2022 Audi Q5 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

If you have had your eye on an Audi for a while now, this might be a good year to invest in the 2022 Audi Q5. The Black Optic appearance package is now more widely available across the line-up, and the plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e receives a more powerful battery (17.9-kWh, to be more precise). The S line exterior package now comes standard on the 45 TFSI models.

This small luxury SUV sits in the middle of Audi's SUV line-up. It is bigger than the Q3 but smaller than the Q7, which is a third-row SUV. The Q5 is a regular five-seater. Last year brought about a mid-cycle refresh for this second generation, which was introduced to the market in 2018. Given all the changes last year, you'd think Audi would have cooled it a bit for 2022. But, nope, they forged ahead with those changes they saw consumers asking for.

The Audi Q5's cabin is one of tranquility and comfort. Even among some seriously stiff luxury-brand competitors, the Q5's cabin feels upscale and well-designed. All-wheel drive comes standard, and there are numerous technological options that you can add on at your will. Just go into it knowing that the ride quality can be a little too firm, and some of the tech is clunky to use.

Which of the 2022 Audi Q5's three trim levels will suit you best? Will it be the base Premium, the mid-tier Premium Plus, or the line-topping Prestige? And will you opt for the 55 TFSI e Plug-in hybrid or stick with the gas-powered 45 TFSI quattro S tronic? We will go over all of those options to help you put together the Audi Q5 of your dreams.

Compare the Premium vs Premium Plus Trims. What is the difference?

First up, we have the Premium versus the Premium Plus. Both of these trim levels are relatively well equipped in terms of safety features. They each have electronic rear child door locks, an electromechanical parking brake, the Advanced Airbag Protection System, cruise control, HomeLink (a universal garage door opener that can even turn on your paired in-home electrical devices), a speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering system, and push button start with the remote keyless entry system.

On the outside, both come equipped with a provision for a trailer hitch. The heated side mirrors are power-adjustable, and there are aluminum roof rails up top. There are also a tailgate roof spoiler, full LED headlights complete with DRL signatures, all-season tires, dynamic turn indicators on the LED taillights, rear and side windows that are heat-insulating, exterior trim around the windows done in aluminum, and a dynamic suspension. The one difference is that the Premium has 18-inch 5-arm turbine style wheels while the Premium Plus has 19-inch 5-double-spoke-star wheels instead.

Of course, you get quite the abundance of luxury on the inside. The Premium has a power tailgate, four beverage holders, S badging on the illuminated aluminum door sill inlays, a light cloth headliner, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Along with that, you get the Integrated Toll Module and a digital compass built into the auto-dimming interior rear view mirror. The cabin is lit up with LED lights, and there are shift paddles mounted onto the multi-functional steering wheel. The front center armrest has storage space underneath, and leather adorns the gear shift selector and seat coverings. The extendable sun visors up front each have an illuminated vanity mirror. Seats are quite comfy with an automatic reclining function on the 60/40-split folding rear seats and heating on the front ones. Brown Walnut Wood inlays grace the cabin.

To this, the Premium Plus adds part-leather to the seat trim covers, the chic leather package for even more leather throughout the cabin, a power panoramic sunroof, and a steering column that is power tilting and telescoping with a memory function built in.

We haven't forgotten about all the infotainment features. Oh no, we couldn't. These help the 2022 Audi Q5 feel contemporary and provide a lot of functionality. The long list of features on the Premium alone includes the MMI touch display with 10.1-inch touchscreen, a limited subscription to Audi connect CARE assistance and security services, Audi pre sense city, and high beam assist. Additionally, the Premium includes Audi drive select, Audi pre sense basic and rear, an advanced parking system, a 10-speaker and 180-watt sound system, rear view camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.

There is also a 7.0-inch color driver information system up front. The Audi smartphone interface allows you to sync your smartphone to the car via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Audi active land assist and Audi side assist round out the list of the Q5's standard driver aids, all of which are known for working pretty well. Just bear in mind that some of the other technology can have a steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy folks.

What does the Premium Plus add tech-wise? A few important things. First, you get the 360-degree surround-view camera system for a top-down view around your vehicle. Next, you get treated to the superb Audi virtual cockpit, which digitalizes even more important driving features. A wireless charger and signal booster get equipped with Audi phone box. Finally, there is a 90-day trial subscription to SiriusXM services.

If you go for the Premium trim level, you can choose to equip the convenience package. This package includes Audi advanced key (which is the keyless engine start/stop system and entry through the doors and trunk), auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors,
a heated steering wheel, memory functions for the driver's seat, and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM® All Access services. Rear side thoracic airbags are also optional, as are the Birch Wood Natural Gray Brown inlays (which do not cost more to add), and a power panoramic sunroof.

A few more package options open up on the Premium Plus. The Warm Weather package features rear window sunshades, ventilated front seats, and - on the Q5 45 TFSI - front sport seats with 4-way power lumbar (which come standard on the 55 TFSI e variant). The Navigation package will equip the MMI Navigation plus infotainment system and the Audi connect PRIME & Plus six-month trial subscription. The Black Optic package swaps in black roof rails, black exterior trim, and (exclusively on the 45 TFSI) 20-inch 5-arm cutter wheels with a chic bi-color finish. The Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System is added as a stand-alone option.

Compare the Premium Plus vs Prestige Trims. What is the difference?

As you can see, the 2022 Audi Q5's first two trim levels pack quite a punch in terms of included features. But does the line-topping Prestige justify the price jump?

The Prestige's changes start from the outside and work their way inward. On the exterior, you will find headlight washers accompanying the Matrix-design LED headlights. And the headlights and taillights have special animation. Also, the front side windows gain dual pane acoustic glass for further noise cancellation inside of the cabin.

Inside, you get even more beverage holders. The multi-colored Contour/Ambient LED interior lighting package provides a cool, high-tech vibe while driving in the dark. The rear seats gain a heating function, and there are sun shades on the rear side windows to help keep the sun out of your passengers' eyes.

A major interior upgrade comes in the form of the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System. This 755-watt audio system comes with 19 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier. The sound is crisp and clear, surrounding everyone in the cabin so that no one is left asking, "Hey, can you turn the volume up?" Aside from that, the Prestige also offers the Prestige package and ventilated front seats.

The list of infotainment features grows quite robustly on the Prestige trim level. Included in this list is the MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response infotainment system. Park assist, a head-up display (which projects important vehicle info onto the windshield right in front of your eyes), and a traffic sign recognition function get tacked on as well. Audi connect PRIME and Audi connect PLUS online services come as a six-month trial subscription that you can choose to renew or let go when the trial period expires.

Every Premium Plus package option except for the Black Optic package, rear side thoracic airbags, and Birch Wood Natural Gray Brown inlays is made standard on the Prestige.

Compare the 45 TFSI vs 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid. What is the difference?

Okay, so you can equip any of those three trim levels with either the gas-powered 45 TFSI engine or the 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid version. Both are powered by a 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine, but the 55 TFSI has an electric motor equipped as well. Instead of the 45 TFSI's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, the 55 TFSI gets a combined 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The valvetrain has an electric motor paired with it on the 55 TFSI. The 55 TFSI can get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5 seconds flat whereas the 45 TFSI takes 5.6 seconds. The 45 TFSI's max towing capacity of 4,400 pounds is reduced down to 2,000 pounds on the 55 TFSI.

The 45 TFSI does come with a 12-volt Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) built into it. The 55 TFSI has the PHEV system with a 17.9 kWh battery. Both engines come matched up with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. A five-link front and five-link rear independent suspension system adorns each as well.

EPA estimates for the 45 TFSI come in at 25 mpg combined with 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 55 TFSI has 23 miles of all electric range and 390 miles of total range. Combined, it gets 61 MPGe (and 26 mpg while only using gas). Both require the use of premium fuel.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what comes on each trim level and what kind of power to expect from each powertrain option, you can make a more informed decision. Is the 2022 Audi Q5 going to suit your needs? If so, which trim level is going to best balance features with cost? And should you consider trying the PHEV 55 TFSI?

Here is what we recommend for the average buyer: Go middle-of-the-road with the Premium Plus. It gives you an abundance of features for a reasonable cost. And, if you have room in your budget, add the Warm Weather and/or Navigation packages. This will still keep you below the Prestige's price tag.

As far as engines go, the 55 TFSI is actually the better powertrain. The 45 TFSI is somewhat slow with a real-world acceleration speed of about 6.1 seconds - even slower than Audi advertises. The 55 TFSI has more combined power and is a little snappier from the get-go. It is nothing to marvel at, but it doesn't feel as sluggish. Plus, with having to put premium fuel into this vehicle, you are going to want something that is a tad more fuel efficient than the thirsty 45 TFSI.