2026 Audi Q5

Having just entered an all-new generation midway through the 2025 model year, the 2026 Audi Q5 is expected to carry forward into the new model year with few, if any, changes. That’s not a problem for Audi fans, however, as the all-new Q5 is an attractive, feature-packed compact luxury SUV that looks poised to continue its status as the brand’s best-seller.

The Q5’s price is competitive, slightly undercutting main rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. If value is a primary consideration in your compact luxury SUV, consider the Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and Lexus NX, which are priced close to the Audi or even lower.

Before you buy a Q5, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. Resale values for the Q5 are slightly below average for the segment. Recouping as much money as possible when it’s time to move on to your next vehicle means more money in your pocket, lower payments, or a bigger down payment.

Last year’s updates moved the Q5 lineup to a single powertrain, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The same engine provides motivation for all three available trims. Audi says this engine, paired with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and the standard 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, will accelerate the Q5 from a stop to 60 mph in a brisk 5.8 seconds and onward to a top speed of 130 mph.

If the all-new Q5 adheres to the same dynamic style as the previous model, it should fit somewhere between the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC in sportiness, with a balanced take on both pace and comfort.

Fuel Economy

The Q5’s 25 mpg combined puts it just a bit behind its key rivals. The BMW X3 xDrive30i, for instance, is rated at 29 mpg combined, the Lexus NX 250 AWD scores 28 mpg combined, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic gets 26 mpg combined.

Audi’s interiors have a reputation for tasteful elegance, and the Q5’s cabin is no exception. Materials, fit, finish, and features are all top-notch.

The Q5’s interior space is competitive, with 40.9 inches of front legroom and 38 inches in the rear. Cargo volume is also good, up somewhat from the previous Q5, at 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row, or 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The all-new 2026 BMW X3, on the other hand, offers even more space, with 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, or 67.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down — so much space it’s almost a size class up from the Q5

Like its interior design ethos, Audi’s exterior design emphasizes premium elements through subtle, understated details. Rather than trying to blow minds or break necks, the Q5 is happy simply to capture one’s gaze and hold it.

Dynamic interaction light
This new dash-spanning LED strip helps communicate additional visual cues to the driver and occupants about the car’s status. For instance, the strip can provide a welcoming light when the vehicle is unlocked, or enhance the output of the Virtual Cockpit display with additional visual aids.

New, larger HUD
With a 7-inch wide, 3-inch tall virtual display, the new  head-up display (HUD) offers significantly more real estate than the previous model’s HUD. For the first time, the HUD can also now display vehicle, phone call, and infotainment information, too.

Audi assistant
Audi’s latest in-car digital assistant gets a new on-screen avatar as well as a host of more advanced functions, including weather forecasts, automation of routines, and even proactive suggestions for climate control or seat settings based on contextual information.

Although more powertrains are likely coming to the Q5 soon, so far, just a single offering is available across the three trim lines. The 2026 Q5’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine comes with standard all-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s rated for 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. That’s typical among luxury brands. New for 2026, Audi is including three years of pre-paid maintenance for new vehicles.

Safety Ratings

The all-new Q5 hasn’t yet been crash tested, but the outgoing generation of Audi Q5 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), its second-highest accolade. The previous Q5 also took a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.