For luxury SUV buyers who prioritize style and technology over driving verve, the 2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback are handsome choices with plenty to like. They look good, treat their occupants right, and won’t seem out of place at the valet stand. Buyers can choose from regular and plug-in hybrid powertrains and the Q5’s chassis delivers a quiet interior and a refined ride—but rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the BMW X3, and the Porsche Macan are sportier and more engaging to drive; the Q5 Sportback challenges fastback SUV rivals such as the BMW X4, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class coupe, and the Infiniti QX55. Both offer enough tech to rival your local Apple store, with a large infotainment display, an optional digital gauge display, and a suite of available driver-assistance features. For 2023, the Q5 gains a little extra power and updated styling, but Audi’s not addressed its uninspired handling, so it remains a second-tier choice for driving enthusiasts.
