“The Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid is a well made car that is luxurious in looks as well as it's drivability”
2021 Audi Q5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Audi Q5 is a meaningful mid-cycle refresh, led by sharper exterior styling. It also receives broad updates to its cabin tech, safety equipment, and gas powertrain.
About the 2021 Audi Q5
2nd generation (2018-2024), mid-cycle refresh year; Q5 Sportback joins the U.S. lineup.
Audi positions the Q5 as its do-everything premium compact SUV: stylish, quiet, and easy to use every day, but still athletic enough to feel like an Audi. Standard quattro all-wheel drive, a cleanly designed cabin, and strong in-car tech are central to its appeal. Compared with rivals, the Q5 leans more toward polished road manners and understated design than flashy styling. The plug-in hybrid broadens the range for shoppers who want short electric commuting capability without giving up a traditional luxury SUV layout.
The Premium is the core luxury SUV, with quattro all-wheel drive, leather seating, heated front seats, and the new touchscreen system. Premium Plus adds useful upgrades such as adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and a digital instrument display, while Prestige brings matrix-design LED headlights and a head-up display. The 362-hp 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid provides the strongest electrified option in the regular Q5 range.
What changed, by category
Styling
Audi revised the grille, bumpers, side sills, and rear trim. LED headlights and LED taillights with animated turn signals became standard, while the 45 TFSI Titanium Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims were dropped.
Powertrain
The gas-powered 45 TFSI moved to a stronger 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 12-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors became standard across the lineup. Premium Plus gained standard adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistance, and a 360-degree camera.
Tech
A new 10.1-inch touchscreen with faster MIB 3 software replaced the previous interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in toll-payment module became standard. Heated steering wheels also became standard on Premium Plus and Prestige, while navigation changed from standard to optional on Premium Plus.
Structural
The Q5 Sportback joined the U.S. lineup for 2021, adding a sleeker-roofed body style alongside the conventional Q5 SUV.
2021 Audi Q5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | |||
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | |||
| Horsepower | 248–261 hp | 248–261 hp | 362 hp | 362 hp | 248–261 hp | 362 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 4400 lb | 2000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 19 | 19 | 19 | |||
| MPGe Combined | 50 | 50 | 50 | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Top View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Audi Q5 significantly different from the 2020 model?
Yes. The 2021 Q5 is a mid-cycle refresh with revised exterior styling, a new 10.1-inch touchscreen, wider standard safety coverage, and an updated 261-hp gas powertrain.
Does the 2021 Audi Q5 have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for 2021 through the new 10.1-inch touchscreen system.
What changed with the 2021 Q5 gas engine?
The 2021 Q5 45 TFSI uses a stronger 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 12-volt mild-hybrid assistance, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and quattro all-wheel drive.
Which driver-assistance features became standard on the 2021 Q5?
Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors became standard across the 2021 Q5 lineup. Premium Plus also gained standard adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistance, and a 360-degree camera.
Was the Q5 Sportback new for 2021?
Yes. The 2021 model year marked the Q5 Sportback’s arrival in the U.S., giving the refreshed Q5 lineup a sleeker-roofed alternative to the conventional SUV body.
2021 Audi Q5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Audi Q5.
4.1
2021 Audi Q5
(423 reviews)
“It's fun to drive and super quiet on the highway. With the advanced safety features like adaptive cruise and keep in lane, it is effortless to drive long distances”
“Be aware that the engine will not recharge the battery while driving, only braking will. Also there is no proper tachometer. 20 inch rims ride a little rough compared to smaller sizes. Other than those things the vehicle is a dream.”