2020 Acura RDX
$37,800 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
Coming in at No. 5 in our luxury compact SUV rankings, the Acura RDX’s starting price is $5,500 less than the Q5’s. Still, it offers a good balance of athleticism and comfort. Like the Q5, the RDX has a roomy cabin that’s more refined than some classmates’. While it’s not as luxurious as the Audi, it does have a more cargo space.
The RDX is powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s more powerful than the Q5’s base engine and it gets the same fuel economy estimates, but the RDX doesn’t offer any engine upgrades, and all-wheel drive costs extra.
In terms of standard features, the RDX impresses. Its niceties nearly parallel the Q5’s, though it also has a full suite of active safety systems. Unfortunately, the Acura’s infotainment system is not very intuitive.
2020 Audi Q3
$34,700 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10
If you like the Audi Q5 but don’t want to pay the price, Audi’s subcompact Q3 should be on your list. It’ll save you almost $9,000, and it boasts the same smooth ride, posh interior, and user-friendly tech features as its larger sibling.
The Q3 also comes standard with all-wheel drive and handles well, though it’s not as engaging as the Q5. Its lone 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder isn’t muscular or highly fuel-efficient, but it never feels underpowered.
The Q3 tops our luxury subcompact SUV rankings, tied with the BMW X1. It receives excellent marks for safety and predicted reliability. Despite its smaller size, it has adult-friendly seats in both rows. In addition, its cargo capacity isn’t too far off from the Q5’s. In fact, these two Audis have almost the same amount of space behind their second-row seats.
2020 Audi Q7
$54,800 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
Perhaps the Audi Q5 piques your interest, but you need something larger? The Audi Q7 has more cargo volume than the Q5 and a third row that’s adequate for children. It also features a premium cabin, a coddling ride, and nimble handling.
You can choose between three powertrains: a 248-horsepower turbo-four, a 335-horsepower turbocharged V6, or a 500-horsepower twin-turbo V8. The latter comes in the all-new performance-oriented SQ7 trim. Despite the turbos and the V6’s mild-hybrid setup, none of these engines get good gas mileage. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
The Q7 is packed with high-tech features, including a dual touch-screen infotainment system and several advanced safety aids. It earns outstanding crash test ratings, but its predicted reliability is below average.
2020 BMW X3
$41,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10
The BMW X3 narrowly edges the Audi Q5 out of the leading position in our luxury compact SUV rankings. It’s fun to drive thanks to its agile handling, smooth ride, and powerful engine lineup. Powertrain options include the standard 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, as well as three turbocharged six-cylinder engines that crank out 382 to 503 horsepower. The X3’s base engine gets better fuel economy than the Q5’s, even if you opt for all-wheel drive.
The X3 has a high-quality cabin with competitive cargo space, adult-sized accommodations in both rows, and a straightforward touch-screen infotainment system. It’s not as nice inside as the Q5, though.
This Audi gets high marks in crash tests and comes equipped with a respectable assortment of active safety technologies. It also earns a solid predicted reliability rating. The X3’s starting price is a bit lower than the Q5’s, but if you opt for all-wheel drive, the two are comparably priced.
2020 BMW X5
$58,900 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
The BMW X5 secures the second-place position in our luxury midsize SUV rankings due in part to its high crash test scores and above-average predicted reliability rating. If the Audi Q5 is too small, and you’re not sold on the Q7, the BMW X5 is a worthy option. It features a powerful engine lineup, a sleek cabin, and refined ride and handling thanks to its standard adaptive suspension.
The X5 has more cargo capacity than most classmates and available third-row seats, though they’re only suitable for children. It comes loaded with advanced driver assistance systems, as well as an intuitive touch-screen interface with Apple CarPlay. Android Auto is unavailable.
A fuel-efficient 335-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine sends power to the X5’s rear wheels, though all-wheel drive and a 456-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 are available. The V8 is tuned to churn out 523 and 600 horsepower in high-performance trims.
2020 Lexus RX
$44,150 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
For less than $1,000 more than the Audi Q5, you can get the luxury midsize Lexus RX 350 with its potent V6 engine, silky ride, and perfect predicted reliability rating. Like most Lexus vehicles, the RX earns top marks in crash tests and comes standard with a wealth of advanced safety technology. This Lexus is tied with the BMW X5 in the No. 2 position in our luxury midsize SUV rankings.
The RX isn't nearly as sporty as the Q5, but it accelerates quickly and sips fuel. Moreover, its cabin is spacious and full of premium materials. For 2020, the RX gets a new standard touch screen with smartphone app connectivity. It receives plenty of praise from most critics.
In its standard configuration, the RX 350 seats five people in comfortable, synthetic leather seats. The long-wheelbase RX L features genuine leather upholstery and seating for seven. No matter which model you choose, cargo space is limited.
2020 Mazda CX-5
$25,190 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
Just because you’re searching for a luxury SUV doesn’t mean there’s not an upscale mainstream SUV that will catch your interest. If you appreciate the Audi Q5 for its engaging driving dynamics, the CX-5 is arguably the only non-luxury compact SUV that may suit you. While it’s expectedly not as nice inside as the Audi – its starting price is $18,000 less – this Mazda has a premium cabin with comfortable seating for five passengers and a good amount of cargo space.
The CX-5 is agile, fuel-efficient, safe, and comfortable to drive. It comes standard with a 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine, though a 227-horsepower turbo-four with standard all-wheel drive is available. If you put premium gas in the turbo, it makes 250 horsepower, which is right on par with the Q5’s base turbo-four that requires premium gas and returns the same fuel economy.
As far as safety features are concerned, more come standard in the CX-5 than the Q5. The Mazda also has a user-friendly touch-screen infotainment system, but you have to step up a notch from the base trim to get smartphone app integration. Leather upholstery and plenty of luxury-grade niceties are available.
2020 Porsche Macan
$68,650 | USN Overall Score: TBD
Audi and Porsche are both owned by Volkswagen Group, and the Q5 and Macan are built on the same platform. With that said, the Macan is different from the Q5 in many ways since each brand has its own style and strengths, and they’re marketed to different audiences.
For starters, the Macan has a base MSRP of $50,900. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. A 348-horsepower turbo V6 and a 434-horsepower twin-turbo V6 are available. The Macan rides smoothly and handles better than almost any SUV on the market.
The Macan isn't as practical as the Q5 since it returns below-average fuel economy, its second-row seats are cramped, and there’s very little cargo space behind them. If you put the rear seats down, however, the Audi and Porsche have the same overall cargo volume. Rounding out the Macan’s notable strengths are its outstanding predicted reliability rating, high-end cabin, and easy-to-use touch-screen infotainment system.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945 | USN Overall Score: 7.9/10
The Tiguan is the third Volkswagen Group compact SUV mentioned here, and one of only two non-luxury models featured in the article. It stands out from most other compact crossovers due to its standard third-row seating, though the space back there is only adequate for kids. The Tiguan also benefits from its high safety scores, above-average predicted reliability rating, and large cargo hold, though there’s not much room behind the rearmost seats in three-row models.
The Tiguan is powered by a sluggish 184-horsepower turbo-four that doesn’t return very good gas mileage. Front-wheel drive comes standard and all-wheel drive is available. However, you can’t get a five-seat model with front-wheel drive. The Tiguan favors comfortable ride quality over agility.
The Tiguan comes equipped with a responsive touch screen, smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi capability, and a handful of active safety aids. Niceties like genuine leather upholstery, a hands-free power liftgate, and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit are available.
2020 Volvo XC60
$40,150 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
The Volvo XC60 is tied with the Audi Q5 in our luxury subcompact SUV rankings. This Volvo is not as fun to drive as the Audi, but it offers four solid engine options, delivers a supple ride, and features an opulent interior with exceptionally comfortable seats and impressive maximum cargo capacity. The XC60 doesn’t have as much room behind its rear seats as the Q5, though. It also returns solid fuel economy and earns top marks in crash tests.
The XC60’s standard powertrain is a 250-horsepower turbo-four. Other choices include a 316-horsepower four-cylinder that’s both turbo- and supercharged, a 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid that uses the latter engine, and a new-for-2020 Polestar Engineered version of the plug-in hybrid that makes 415 horsepower. All-wheel drive is optional with the base engine and standard with all other powertrains.
Like most Volvos, the XC60 is teeming with standard high-tech driver assistance technologies. It also features a large, crisp infotainment touch screen and the latest smartphone app integration. However, it can prove distracting to operate while driving. Synthetic leather upholstery is standard, though Nappa leather is available.
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When it comes time to buy (or lease) your new SUV, be sure to use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealer in your area offering the best pre-negotiated prices. Shoppers who use the program save an average of over $3,000 off MSRP.
10 Alternatives to the 2020 Audi Q5
- 2020 Acura RDX
- 2020 Audi Q3
- 2020 Audi Q7
- 2020 BMW X3
- 2020 BMW X5
- 2020 Lexus RX
- 2020 Mazda CX-5
- 2020 Porsche Macan
- 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2020 Volvo XC60
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Planning on Buying a Q5? Be Sure to Cross-Shop These SUVs
The Audi Q5 is arguably one of the best luxury compact SUVs available today. While its sales are down a bit this year compared to some rivals, the Q5 is Audi’s best-selling model and has been one of the best-selling small luxury SUVs in the U.S. for a time.
The Q5 has a U.S. News overall score of 8.3 out of 10 and finishes in the No. 2 spot in our competitive luxury compact SUV rankings. It’s tied with the Volvo XC60 and just a decimal behind the BMW X3. The Mercedes GLC is close behind in the fourth spot.
This Audi crossover receives praise for being impressively well-rounded. Its most notable strengths include its engaging handling, silky ride, peppy acceleration, and opulent and well-equipped cabin. Moreover, it earns excellent crash test ratings, returns good fuel economy, and comes standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The Q5 gets its power from a 248-horsepower turbo-four, though a potent 349-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 is available. Inside the Q5 you’ll find top-notch materials, like standard leather upholstery and wood trim; an intuitive infotainment system with the latest smartphone app integration; and plush seats with enough head- and legroom for adults in both rows. Niceties including Audi's Virtual Cockpit, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the MMI All-In-Touch system with handwriting recognition are available.
The Q5 isn’t perfect, however. Its $43,300 starting price makes it more expensive than most rivals, its J.D. Power predicted reliability rating is only about average, and it has fewer standard advanced driver assistance features than some classmates. While the Q5 is spacious inside, it doesn’t offer as much cargo room as competitors.
If you’re in the market for a small luxury SUV, the Q5 may be just the vehicle for you. However, it wouldn’t be wise to buy it without cross-shopping the competition. Perhaps another vehicle is a better fit for your budget and priorities. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the Q5’s primary competitors so you have a solid starting point before you head out to dealerships.
Keep in mind that our vehicle scores and rankings are constantly updated as new data and expert reviews become available, so the scores you see mentioned in this slideshow may not match those in our individual reviews and rankings.