Should You Take the 2022 Audi Q5 Off Road?
The 2022 Audi Q5 can handle light off-roading situations, but it won’t hold up against serious terrain.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2022 model of
Audi’s Q5
crossover is a solid, reliable set of wheels ready to hit any road, paved or dirt. If you need an SUV for heavy-duty off-roading, though, the Q5 isn’t your best option.When you’ve got an off-road capable vehicle, you can live your most adventurous life at a moment’s notice. Not all SUVs are created equal, though—so how can you tell which ones can handle the uncharted wilderness?
Here to walk you through all the off-road specs of the 2022 Audi Q5 is
Jerry
, the car super app
created to save you money on car insurance
. We’ll cover all the qualities needed for a solid off-roading vehicle (like ground clearance and torque), plus some other options if the Q5 doesn’t feel like a good fit.
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Can the 2022 Audi Q5 go off road?
Yes, though most luxury crossovers aren’t created specifically for that purpose. While the Audi Q5 can manage gravel roads or the occasional bumpy situation, it’s not meant for any serious off-roading. Despite what the name implies, even the Sportback trims seem to suit the highway over rougher terrain.
The 2022 Q5 model starts at $43,300, and it’s a quality crossover if you’re looking for an upscale option with class, comfort, and technology. This model won’t thrill you on the road, but the Q5 is the perfect everyday vehicle than can handle more than just pavement when necessary.
What goes into deciding the Q5’s off-roading capabilities? Let’s dive into the details.
Ground clearance
When hunting for a solid off-roader, ground clearance is essential to know. The best ground clearance for off-roading is between 8.8 and 10.8 inches minimum.
The 2022 Q5’s ground clearance measures 8.2 inches, not quite cutting it as a viable adventure option. Still, it can handle rougher terrain than, say, an
Audi A4
.When cars have higher ground clearance, they’re less likely to be damaged by driving on rougher roads or uneven terrain. When you look at the Q5’s ground clearance compared to that of high-end off-road SUVs (like the
Land Rover Discovery
, at 11.1 inches), it’s clear the Q5 is better suited for paved roads.Torque
Torque is another one of those car buzz words, but what is it? And what does it have to do with off-roading?
A vehicle’s torque is the measure of its turning power, which is more important than speed when it comes to traversing the great outdoors.
Cars with low-end torque—higher torque at lower rpm—are more suited for off-roading situations. Low-end torque maintains your momentum without much speed when you’re turning.
The 2022 Q5’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gets 273 lb-ft of torque @ 1600 rpm. Upgrading to the top-line
Prestige 55
PHEV increases the torque to 369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm.The Q5’s torque gives it a decent amount of turning power for off-road conditions.
Tires
Unfortunately, the 2022 Q5’s standard 18-inch wheels and P235/60HR18 tires aren’t the most suited for unpaved trails. These tires—which are all-season tires—are better for everyday driving situations. All-season tires are best for paved roads, but they can handle light winter weather, rain, and some gravel or dirt roads.
Anything more intense will require
all-terrain tires
, or A/T tires. These tires have a more aggressive tread and are made specifically for tackling atypical terrain.A/T tires can be used for highway driving as well, but they’ll wear down more quickly and likely cost more to replace. However, they will give your vehicle better traction for off-roading.
Drivetrain
You can’t take any vehicle off-roading if it doesn’t have all-wheel drive. Fortunately, all Q5s come standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive.
Angles
Angles are another big factor to consider when deciding on a car’s off-roading potential. The most important angles are the approach angle and departure angle:
- Approach angle: the maximum angle a vehicle can ascend without interference
- Departure angle: the maximum angle a vehicle can descend without interference
The 2022 Audi Q5 has a 25-degree approach angle and a 27-degree departure angle. While these angles can handle a few dips and hills, don’t plan on hitting up any rocky mountainsides in your Q5.
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Start earning nowOff-road rating: In a pinch
Taking all of these details into account, we rated the 2022 Audi Q5 using
Jerry’s
DIRT rating system, outlined below: Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
The 2022 Q5 scores an I rating solely due to its lower ground clearance. When equipped with add-on features like air suspension, the Q5’s off-road worthiness bumps up to an R rating.
The Q5 comes with a few features like hill-descent control that increase its off-roading capability as well. While you can take your Q5 on mild off-roading excursions, knowing your car’s limits can prevent any damage or sticky situations.
The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Audi Q5
If you’re looking for an upscale crossover for your mostly-paved daily drive, the Q5 is an ideal vehicle. If its price tag, mileage, or off-roading limits aren’t ideal for your needs, a few great alternatives on the market might be a better fit.
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | $35,400 | The 2022 BMW X1 sits a whole ten inches lower than the Q5, but it’s a chic crossover that will save you almost $8,000. | |
Best eco-friendly alternative | $54,250 | The XC60 Recharge PHEV’s 57 to 63 mpg-e blows the Q5’s combined 26 mpg out of the water. | |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | $55,250 | Sure, it’s pricier than the Q5, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a luxury SUV with more off-roading capability than the Discovery. |
MORE: Cheap off-road trucks
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Off-roading vehicles are often more expensive to buy and insure. Add on a luxury label, and you’re looking at steep prices all around. When your high-price vehicle is at a greater risk of damage—by precarious off-roading situations, especially—insurance providers raise their rates.
That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to high insurance rates forever, though. When you shop for coverage with the
Jerry
app, you’ll find the most affordable rate for the coverage you need in 45 seconds or less. Your customized quotes are sourced from Jerry’s 55+ partner companies, so you can be sure you’re always getting the top options. Shopping with Jerry saves users an average of $800+ each year—a nice sum of cash that could cover new A/T tires for your Q5!
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