2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid Plug-in Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$51,900 to $61,700

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(3 reviews)
2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid Plug-in Preview summaryImage

Audi’s mid-size crossover gets a mild refresh for 2021, with a new front end and fresh bumpers, after its 2018 redesign. There’s a slight power upgrade for the base 2.0-liter engine as well—13 extra horses—but for those who want a little more oomph without jumping up to the SQ5’s V6, the new-for-last-year Q5 Plug-in Hybrid pairs an electric motor powered by a 14.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack to the 2.0-liter inline-four engine for a big power jump.

With this powertrain, the Q5 rolls with an impressive 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque while still offering buyers up to 20 miles of all-electric range. With the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission keeping things quick and sporty, the Q5 Plug-In Hybrid Q5 makes a good argument for why it should be the most popular configuration of Audi’s best-selling vehicle.

The Q5 Plug-in Hybrid starts with the 2.0-liter engine that powers the base Q5. There it makes a respectable 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while returning 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. These are numbers that have led the Q5 to being Audi’s best-selling offering, but with the Plug-In Hybrid you’re going to get 65 MPGe. Still not convinced? With all that extra power, the Hybrid will jump to 60 mph nearly a full second quicker than its gasoline brother. Now THAT is ecologically-conscious motoring done right.

Starting with a wealth of standard features in the base Premium trim level, you’ll get 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for the Audi MMI interface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included here, as well as a nice safety package that includes forward-collision warning with auto brake, and lane-departure warning and intervention.

While the Q5 shows up slightly longer this year, that’s due to the new bumpers rather than any stretching of the wheelbase, so don’t expect any more room inside. You get 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 53.1 cubic feet with all seats down. Compare that to rivals like the BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, which offers 27.2 cubic feet and 59.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and down, respectively. The good news is that while the Q5 is one of the heaviest entries in the segment—and the Plug-In Hybrid heavier still—it still manages a 60-0 mph braking distance of just 112 ft, besting most of the competition.

The big issue here is range. With 20 miles of all-electric range, most people will have no issue getting to work and plugging in for the day, but 20 miles already seems antiquated with rivals offering 30 miles or more. Still, a standard wall socket will charge up the batteries in around six hours, and if you’ve got a 7.0-kWh jack you can hook up to, the job will get done in just two. One big disappointment is that the charge cable is just going to rattle around your interior, as there’s no specific place to store it. Still, if you’re looking to get into the plug-in hybrid game, the Q5 is a handsome way to do it.

Michael Perkins
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid Plug-in

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User rating:
by Mike P
Jul 03, 2022
The. 2021 vehicle has the chips the 2022 is missing. Great car although expensive in this economy.Jul 03, 2022
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2022
Such a well laid out car. Feels sturdy and reliable. Luxurious without being pretentious. Compare to Volvo XC60, BMW X5. Jan 29, 2022
by William S
Aug 06, 2021
I was looking to dip my foot into electrification. I was concerned with traveling with a BEV. This has been perfect. Im running about 70% electric. The interior of the car is superior to Tesla Y and Mach E. I really like the surround view camera and CarPlay which Tesla doesnt offer (Ford does). Didnt have to worry about build quality associated with Tesla cars. Three months in and no problems.Aug 06, 2021

2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid Plug-in Pricing

Original MSRP
$51,900 to $61,700
Price range
$27,728 to $29,739
Average price on CG
$27,728
YoY price change
$29,739 to $27,728

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · HD radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery rating: 420 CCA · EV battery capacity: 14.1 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 258 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (240V): 2.4 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 19 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 362 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1250

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.1 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery rating: 420 CCA · EV battery capacity: 14.1 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 258 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (240V): 2.4 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 19 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 362 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1250

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.1 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 18 · Watts: 755

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: heated · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.30

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery rating: 420 CCA · EV battery capacity: 14.1 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 258 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (240V): 2.4 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 19 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 362 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1250

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.1 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

See all trims (3)