2021 Audi Q5 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
What's happening to SUVs these days? Once burly, brawny, and built to go anywhere, the SUV category is increasingly populated by sleek models meant to make a fashion statement. That's exactly what the Audi Q5 Sportback is. Simply put, Audi takes its best-selling crossover and changes the roofline to deliver a trendy, eye-catching look. Other than compromised cargo capacity and second-row headroom, the Q5 Sportback shares the majority of its hardware and features with the standard Q5.
See more information and specifications for the standard Audi Q5 here.
Performance and Fuel Economy
All Q5 Sportback models feature Audi's Quattro AWD system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Q5 Sportback's standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-four supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system; total output comes to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. We estimate 0-60 mph acceleration at about 6.0 seconds. Fuel economy should rate at about 22/28 mpg city/highway.
Sportier performance comes in the SQ5 Sportback, which uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration to 60 mph should take about 5.0 seconds. EPA-rated fuel economy for the standard SQ5 is 18/24 mpg, and the SQ5 Sportback should be similar.
Safety
The NHTSA gives the standard Q5 a five-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score. If the Q5 Sportback ever gets NHTSA-tested, it should achieve a similarly high score.
Blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear-end collision mitigation are among the Q5 Sportback's standard driver-assist and active safety features. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist are optional or included depending on trim.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Fashion often comes at the expense of practicality, and that's no different with the Q5 Sportback, which has slightly less cargo space than the standard Q5. The Sportback has 24.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind its second row, which compares to 25.1 cubic feet in the standard Q5. Folding the second row down increases capacity to 52.3 and 53.1 cubic feet, respectively. Second-row headroom is also slightly less in the Sportback than the standard Q5, but front-row headroom and legroom should be about the same.
Technology
A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, as is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and an integrated toll transponder. Higher-end trims feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and 360-degree parking camera system.
