The 2023 Q5 Sportback may have the appearance of a sportier SUV, but it isn't any more dynamic than the standard Q5. And when you couple that with the fact that there's less rear headroom and a slightly smaller cargo area due to the sloping rear roof, it becomes even less appealing. The cabin features lots of high-quality materials, but it comes up a bit short in overall comfort and ease of use too. With so many choices in the small luxury SUV class, the Q5 Sportback feels just adequate.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
Pros
Quiet and spacious cabin
Top-notch interior craftsmanship
Lots of standard equipment, including all-wheel drive
Cons
Disappointing acceleration
Some rivals deliver sportier handling
Mediocre storage space
What's new
Adaptive cruise control is now standard equipment
Premium Plus trim now includes Bang & Olufsen premium audio
Part of the first Q5 Sportback generation introduced for 2021
Adaptive cruise control is now standard equipment
Overview
Coupe-like SUVs began showing up in 2008, offering a sportier silhouette than the typical boxy SUV. The unfortunate trade-off comes with a cut in rear passenger headroom and cargo capacity, which runs counters to a central appeal of an SUV. In recent years several luxury brands have introduced their own models with tapering rooflines. Audi was fairly late to the coupe-like SUV game when it introduced the Q5 Sportback in 2021, but it seems like time well spent.
We are Autohaus Lancaster-a VW, Porsche, Audi dealer in wonderful Lancaster, Pa. Thank you for viewing our 2023 Premium plus Q5 Sportback with 23k mil...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA15AAFY1P2068421 Stock: 8967A Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 02-11-2025
Unlike its coupe-shaped rivals, the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback makes few sacrifices to interior space. You'll lose about 2 inches of rear headroom but just less than a cubic foot of cargo capacity compared to the standard Q5. This year, the Q5 adds further enticement with standard adaptive cruise control for all models and premium audio for the midrange trim.
Unfortunately, the Q5 Sportback is handicapped by a noticeable delay in acceleration, making it feel much slower than it is. We cover that, and the rest of the Q5's advantages and drawbacks, in detail in our Expert Rating below. Check it out to see how it compares to our favorites in the class, including the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Genesis GV70.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2023 Q5 Sportback may have the appearance of a sportier SUV, but it isn't any more dynamic than the standard Q5. And when you couple that with the fact that there's less rear headroom and a slightly smaller cargo area due to the sloping rear roof, it becomes even less appealing. The cabin features lots of high-quality materials, but it comes up a bit short in overall comfort and ease of use too. With so many choices in the small luxury SUV class, the Q5 Sportback feels just adequate.
How does the Q5 Sportback drive? Our Q5 Sportback accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds at our test track. That's a respectably quick time for a small luxury SUV with a base engine. Out in real-world driving, however, the engine sometimes feels overworked and there's a noticeable delay when you press the gas pedal.
Braking is the opposite — it feels good on the street and makes it easy to bring the Audi to a smooth stop. But in our track performance braking testing, our Sportback needed 129 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is longer than average. The antilock braking system is pretty noisy too.
Other downsides include overly vague and imprecise steering (you don't get a good feel for the road) and an engine stop-start system that's overly jarring when it fires the engine back up. The Q5 Sportback does have good grip and poise when you push it hard around turns, but it's the singular bright spot amid otherwise middling performance.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Q5 Sportback? Our test Q5 Sportback came in the Prestige trim with the superbly comfortable front sport seats that have heating and ventilation. These front seats are the single most premium item in the cabin. Sitting in the driver's seat, you feel very well insulated from the outside world.
However, there are issues with ride comfort. The suspension sends vibration from the road to your seat, making it unavoidable that you will feel cracks and bumps in the pavement. It's not especially firm or sporty — it's just constantly busy. The lack of a refined ride quality is unusual in luxury SUVs of this caliber, and we expect more from the Q5 Sportback.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? With the Sportback design, it can be a bit more difficult to get in and out than the standard Q5 — especially for tall passengers. But once you're inside, the cabin is spacious whether you're sitting in the front or the back seat. We also like the commanding driving position that provides impressive outward visibility.
The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen looks great, but it's mounted to the top of the dashboard like a tacked-on tablet. That looks a little awkward, and it's even stranger to use. There is no dial or touchpad controller, so you need to poke and swipe to operate the infotainment system. This feels like it could be made easier.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Audi's navigation maps are clear and easy to read, with accurate turn-by-turn directions. Our test vehicle came with a rich and voluminous Bang & Olufsen stereo system that certainly scores some luxury points. The advanced driver aids also performed well. Adaptive cruise control is helpful to use on the freeway, and you can't possibly miss the flashing blind-spot warning lights — we actually wish they weren't as bright.
There were a few hiccups. Though wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration comes standard, connection issues forced us to plug in via a USB port. Bluetooth compatibility worked well, and our vehicle included a wireless charging station. Don't expect much from the voice activation system, which requires you to adhere to strict prompts.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? At 24.7 cubic feet, the Q5 Sportback's trunk is average for the class and only slightly smaller than the standard Q5's below the window beltline. Stack items higher and you'll notice a bigger difference. There are a few tie-down points inside but no underfloor storage. Small-item storage inside the cabin is a bit below average. There's an average-size center console and two small trays that could hold some business cards but not much else.
When so equipped, the Q5 boasts a maximum towing capacity up to 4,400 pounds, which is strong for the class. Only a few competitors can match it. For parents, the easily accessible car seat points and roomy back seat should make it easy to install even the bulkiest of rear-facing infant seats.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Q5 Sportback gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in combined driving (23 city/28 highway). That's higher than the estimates for the BMW X3 xDrive30i and Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic. Our test vehicle returned 26.8 mpg on our evaluation loop in real-world driving, which indicates this estimate should be accurate.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Q5 Sportback a good value? Build quality is a hallmark of Audi vehicles, and the Q5 Sportback is true to the brand. The interior panels exhibit a tight fit throughout the cabin, and there's an interesting mixture of authentic metals, leathers and woods inside. Some competitors do a better job of wowing you with crystals or flashy styling, but the Q5 Sportback brings a lot to the table.
The Sportback's base price is appealing for a luxury SUV considering you get standard all-wheel drive. But by the time you get up to the Prestige trim, pretty much every rival offers the same impressive set of features. There isn't a whole lot that separates the Audi from the pack at this price. Audi offers only four years/50,000 miles of coverage for the basic and powertrain warranties, which is merely average for the class.
Wildcard
6.5/10
While the Q5 Sportback might be more visually appealing to some than the standard model, it's relatively uninspiring to drive. There's nothing dynamically impressive to spark driver interest or set it apart from the current crop of luxury SUVs. If you're looking for driving fun, an upgrade to the sportier SQ5 model might be your best bet.
Which Q5 Sportback does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest stepping up to the midrange Premium Plus trim because it gets you plenty of upgrades for a reasonable cost. The digital instrument panel (or Virtual Cockpit in Audi speak) and premium audio spice up the interior, and you also benefit from added safety features and the included Convenience package.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback models
The 2023 Q5 Sportback comes in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (261 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque) designated as the 45 TSFI. A seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. A high-performance version, the SQ5 Sportback, is reviewed separately on Edmunds.
Premium The Premium trim comes with most of the standard features you'd expect in a luxury car. Highlights include:
19-inch wheels
LED headlights
Panoramic sunroof
Power liftgate
Heated mirrors
Keyless ignition
Three-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable, heated front sport seats
Leather upholstery
10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Rear-seat USB charge ports
10-speaker sound system
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Automatic high beams
Front and rear parking sensors
The optional Convenience package adds useful features such as:
Hands-free keyless entry
Driver's seat memory settings
Power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Satellite radio
Premium Plus The Premium Plus includes all Convenience package features and additional comfort features and driver aids:
Synthetic leather on door armrests and center console
Digital instrument panel
19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
Traffic Jam Assist (adaptive cruise control and lane keeping system for low-speed driving in traffic)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Q5 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
The Premium Plus also offers options that include:
Navigation system
Warm Weather package
Ventilated front seats
Rear window sunshades
Prestige The Prestige comes with the full complement of features, including:
Matrix-design LED headlights (high beams selectively block sections to prevent blinding oncoming traffic)
Interior ambient lighting
Sound-insulating front side windows
Ventilated front seats
Rear window sunshades
Heated rear seats
Heated and cooled cupholders
Navigation system
Wireless smartphone charging with a signal booster
Traffic sign reader
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Semi-automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Other notable options for the Q5 Sportback include rear-seat side airbags and:
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
I have my 2023 Q5 Sportback four months and it is a disaster. Right from the showroom it began to exhibit problems. Audi service could not fix the MMI so the car acted irrationally. I had the same issue as another reviewer did with the car stopping while in the middle of driving and the seatbelt tightening up so much that it was near choking me and the other person in the vehicle. The … car does not get anywhere near the mileage suggested and each day I drive it, there is another issue to deal with. Audi’s Customer Service is nonexistent, their Audi Advocates do nothing, the dealership is unwilling to admit there are issues, the dealership owner is arrogant, never a loaner for all the times they have had the car, no reimbursement for Uber and Lyft charges and no response from their Sales Team. I always wanted an Audi but this proved to me that I should have stayed with the Japanese luxury cars. They out perform this car ten times over. Cheap materials make up this Mexican car..it isn’t German any longer with most of it produced in Mexico. It’s grossly uncomfortable, the seats feeling like they are made of boulders and not cushions, the technology works when it wants so don’t count on it performing for you. It’s fairly miserable to drive so I’m stuck with it for a little while because you cannot easily sell a new but four month old car without taking a great loss. Move on from Audi and those out there looking, just don’t! I would have given it zero stars if possible on this rating.
Audi Q5 Sportbak
5 out of 5 stars
Paul, 07/04/2022
2022 Audi Q5 Sportback Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
I’ve owned Audi’s since 2002 and just find these are the cars for me. I’ve tried driving other cars in its class, but always come back to the drive and feel of Audi’s. I’ve had two A4s, two Q5s and now the Q5 Sportback. The Sportback is just an unbelievably nice all around car. I’ve read the reviews as compared to other like class cars which claim a lack of performance but frankly this … car with 2.0 engine is enough for me as I’m not in any drag race and I like the smooth but firm ride. All my Audi’s have been reliable except the 2009 which had an issue with oil burn. I gave my 2012 to my son which he’s now up to 110,000 miles. He’s had to replace a wheel sensor which was $600 and now needs to replace original 10 year old battery. Not bad for a 10 year car. Needless to say, I’m an Audi fan and the new technology and displays are great.
Fun to drive, with all the bells and whistles
5 out of 5 stars
Troy Smith, 05/18/2022
2022 Audi Q5 Sportback Prestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
Traded in my leased 2020 Q5 Premium Plus for this Q5 Sportback. I really like the sleeker styling and there is very little cargo capacity lost from the more coupe like roof line. This Prestige trim has all the tech that you could ask for, the only minor issue is that, due to chip shortages, there is no wireless phone charger, which my previous Q5 had. I believe that the Q5 is a better … overall value, feature for feature, than either the X3 or the GLC. I’m looking forward to many happy years with this vehicle.
Does Audi pay for good reviews?
2 out of 5 stars
Notanaudi, 02/03/2022
2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
I’m confused on so many levels. First, I paid $58k for my sport back and got $1500 off so the pricing is off. Pro: I love the way it drives but this is the only pro. Cons: I had this car for less than 1 year and it had 2 extremely unsafe recalls. The first one I would be driving, get ready to turn and my car would slam on its breaks and strangle me with the seatbelt. I had my … Audi serviced and they fixed this. The second one my car could just stop because of a fail safe. We have never spilled anything in the backseat but you should obviously be able to do that. Most of the time kids Are in the back seat. All of a sudden my car was acting weird and I checked to see if Audi had a recall. Sure thing, recall. Oh your car can just stop in the middle of the road. I called Audi.
They didn’t have the parts to correct the problem, didn’t know when they would have them, and have no loaners because they sold them. I asked well, what do your customers do because this is a huge safety issue and you have no solution? You can contact customer service. That was the response. My response was to trade in my car for a different brand. I have never ever had these issues and I will never buy another Audi. It should’ve been a red flag when the finance guy was freaking out when I wouldn’t buy the prepaid services. It really was a red flag but I ignored it. This brand is extremely unsafe.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q5 Sportback since its last redesign.
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