The Audi Q5 was completely redesigned last year, and it competes in the compact luxury SUV class. Primary competitors include the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but it is also cross-shopped against the Volvo XC60, Genesis GV70, Acura RDX, and Lexus NX. The 2026 Audi Q5 has three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
2026 Audi Q5 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Audi Q5
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Audi Q5
The entire Q5 lineup underwent a full redesign for the 2025 model year, including new exterior styling, updated LED lighting signatures, a restyled interior, and additional tech. Even so, the 2026 Audi Q5 features a digital redesign with a Multi-Media Interface (MMI) upgrade, an updated multifunction steering wheel, a new available Audi dashcam system, and standard Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance.
Design
Now in its third generation, the Audi Q5 has less austere lines, smoothing out some of the body line, giving it a curvier appearance. The new Matrix-Design LED headlight and OLED taillight technology offer up to eight digital light signatures. Standard wheels are 18 inches, but 19- and 20-inch wheels are available, depending on trim. While there aren’t any appearance packages available on the base Premium trim, both the Premium Plus and Prestige offer an S line black optic package with 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, black center wheel caps, dark chrome exhaust tips, and S line exterior elements.
Powertrain
The 2026 Audi Q5 is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It delivers 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard, as is a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Fuel economy comes in at 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, and it’s worth noting that premium fuel is recommended. The Q5 has a max tow rating of 4,400 pounds, which is more than most of its competitors.
Interior
The 2026 Audi Q5 has a futuristic vibe with a minimalist dash and a large screen that controls most of the vehicle’s functions. It comes standard with leather upholstery, aluminum interior accents, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The Q5 seats five and provides 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, or up to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
Technology
With its 2026 tech overhaul, the Q5 debuts an easier-to-use MMI touch display interface and adds new features, including an available dash cam, expanded voice control capabilities, and the return of the steering wheel scroll wheel. The 2026 Q5 has a standard single screen that houses the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit driver display and the 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Other standard tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, an updated Audi digital assistant, and a 10-speaker audio system. Available features include a 10.9-inch passenger display, head-up display, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, digital OLED taillights, and an adaptive air suspension. Audi also offers “experience worlds” scenarios with lighting, sound, massage, and climate-control settings to relax or invigorate. Plus, if buyers opt for a model with the passenger screen, they'll have in-car gaming options, with the ability to connect controllers and headphones via Bluetooth.
Safety
The 2026 Audi Q5 comes standard with a long list of safety features, including rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, drowsy-driver alert, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Available features include park assist, adaptive cruise control, and reverse automatic emergency braking. At the time of writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not crash tested the 2026 Q5. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized the 2026 Q5 with a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award, and NHTSA gave the 2025 model an overall safety rating of five out of five stars.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Audi Q5 went on sale in the first quarter of 2026. At the time of writing, the Premium trim is priced from $54,690. Premium Plus and Prestige start at $57,590 and $62,700, respectively. Those figures include a $1,295 destination charge. In order to get that 4,400-pound max towing capability, a trailer hitch will need to be added for $650, and if buyers want adaptive cruise control on the base Premium trim, they need to add the $1,000 Convenience Package, which also includes a heated steering wheel and the top-view camera system. The one other cost worth noting is that all exterior paint colors, except from white, add $595 to the bottom line.
