10 Alternatives to the 2018 Audi Q5

Don’t Rush to This Redesign Just Yet

The Audi Q5, all new for 2018, is the top-scoring vehicle in our luxury compact SUV rankings, handily topping the likes of the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace. The previous Q5 was good, but reviewers agree that this model is even better, providing a satisfying combination of power and agility. The arrival of this fully redesigned model has surely caught the eye of some owners of older Q5s who are looking to trade up, but that is a decision that should not be made in haste. At a starting price of $41,500, the Q5 is not exactly cheap, though it does come with a long list of standard features.

If the Audi Q5 is so good, you might ask, why wait? It’s a fair question. Current or previous owners of the Q5 will almost certainly be happy with the new generation, but a significant purchase like this deserves careful consideration. To ensure you’re truly satisfied with your purchase, you should make sure it’s the absolute best option for you.

Here are some of the other vehicles on the market you should cross-shop against the Audi Q5, based on the luxury compact SUV’s strengths and weaknesses.

• Read the 2018 Audi Q5 Full Review
• See 2018 Audi Q5 Photos
• See Luxury Compact SUVs Rankings

2017 BMW X3

$40,050 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

The BMW X3 is one of the most well-rounded luxury compact SUVs on the market. It provides inspiring performance with a good combination of engine power and handling. Two engine choices are available, with fuel economy estimates that beat the Q5. The upscale interior is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and more cargo capacity than the Q5. The X3 is the winner of our Best Luxury Compact SUV for Families award and is a good option for parents looking for a new vehicle in this class.

• Read the 2017 BMW X3 Full Review
• See 2017 BMW X3 Photos
• See Luxury Compact SUVs Rankings

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

$30,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

The Atlas is an all-new addition to Volkswagen’s lineup and it has a lot to offer, with credentials that helped it skyrocket to the top of our midsize SUV rankings. The Atlas offers standard accommodations for seven passengers, and every seat is comfortable, which isn’t always the case with a 3-row vehicle of this size. That makes the Atlas a good choice for a Q5 owner who might be considering expanding the family.

The Atlas isn’t quite as powerful as the Q5, and its cabin might not be quite up to the standards of a loyal Audi customer, but the Atlas will also save you about $10,000.

• Read the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Full Review
• See 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Photos
• See Midsize SUVs Rankings

2018 Audi Q7

$49,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

If you like the idea of upgrading to a midsize SUV with three rows, and you can stretch your budget beyond the VW Atlas, take a look at Audi’s own Q7. The Q7 does have a couple drawbacks as compared to the Atlas; passengers in the rear row will be a little more cramped, and the price is considerably higher. However, in terms of styling, cabin quality, and performance, the Q7 will be well worth it for buyers accustomed to upscale accommodations. A long list of standard features, including lots of active safety systems, makes the Q7 a good pick for families.

• Read the 2018 Audi Q7 Full Review
• See 2018 Audi Q7 Photos
• See Luxury Midsize SUVs Rankings

2018 Porsche Macan

$47,800 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10

The Porsche Macan comes in just behind the Audi Q5 in our luxury compact SUV ratings. It is a vehicle that most Audi customers will be happy with, if they’re willing to spend the extra money. Consider first that the base Macan and base Q5 have the same powertrain (both brands are owned by Volkswagen, so a lot of mechanical components are similar), and therefore, critics’ reviews of the driving experience are comparable. The Macan is more prestigious and a little nicer than the Q5, sure. But is it really $6,000 nicer? Depending on your performance priorities, it may be worth taking a look to find out.

• Read the 2018 Porsche Macan Full Review
• See 2018 Porsche Macan Photos
• See Luxury Compact SUVs Rankings

2018 Audi Allroad

$44,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10

If you’re willing to consider a different type of vehicle to replace your Q5, the Audi Allroad may be just the thing. This wagon is among the best in its class and offers passenger space and cargo capacity that are comparable to the Q5’s. Where the Q5 offers 26.8 cubic feet in the cargo hold and 60.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the Allroad comes in with 24 and 58.5, respectively. The base Allroad also features the same powertrain as the base Q5. It’s a little more expensive than the Q5 but includes features such as a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats, which are options in the SUV.

• Read the 2018 Audi Allroad Full Review
• See 2018 Audi Allroad Photos
• See Wagons Rankings

2018 Acura RDX

$35,800 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10

The Acura RDX is a smart way to save some money on your next compact luxury SUV. The RDX provides a spacious cabin, a smooth and comfortable ride, and comparable power to the Q5 (though there are no engine upgrades available). Its lower price is reflected in its features list, which comes up a little short compared to higher-ranked competitors, but this safe and comfortable SUV is a good option for most people shopping in this class.

• Read the 2018 Acura RDX Full Review
• See 2018 Acura RDX Photos
• See Luxury Compact SUVs Rankings

2018 Volvo XC60

$41,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

The Volvo XC60 is another direct competitor to the Audi Q5, coming in at the same price point and a few spots lower in our luxury compact SUV rankings. The XC60 is completely redesigned for this year and offers a few interesting options that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in this class. If you’re a fan of advanced active safety technology, Volvo is one of the leaders in the field; plenty of the brand’s systems come standard and there are even more available. The XC60 is also offered as a plug-in hybrid. Of course, these features will push the XC60 quite a bit higher than its starting price, but if you want a really high-tech SUV, this one is worth your consideration.

• Read the 2018 Volvo XC60 Full Review
• See 2018 Volvo XC60 Photos
• See Luxury Compact SUVs Rankings

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

$41,800 | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10

It’s tempting to look at a Land Rover that costs about the same as an Audi, but this is a comparison that requires careful consideration. The subcompact Range Rover Evoque is smaller than the Q5, so backseat passengers will feel cramped. Its reliability is subpar and its engine is less powerful than the Q5’s. However, it is arguably more stylish than the Q5, and its off-road capability is excellent. If you would actually get this fancy SUV dirty, it might be exactly what you need.

• Read the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Full Review
• See 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Photos
• See Luxury Subcompact SUVs Rankings

2018 Volvo V90

$49,950 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

We’re adding another luxury station wagon to the list of worthwhile Audi Q5 alternatives because it is an underrated way to get around. The all-new Volvo V90 tops our wagon rankings and, like the Audi Allroad, is quite a bit more expensive than the Q5. Buyers can choose between two different powertrains, both of which provide impressive performance. The V90 is spacious (though not quite as spacious as the Allroad) and features an upscale and comfortable interior full of modern, easy-to-use tech equipment.

• Read the 2018 Volvo V90 Full Review
• See 2018 Volvo V90 Photos
• See Wagons Rankings

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

$30,395 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a well-rounded midsize SUV that, in base form, probably isn’t quite up to par with the expectations of a Q5 driver. However, the Grand Cherokee’s base price gives you a lot of wiggle room, and Jeep offers enough options to bring the Grand Cherokee up to near-luxury status.

This five-passenger SUV has powerful engine options, an excellent four-wheel drive system for off-road enthusiasts, confident on-road handling, and a comfortable ride. Cargo capacity is a little small for the class, and reliability is sub-par, but otherwise the Grand Cherokee is a good choice.

• Read the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review
• See 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Photos
• See Midsize SUVs Rankings

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

If you want to learn more about how the redesigned Audi Q5 compares to other SUVs and crossovers, be sure to check out our new car rankings for a comprehensive overview of your options.

When you are ready to buy your new vehicle, be sure to use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program to find the dealership in your area offering the lowest prices. Shoppers save an average of $3,279 on their new car purchase when they use the program.