When it comes to small luxury cars, U.S. News likes what Audi brings to the table. With the newest models coming out, the A4 and A5 are both ranked in the #1 spot in the luxury small car category. What does each offer, and which one should you choose?

What the Audi A4 offers for 2022

The newest model of the Audi A4 is coming off the production line without any significant changes going into 2022, according to U.S. News. Audi’s all-wheel drive system continues to be standard since they dropped the front-wheel-drive platform in 2021. 

Under the hood remains the same four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the previous year that produces 201 horsepower, enabling the A4 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds that’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Its fuel economy ratings aren’t bad for a luxury. You can expect to get 25 mpg on city roads and 34 mpg when traveling on the highway. However, the upgraded 261 hp engine offers 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. 

This small luxury car seats five with 41.3 inches of legroom in the front and 35.7 inches in the rear. For the cargo area, you’ll get 12 cubic feet of space to store a few suitcases and even some golf clubs. 

As for technology, the A4 doesn’t disappoint. Its standard 10.1-inch touchscreen has sharp graphics and an easy-to-use interface. There are physical controls as well, so you don’t have to fumble with the menu when you’re driving down the road. You’ll also get an HD radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a push-button start ignition, heated front seats, and ambient lighting. 

How does the 2022 Audi A5 compare?

The Audi A5 comes with a lot of what the A4 offers. It has the same engine options, infotainment system, and standard all-wheel drive structure. Both also have the same amount of legroom in the front, but the A5 has a tiny bit less legroom in the rear. 

The most significant difference is the body styles the A5 offers. With this model, you can choose a Sportback, Coupe, or Convertible (Cabriolet) build. The A4 only has one body style. Cargo capacity is less in the A5’s Coupe and Convertible versions. However, the Sportback offers 21.8 cubic feet of space, which is quite a bit more than the A4.

When it comes to fuel economy, it gives you close to the same figures. The 201 horsepower engine offers 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The 261 hp engine gets 24 mpg on city roads, and 31 mpg when traveling on the highway, according to U.S. News. 

Which one earns the best luxury small car title?

The Audi A4 comes in three trims. You can choose Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Starting prices range from $39,100 (Premium) to $49,400 (Prestige). If you go with the upgraded engine, which produces 261 horsepower, prices increase to a range of $41,000 to $50,100.

Audi’s A5 has the same three trim levels. Prices begin at $42,400 to $53,000 for the Sportback version. However, the A5 comes with different body styles, so you can expect to pay $44,500 for the base Coupe and $50,700 for the base convertible. 

If you’re looking to pick one of these two, the A5 offers more with its three body styles. You can get sportier handling and a more refined interior than the A4 offers. However, the trunk space is a bit too small for the Coupe and Convertible versions. Additionally, prices are a little on the high side, but if you aren’t bothered by those drawbacks, the A5 would be a pretty good deal for you.

Both the Audi A4 and the A5 are excellent choices for a small car, so it’s no wonder they tied for the #1 spot in the Luxury small car category. Each offers close to the same features, but the A5 has just a bit more excitement awaiting any car owner.