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The 2023 Audi Q5 is the latest Audi luxury compact SUV. The Audi Q5 offers great value for the money, but its rivals are still leaps and bounds ahead in many ways. Here’s why the Q5 luxury compact SUV lags behind some of its competitors.

The 2023 Audi Q5 is missing something

A blue 2023 Audi Q5 luxury compact SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Audi Q5 | Audi

The 2023 Audi Q5 luxury compact SUV is missing something integral to the luxury driving experience. Its driving dynamics leave much to be desired compared to its rivals. Engaging driving dynamics are present in most popular luxury compact SUVs. Consumers pay top dollar for performance specs that excite them.

The new Audi Q5 uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 201 horsepower. The luxury compact SUV achieves 23 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

The popular Toyota RAV4 compact SUV makes 203 horses. The Genesis GV70 is more affordable than the Q5, yet it makes 99 more horses than the Q5. The BMW X3 is also in the same price range, and it makes more horsepower.

The 2023 Audi Q5 may be luxurious, but it isn’t quick enough to rival the top luxury compact SUVs in its vehicle segment. Nonetheless, some Q5 trim levels offer more value than the base model and still make great SUVs. Car and Driver recommends the Q5 Premium Plus 45 trim for the 2022 model Year. The publication has yet to release a trim recommendation for the 2023 model year.

What’s the best luxury compact SUV on the market?

A black 2022 BMW X3 luxury compact SUV is parked.
The 2022 BMW X3 | BMW

When it comes to luxury vehicles, two automakers have competed for the top spot for decades. German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz make some of the finest luxury automobiles on the planet.

The BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are two of the best luxury subcompact SUVs on the market. U.S. News & World Report features both models at the top of a list of best luxury compact SUVs. Kelley Blue Book considers the Q5 to be above some rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but that opinion isn’t mirrored by many other automotive publications.

Should you buy the Audi Q5?

A blue 2023 Audi Q5 luxury compact SUV.
The 2023 Audi Q5 | Audi

The Audi Q5 lacks the oomph that other luxury compact SUVs provide. Since rivals are more exciting to drive, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or BMW X3 is a better buy for most drivers. The Genesis GV70 provides more value for the money.

If you’re looking for the luxury compact SUV that provides the most value for the money, the Audi Q5 doesn’t quite cut the mustard. The 2023 model year is great, but the nameplate could still use some more horses to compete with luxury compact SUV segment leaders.

Read more about Audi Q5 alternatives in the next article below.

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2022 BMW X3 vs. Audi Q5: Is the More Popular Luxury SUV a Better Choice?