Is the Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?

The 2022 Audi Q5 hybrid brings luxury, if not great efficiency, to the compact SUV PHEV market.
Written by Mary Alice Morris
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Since its release in 2009, the
Audi Q5
has been a popular choice for sports-car lovers who want the practicality of a small crossover SUV. But in 2020, the German automaker enhanced the powerful luxury car lineup with a hybrid model that remains the most powerful of all of the Q5 trims. 
The Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is beautiful, fast, and strong—but not especially efficient, especially when compared to other PHEV vehicles. Its combined mpg gains just one mile per gallon over the Q5’s traditional combustion engine models. That can feel a bit lopsided when you see that the lowest-price Q5 PHEV is over $11,000 more expensive than the base level Q5. 
But, if gutsy acceleration pushed by a hybrid powertrain in a luxury package appeals to you, then you’re in the right place. Check out this guide to the 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV from
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Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid

Still only in its third year of production, the Q5 PHEV is largely the same in 2022 as it was in 2020, except sports seats are now standard in the PHEV trims. 
And, as in years prior, the Q5 continues to outpace even the performance-designed models from the Q5 model line, including the
SQ5
. The 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV easily zips off from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The SQ5 Sportback did it in 4.8 seconds.
Again, if you’re looking for an enthralling performance-oriented vehicle that can blow by the competition with less environmental impact, this might be the car you’re looking for. 
To help you decide, check out the specs and information we rounded up on the 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV:

Pricing

The 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV is priced a lot higher than most other compact crossover PHEVs, and it’s higher than most of the Q5 trim packages. But, compared to other luxury crossover PHEVs, its pricing seems right in line with the competition. 
The least expensive Q5 PHEV, the Q5 Premium 55 PHEV, has a starting MSRP of $55,695—making it the fifth most expensive out of 12 trim levels, with two more PHEV options that are priced even higher.
However, with its battery capacity, a new Q5 PHEV should qualify for up to $7,500 in federal
tax credits
. Depending on what state you live in, you may be eligible for more state tax credits to help offset the cost.

Performance and fuel economy

The Audi Q5 PHEV has a modest all-electric range that goes up to 23 miles. Unfortunately, unlike some PHEV models, the EV battery does not charge while the combustion engine is running, so you’ll have to solely rely on an electric hookup to re-juice the battery. 
Its total range is 357 miles of city driving or 386 miles of highway driving. With gas-only driving, it gets a combined 26 mpg, and in hybrid mode, it can achieve a combined 61 MPGe. 
These are not impressive numbers if you compare them to other PHEV models. But what is impressive is the amount of horsepower, torque, and speed the Q5 PHEV can generate. 
The 362-horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder engine can quickly and easily get the Q5 PHEV up to a governor-limited top speed of 128 mph. It achieves 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and 100 mph in 12.2 seconds. These times are also thanks to the PHEV engine’s 369 lb-ft of torque
All that energy takes time to refuel, and the Q5 PHEV will need around three hours on a 240V Level 2 charger to fully recharge its battery.

Exterior styling

The Audi Q5 S Line exterior design was made standard across all trims in 2021, giving it a refined but sporty appearance complemented by the PHEV’s standard 19-inch alloy wheels. For 2022, you can get the Q5 PHEV in a variety of exterior colors, including Glacier White Metallic, Ibis White, District Green Metallic, Ultra Blue Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Florett Silver Metallic, and Daytona Gray Pearl Effect.

Interior and comfort

The 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV trims come well-equipped for comfort and passenger space, though the cargo room could be a little more generous. Still, the ride is smooth—and quiet thanks to a well-sound-proofed cabin. It also features a leather heated steering wheel, front sports seats, reclining back seats, an interior air filter, and three-zone climate control. 
Rear seat occupants will get 38 inches of legroom and 37.7 inches of headroom, and in the front seat, you’ll find 40.9 inches of legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom. With all the seats in place, you can get up to 25.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, and if you fold the rear seats down you’ll get 53.5 cubic feet.

Technology

Infotainment technology features for the Q5 PHEV include:
  • 10.1-inch dashtop touchscreen display
  • 12.3-inch navigation and Audi Virtual Cockpit display (only on Premium Plus or Prestige PHEV)
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • WiFi hotspot
  • 19 speakers with surround sound
And beyond the entertainment and information technology package, Audi offers a generous suite of safety technology, including:
  • Blind spot and lane departure warnings
  • Accident avoidance systems
  • Pre-collision and post-collision safety systems
  • LED headlamps with daytime running lights
  • Emergency braking assist

Warranty coverage

Audi’s warranty program isn’t the most extensive, but it can give you some peace of mind with the following:
  • Basic Factory Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Rust Warranty: 12 years, unlimited mileage
  • Roadside Assistance: 4 years, unlimited mileage
  • Hybrid Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Trim levels and options

The 2022 Audi Q5 PHEV is available in three trim levels. The lowest of these, the Premium 55 PHEV, starts at $55,695. The Premium Plus 55 PHEV starts at $59,795 and the Prestige 55 PHEV is $65,145.
While the Premium 55 offers a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat and a power tailgate, the Premium Plus 55 comes with a panoramic sunroof, virtual cockpit, and a top-view camera to give a visual of all your surroundings
The Prestige 55 trim level includes a premium Bang & Olufsen 755-watt surround sound system with 19 speakers, heads-up display, and ventilated sports seats. 

2022 Audi Q5 PHEV vs. 2022 Lexus NX 450h+

If you’re still not sure about purchasing an Audi Q5 PHEV, look over how it stacks up against another compact luxury crossover PHEV, the
Lexus
NX 450h+.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2022 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
$55,695
26 mpg
61 MPGe
357 miles
3 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles
2022 Lexus NX 450h+
$57,225
36 mpg
84 MPGe
550 miles
2.5 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles
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2022 Audi Q5 PHEV vs. 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge

The
Volvo XC60
Recharge is another super-powerful PHEV vehicle, with 455 horsepower, 523 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.
Model
Starting price
Fuel economy (gas only)
Fuel economy (gas + electric)
Driving range
Charging time (Level 2)
Hybrid battery warranty
2022 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
$55,695
26 mpg
61 MPGe
357 miles
3 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles
2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge
$55,845
28 mpg
63 MPGe
560 miles
5 hours
8 years or 100,000 miles

How to save money on car insurance

Buying a luxury PHEV takes a lot of time, research, and money. Luckily, though, you can compensate for these expenditures by finding your car insurance the easy way—using the
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