- In many ways, the Q5 found the sweet spot
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Lincoln Corsair
- Acura RDX
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- BMW X3
There are many reasons to consider an Audi Q5. It has space, pace, grace, and a nameplate that attracts attention. For many, it’s in the sweet spot for an entry-level luxury five-passenger SUV. For others, that could be a BMW or a Volvo. What are the alternatives to the well-rounded Audi Q5?
In many ways, the Q5 found the sweet spot
2023 Audi Q5 | Audi
At a base price of $43,500 the Q5 skirts both the upper echelon of leather-clad basic SUVs like the Subaru Outback XT Touring and Mazda Cz-5, but also undercuts its prime luxury competition. The Q5 45 TFSI version comes well equipped with all-wheel drive, several driver’s aids, and a large touchscreen. But there are alternatives to the Q5.
The Tesla Model Y technically competes with the Q5 on size, but because it’s electric it has an entirely different performance curve and it’s more likely you’ll be cross-shopping the Y With the new Blazer EV and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Jaguar E-Pace
The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace showing off its capability | Photo via Jaguar
The 2023 Jaguar E-Pace flies under the radar. Sure, it has the badge, but it is a bit more stealthy. That is until you put your foot in it, and you feel its 248-horsepower. The Jaguar has a cabin and an overall feel that is in line with the leather and satin chrome than the carbon fiber look of the Audi. The Q5 does hold a bit more stuff, and it has slightly more interior room. The Jag starts at $48,000.
Lincoln Corsair
A gray Lincoln Corsair is driving on the road | Lincoln
Lincoln has come a long way from its Continental roots with the $36,580 Corsair. It is Lincoln’s entry-level luxury five-seat SUV and it offers a lot of value for the money. It’s designed to waft down the highway and eat up miles, while you sit in leather-swathed comfort, whether you pick the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the hotrod with 295 horsepower, or the plug-in hybrid version. It also offers the Lincoln Co-Pilot250 1.5 Plus, which has a 260-degree camera, and several aids like evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise.
Acura RDX
2022 Acura RDX Kicking Up the Dust | Acura
The Acura RDX, at $40,600, is a bit less than the Audi but combines a lot of the sporty feel of the Q5 with a powerful 272-horsepower VTEC turbo motor. The Acura can be ordered in A-Spec trim, which adds an even more performance feel with the adaptive suspension. Like the others on this list, the RDX is designed around on-road performance, and more than the others, it wears its performance on its sleeve with bold intake ducts and large wheels, and a cabin with gauges that look like they came out of an R-Spec Honda.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
2023 Mercedes GLC | Mercedes
The GLC is the natural competitor for the Q5. It’s a bit larger, and for 2023 it’s getting a total refresh that will make it feel a lot newer. The interior has been spruced up with a new, sleek, two-cockpit feel split by a large center screen. The big news is that it’s packed with technology inside, and in the engine bay, with a new hybrid version and four gas versions.
BMW X3
2022 BMW X3 | BMW
The 2022BMW X3 holds about two feet more of cargo, has a similar sporty feel and directly competes with the Q5. The big update for the X3 was for 2022. The X3 was made a bit bigger all around and the wheelbase was expanded. The big news was the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system in the X3 M40i version. The X3 comes in X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, and X3 M40i trims, and starts at $45,400.