Audi Q5 vs Cadillac LYRIQ

Audi's 2026 Q5 maintained a distinct aesthetic amidst a lineup that was increasingly losing its classic design appeal. The Q5's front end was notably Audi, with thinner headlights and a wider grille, although the honeycomb design of the grille lost its charm up close. The rear bumper, while better integrated, still appeared somewhat cheap, but the presence of real exhaust tips and sharp exterior lighting were redeeming features. The interior was a mix of elegance and disappointment, with well-crafted seats and a nostalgic four-spoke steering wheel. However, the abundance of shiny black plastic and disjointed screens detracted from the overall experience.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ, on the other hand, stood out with its striking design and tasteful details, maintaining its allure over the years. The interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with high-quality materials and user-friendly toggle switches for climate controls. Despite past issues with build quality, the test vehicle showed improvements, suggesting Cadillac had addressed previous concerns. The LYRIQ's design and material quality were impressive, though potential buyers were advised to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before purchase.

The 2026 Audi Q5 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured Audi's quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the transmission was more suited for performance vehicles, the Q5 offered a stable and comfortable ride, with light steering and a capable suspension. The Q5's fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ came with a 102-kWh battery pack and a DC fast-charging speed of 190 kW. The single-motor RWD version produced 365 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-rated range of 326 miles. The dual-motor AWD Lyriq-V offered 615 hp and 650 lb-ft, with a range of up to 285 miles. The tested AWD version had 515 hp and 450 lb-ft, with a range of 319 miles. Despite its power, the LYRIQ's throttle was tuned for a refined, linear acceleration, reminiscent of a V8. The ride was comfortable, even on 22-inch wheels, and the braking system offered three settings for a customizable driving experience.

The 2026 Audi Q5 offered average headroom and legroom for its class, with cargo space of 27.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The rear seats were split 40/20/40 and manually reclined. Standard features included a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a range of convenience features. However, the touchscreen-based climate controls and limited instrument panel customization were drawbacks.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ provided decent cargo space, with 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats. It excelled in rear legroom, accommodating six-footers comfortably. The interior storage was practical, with large cupholders, a deep center armrest bin, and a spacious storage tray under the center console. The LYRIQ's back seat was wider than its sibling, the Optiq, making it easier to fit three passengers across.

The 2026 Audi Q5 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, with a third screen on Prestige trims. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bang & Olufsen stereo provided excellent sound quality. The Q5's technology impressed with real-time road and traffic depictions and the Park Assist Pro feature.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ's OLED touchscreen was crisp and bright, contributing to the cabin's luxurious look. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in functions. The AKS audio system with Dolby Atmos was a standout feature, offering exceptional sound quality without the need for an expensive upgrade.

The 2026 Audi Q5 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It came with standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Plus trim added advanced features like forward cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ offered standard driver-assistance features, with GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist system as a highlight. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS for crash safety and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention. However, it scored lower for vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention and headlight performance.