama for the sake of attention. Instead, it focuses on the things Audi has traditionally done well, including clean design, a composed cabin, polished technology, confident traction, and a driving experience that feels mature rather than nervous.

That restraint is part of the Q5’s appeal. In a class crowded with SUVs trying to look more aggressive, sound more emotional, or feel more performance-focused than they really are, the Q5 takes a quieter route. It looks expensive without shouting. It drives with confidence without pretending to be a sports car. It feels premium in a way that makes sense after a long day, not just during a short test drive.

For 2023, Audi did not reinvent the Q5, but it made the kind of updates that matter to daily drivers. Adaptive cruise control became standard across the lineup, Premium Plus models gained a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the available plug-in hybrid continued to give buyers a more powerful and more efficient alternative to the standard gas models.

The Q5 also benefits from choice. Buyers can choose the regular SUV body or the sleeker Q5 Sportback. They can stay with the efficient 40 TFSI, move up to the stronger 45 TFSI, or choose the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid if they want the quickest and most flexible version of the standard Q5 family. That range gives the Audi a broader personality than its calm styling might suggest.

Still, the Q5 is not perfect. Some rivals feel more athletic, others offer more cargo space, and a few deliver stronger value for the money. The Audi’s personality is polished rather than playful, and that can make it feel a little conservative beside a Porsche Macan, Genesis GV70, BMW X3, or Mercedes-Benz GLC.

But that does not make the 2023 Audi Q5 weak. It makes it specific. This is a compact luxury SUV for buyers who want comfort, quality, technology, and all-weather confidence more than theater. It may not be the most exciting SUV in its class, but it remains one of the easiest to live with.

Our Take

The 2023 Audi Q5 is at its best when judged as a luxury SUV for real life. It is quiet, comfortable, well-built, and easy to drive every day. The steering is light but accurate, the ride quality is composed, and the cabin feels properly premium without becoming overly complicated.

The 45 TFSI is the version that best fits the Q5’s character. It has enough power to feel relaxed on highways and confident in passing situations, while still keeping the SUV smooth and efficient. The 40 TFSI works for buyers who prioritize price and fuel economy, but it can feel modest for a luxury vehicle carrying this badge. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid is the most interesting version because it adds stronger acceleration and short-distance electric driving, although its higher price only makes sense for buyers who can charge regularly.

Where the Q5 falls short is excitement. It is not dull, but it is not the SUV you buy because you want sharp handling or emotional feedback. Audi’s approach here is more about balance than thrill. For many luxury SUV shoppers, that balance will be exactly the point.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Refined and quiet cabin
• Standard quattro all-wheel drive
• Strong 45 TFSI and plug-in hybrid options
• Comfortable ride quality
• Clean exterior design
• Premium interior materials
• Standard adaptive cruise control for 2023
• Available Sportback body style
• Good technology interface and available Virtual Cockpit

Cons

• Base 40 TFSI can feel underpowered
• Some rivals are more exciting to drive
• Cargo space is good but not class-leading
• Touchscreen placement could be better integrated
• Plug-in hybrid value depends heavily on charging access
• Sportback version sacrifices some practicality

What’s New for 2023

For 2023, Audi gave the Q5 a small but useful update rather than a major redesign. The most important change is that adaptive cruise control became standard across all Q5 and SQ5 models. That matters because this feature fits the Q5’s relaxed personality perfectly, especially for highway commuting and slow traffic.

Premium Plus models also gained the Bang & Olufsen sound system as standard equipment, improving one of the trims Audi buyers are most likely to choose. The Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid received OLED taillights when equipped with certain appearance packages, while Chronos Gray replaced Quantum Gray in the color lineup.

None of these changes transform the Q5, but they make it feel better equipped for 2023. More importantly, they strengthen the case for the Premium Plus trim, which already sits in the most appealing part of the lineup.

Exterior Design

Audi rarely follows design trends, and the 2023 Q5 is a perfect example of why that strategy works. While some rivals rely on oversized grilles, exaggerated body lines, or aggressive styling packages to stand out, the Q5 takes a more restrained approach. It looks expensive because it is well-proportioned, not because it is trying to attract attention.

The front fascia is instantly recognizable thanks to Audi’s large Singleframe grille, crisp LED lighting signatures, and clean surfacing around the bumper. From the side, the Q5 avoids the bulky appearance that affects many compact SUVs. The roofline remains traditional and practical, the glass area is generous, and the wheel arches provide just enough visual muscle without making the vehicle look heavy.

What makes the Q5 age so gracefully is the absence of unnecessary styling tricks. A 2023 model still looks modern today because Audi focused on proportion and detail rather than fashion. Buyers who prefer a sportier appearance can choose the Sportback version, but the standard Q5 remains the more elegant and balanced design in the lineup.

Driving Experience

The first thing most drivers notice about the Q5 is not its acceleration or technology. It is the sense of calm. Audi engineered this SUV to make daily driving easier rather than more exciting, and that philosophy becomes obvious within the first few miles.

Around town, visibility is good, steering effort is light, and the vehicle feels smaller than its dimensions suggest. Parking lots, tight streets, and heavy traffic never feel stressful. Some luxury SUVs constantly remind you that they are performance vehicles. The Q5 does the opposite. It quietly goes about its business without demanding attention from the driver.

That relaxed character continues on the highway. Road noise is impressively controlled, wind noise is minimal, and the suspension settles into a comfortable rhythm during long-distance travel. This is where the Q5 arguably performs best. A three-hour drive feels significantly shorter because the cabin remains quiet and the vehicle never feels busy or unsettled.

Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system also deserves credit. Many owners may never push the system to its limits, but its value becomes obvious during rain, poor weather, or sudden changes in road conditions. The Q5 feels planted and secure in situations where some front-wheel-drive competitors begin to feel nervous.

The trade-off is that the Audi does not deliver the sharp responses of a BMW X3 or the athletic personality of a Porsche Macan. Enter a winding road and the Q5 remains competent, but it rarely encourages spirited driving. Body control is good, grip levels are strong, yet the experience remains composed rather than playful.

That is not a weakness. It is simply the personality Audi chose for this vehicle. The Q5 is built for buyers who spend far more time commuting, traveling, and carrying family members than attacking back roads on weekends. Viewed through that lens, Audi got the balance almost exactly right.

Performance and Acceleration

The standard 40 TFSI engine produces 201 horsepower, and while it handles daily driving duties adequately, it is not the version most buyers should choose. In a vehicle carrying a premium badge and competing in the luxury segment, the base powertrain can occasionally feel like it is working harder than expected.

The 45 TFSI is where the Q5 starts to feel complete. Its 261-horsepower output transforms the vehicle from merely adequate to genuinely confident. Highway merging becomes effortless, passing slower traffic requires less planning, and the overall driving experience feels more aligned with the expectations of luxury SUV buyers.

For those seeking the strongest performance without stepping up to the SQ5, the plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e is the hidden gem of the lineup. The combination of electric torque and turbocharged power gives it a noticeably stronger punch than either gasoline-only model. More importantly, the power arrives smoothly and immediately, reinforcing the refined personality that defines the Q5 as a whole.

Ride Comfort and Cabin Refinement

If there is one area where the 2023 Audi Q5 consistently outperforms expectations, it is refinement. Audi has spent years perfecting the art of making everyday driving feel effortless, and the Q5 benefits from that experience more than most vehicles in its class.

The suspension tuning strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control. Broken pavement, expansion joints, and rough urban streets are handled with a level of composure that immediately reminds you why the Q5 remains one of Audi’s best-selling models. It never feels floaty, yet it rarely allows harsh impacts to reach the cabin.

Long-distance travel is where the Q5 separates itself from many competitors. At highway speeds, wind noise is exceptionally well controlled, and road noise remains subdued even on less-than-perfect pavement. The result is a cabin environment that encourages conversation rather than competing with it.

Audi also deserves credit for the overall integration of the vehicle’s systems. The engine, transmission, suspension, and steering all operate with a shared sense of refinement. Nothing feels abrupt or overly aggressive. Instead, the Q5 delivers its capabilities in a smooth and predictable manner that becomes more appreciated the longer you live with it.

While the BMW X3 remains the driver’s choice in this segment and the Genesis GV70 arguably offers a more dramatic first impression, neither matches the Q5’s ability to make a daily commute feel so relaxed. This is a luxury SUV designed for people who spend hours on the road each week, and it fulfills that mission exceptionally well.

Interior and Luxury Feel

Audi’s reputation for interior quality was not built overnight, and the Q5 continues to justify that reputation. Open the door and you are greeted by a cabin that feels thoughtfully designed rather than overly styled.

Material quality remains one of the highlights. Soft-touch surfaces, precise switchgear, and excellent fit and finish create an immediate sense of craftsmanship. Even buyers stepping out of more expensive luxury vehicles are unlikely to find much to criticize.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Q5’s interior is how well it has aged. Many cabins that looked futuristic a few years ago now feel dated or cluttered. The Audi remains clean, elegant, and easy to understand, which is often the mark of good design rather than trendy design.

Technology and Infotainment

The Q5’s technology package reflects Audi’s broader philosophy: advanced features should improve the driving experience rather than dominate it. That approach helps the SUV feel modern without becoming unnecessarily complicated.

A 10.1-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece of the infotainment system. Graphics are sharp, responses are quick, and the interface is straightforward enough that most owners will feel comfortable after only a few days of use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration further improve everyday convenience.

Audi’s Virtual Cockpit remains one of the standout features in the segment. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster presents navigation, media, vehicle data, and driving information with impressive clarity. Several competitors have introduced similar systems, but Audi’s execution remains among the most polished.

Higher trims also benefit from features such as wireless charging and the excellent Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The latter is particularly impressive, delivering rich sound quality that enhances everything from podcasts to long road-trip playlists.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is not usually the first reason buyers choose a luxury SUV, but the Q5 performs well enough to avoid becoming a burden in daily ownership. The standard 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI models deliver competitive efficiency for a vehicle that comes equipped with standard quattro all-wheel drive, a feature that many rivals still charge extra for.

The most interesting option remains the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. With the ability to cover shorter daily commutes on electric power alone, it can dramatically reduce fuel consumption for owners who charge regularly. For the right buyer, it is the most efficient and arguably the most versatile version of the Q5 lineup.

That said, the 45 TFSI continues to be the sweet spot. It offers stronger performance than the base engine while maintaining respectable fuel economy, making it the powertrain that best matches the Q5’s balanced personality.

Practicality and Cargo Space

One reason the Q5 has remained such an important vehicle for Audi is its ability to blend luxury with genuine usability. While some competitors prioritize style at the expense of practicality, the Q5 remains easy to live with day after day.

The rear seat comfortably accommodates adults, and families will appreciate the generous access provided by the wide-opening rear doors. Child seats are relatively easy to install, and passengers in the second row enjoy enough space for longer journeys without feeling cramped.

Cargo capacity is competitive for the segment, though not class-leading. The Acura RDX and a few other rivals offer slightly more space behind the second row, but the difference is rarely significant in real-world use. Grocery runs, airport pickups, luggage, sports equipment, and weekend road trips are all handled without complaint.

Fold the rear seats down and the cargo area becomes substantially more useful. The flat load floor and flexible seating configuration make it easier to transport larger items when necessary, adding another layer of versatility to the Q5’s appeal.

For buyers focused on practicality above all else, the standard Q5 remains the better choice over the Sportback. The sleeker roofline looks attractive, but the traditional body style simply makes better use of its available space.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Audi has never relied on flashy marketing claims when discussing safety, preferring instead to build a comprehensive package of driver-assistance technologies that work quietly in the background.

Every 2023 Q5 comes equipped with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. These features have become increasingly common across the segment, but Audi integrates them smoothly without overwhelming the driver with constant alerts.

The biggest update for 2023 is the addition of adaptive cruise control as standard equipment across the lineup. This change strengthens the Q5’s value proposition considerably, especially for buyers who spend significant time commuting or traveling on highways.

Available systems such as Traffic Jam Assist and Audi’s broader suite of driver-assistance technologies further enhance the ownership experience. While the Q5 is not a self-driving vehicle, its technology can reduce fatigue during longer journeys and make everyday driving less stressful.

Just as importantly, these systems operate with the same refinement that characterizes the rest of the vehicle. The alerts are generally well-calibrated, interventions feel natural, and the technology supports the driver rather than distracting from the driving experience.

Competitors Worth Considering

The compact luxury SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, and the Q5 faces no shortage of talented rivals. Buyers looking for a more engaging driving experience will likely gravitate toward the BMW X3, which delivers sharper steering, stronger road feel, and a sportier overall character.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC remains one of the Q5’s closest competitors. It offers an upscale interior, a comfortable ride, and the prestige associated with the Mercedes badge. In recent generations, the GLC has also become more technology-focused, making it particularly appealing to buyers who prioritize digital features.

The Genesis GV70 has emerged as perhaps the most disruptive player in the segment. It combines striking design, a premium cabin, generous standard equipment, and strong value for money. While Genesis lacks the long-established reputation of Audi, it has quickly become a serious alternative to the traditional German brands.

Acura’s RDX deserves consideration as well. It may not feel as luxurious as the Audi in certain areas, but it delivers impressive practicality, competitive performance, and a lower ownership cost that appeals to value-conscious buyers.

What ultimately separates the Q5 from these competitors is balance. It may not dominate any single category, but few vehicles blend comfort, refinement, technology, practicality, and all-weather capability as effectively as Audi’s compact luxury SUV.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

The Premium Plus 45 TFSI is the version of the 2023 Audi Q5 that makes the most sense for the majority of buyers.

While the entry-level Premium trim provides a solid list of standard equipment, the Premium Plus adds several features that significantly improve the ownership experience. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded technology features, and the Bang & Olufsen premium audio system help justify the additional cost without pushing the vehicle into Prestige-level pricing.

Equally important is the choice of engine. The 45 TFSI delivers the performance that many buyers expect from a luxury SUV without sacrificing efficiency or everyday usability. It feels noticeably more confident than the base 40 TFSI while avoiding the higher price premium associated with the plug-in hybrid model.

For shoppers seeking the best combination of value, comfort, technology, and performance, the Premium Plus 45 TFSI stands out as the clear recommendation.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2023 Audi Q5 succeeds by focusing on the qualities that matter most in daily ownership. It is comfortable, refined, well-built, technologically advanced, and practical enough to serve as a family vehicle without feeling oversized or cumbersome.

Some competitors offer sharper handling. Others provide more cargo space or stronger value on paper. Yet very few deliver the same sense of polish that defines the Q5. Audi has spent years refining this formula, and the result is a vehicle that feels mature, confident, and exceptionally easy to live with.

The Q5 is not designed for buyers chasing excitement above all else. Instead, it targets those who value comfort during a long commute, appreciate a thoughtfully designed interior, and want a luxury SUV that performs every task with competence and consistency.

If your priorities include refinement, premium craftsmanship, advanced technology, and year-round confidence from standard quattro all-wheel drive, the 2023 Audi Q5 remains one of the strongest choices in the compact luxury SUV segment.

FAQ

Is the 2023 Audi Q5 a reliable luxury SUV?

The 2023 Audi Q5 is generally considered one of the more refined and dependable vehicles in the compact luxury SUV segment. While long-term reliability can vary depending on maintenance habits, the Q5 benefits from a well-established platform, strong build quality, and proven powertrains. Owners who follow Audi’s recommended service schedule are likely to enjoy a positive ownership experience.

Which engine is best in the 2023 Audi Q5?

For most buyers, the 45 TFSI is the best choice. It produces 261 horsepower, delivers noticeably stronger acceleration than the base 40 TFSI, and maintains competitive fuel economy. It strikes the best balance between performance, efficiency, and value across the Q5 lineup.

Does the 2023 Audi Q5 come with standard all-wheel drive?

Yes. Every 2023 Audi Q5 comes equipped with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard. This gives the Q5 an advantage in poor weather conditions and helps improve traction and stability throughout the year, regardless of trim level.

Is the Audi Q5 better than the BMW X3?

That depends on what you value most. The BMW X3 is generally more engaging to drive and offers sharper handling, while the Audi Q5 focuses more on ride comfort, cabin refinement, and overall daily usability. Buyers who prioritize comfort and luxury often prefer the Q5, while driving enthusiasts may lean toward the X3.

Is the 2023 Audi Q5 worth buying in the used luxury SUV market?

Yes. The 2023 model remains a strong choice for used luxury SUV shoppers thanks to its premium interior, advanced technology, comfortable ride quality, standard all-wheel drive, and wide range of available trims. A well-maintained Q5 can offer much of the luxury experience found in newer models at a significantly lower price.