View Photos of the 2021 Audi Q5 45
Audi's bestselling model, the Q5 compact crossover, gains a light, mid-cycle refresh for the 2021 model year.
To better align its top-selling model with its newer SUVs, Audi has lightly refreshed the Q5 crossover for 2021. For the standard-grade Q5 45 model, the updates include a revised turbo-four engine, a few exterior styling tweaks, and the fitment of Audi's latest MIB 3 infotainment system.
The 2021 Audi Q5 45 carries a base price of $44,395, which is a mere $100 more than the 2020 version.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four continues to power the standard Q5, as well as the plug-in hybrid Q5 55 model. The engine still produces 273 pound-feet of torque, but minor revisions up the horsepower count by nine for a total of 261. A mild-hybrid system also has been added, but it doesn't contribute to the vehicle's propulsion.
A quick- and smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard on all four-cylinder Q5s. While it does an admirable impression of a conventional torque-converter automatic, we did notice some slight hesitations when setting off at low speeds.
Our Q5 45 test car ran to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds—0.2 seconds quicker than the 2018 model we last tested.
Compared to the previous Q5 2.0T we tested, the updated model averaged the same 21 mpg while in our care, yet it posted a 2-mpg improvement on our 75-mph highway test, returning 28 mpg—matching its EPA rating.
On its optional 20-inch wheels (19s are standard) and all-season tires, the 2021 Q5 45 stuck to the skidpad with 0.86 g of grip, which is 0.05 g better than before.
Revised front and rear ends and a new (massive) grille design distinguish the 2021 Q5.
We dig the Q5's new bright paint colors—District Green and Ultra Blue—that are available on the plug-in hybrid and SQ5 versions, but the standard 45 model is limited to six greyscale hues and a single dark-blue finish.
Our $53,040 test car included the mid-level $4800 Premium Plus trim package, which added a panoramic sunroof, an excellent 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with Audi's Traffic Jam assist, and a few other features.
The highlight of the Q5's interior upgrades include a new 10.1-inch center touchscreen that runs Audi's latest MIB 3 infotainment software.
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
2021 Audi Q5 45
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