carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $48,307–$59,714 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2026 Audi Q5 at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.4/10, while Safety at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.4/10. The Audi Q5 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.2/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $48,307–$59,714, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Audi Q5 sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.3/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Audi Q5 is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability and safety — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Audi Q5 ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $48,307 starting price is about 34% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Q5 model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $48,307 | |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $48,307 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $46,900 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $45,493 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $44,086 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $42,679 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $41,272 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $39,865 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $38,458 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $37,051 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $35,644 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $34,237 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.