The Audi Q5 is a long-running SUV with sporty leanings and lively powertrains, but the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model brings the best of those elements with the added benefits of fantastic fuel economy and all-electric driving range.

What’s New for the 2023 Audi Q5 PHEV

Audi made adaptive cruise control standard for the 2023 model year, and a Bang and Olufsen audio system now comes standard for the Premium Plus trim. The PHEV gets new OLED taillights, and Audi also shuffled a couple of paint colors for the new model year.

Design

The Q5 design hasn’t changed drastically for many years, but Audi’s done enough to keep it modern. The SUV comes standard with LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, and it rides on 18-inch wheels. Higher trims add 19-inch wheels, and the top Prestige trim gets matrix LED headlights with washers.

Powertrain

The Q5’s plug-in hybrid powertrain includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine for 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard, and power reaches the wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The hybrid system offers good acceleration and plenty of power in most situations. It also brings 23 miles of electric-only driving range, which is less than some rivals offer—even models costing thousands less.

Interior

Audi’s interiors are typically head and shoulders above the competition, and the 2023 Q5 range is no exception. The Q5 PHEV gets upscale materials, and leather upholstery comes standard. The Prestige trim adds ventilated front seats, and all models feature a handsomely designed cabin. Cargo space is just ok, with only 25.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and up to 54.1 cubic feet with the bench folded flat.

Technology

Audi equips a 10.1-inch touchscreen as standard, running Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. HD radio, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, USB inputs, and three-zone automatic climate control come standard. Available tech includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an upgraded audio system, navigation, wireless charging, and more. Audi’s excellent virtual cockpit system is also available, bringing configurable gauges and detailed informational displays to the driver’s line of sight.

Safety

The 2023 Audi Q5 Hybrid Plug-In comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure warnings, lane-keep assist, forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a rearview camera system. Audi offers a head-up display, a surround-view camera, traffic-sign recognition, and an automated parking-assistance system.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Audi Q5 Hybrid Plug-In starts at $57,400 for the “base” Premium trim. The mid-range Premium Plus starts at $61,700, and the top Prestige starts at $67,000