Audi sells more Q5 SUVs than any other SUV. It makes sense because the Q5 combines powerful engines, quattro all-wheel drive,  five comfortable seats, good cargo capability and a badge that makes the neighbors jealous like its chief competitor, the BMW X3. But, Audi, like many manufacturers, doesn’t make it easy for you to learn which Q5 is which. The current generation, for example, has been offered in nine different gas and diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid, as well as high performance versions each with a slightly different name.

Consumer Reports recommends the 2023 Audi Q5

The Q5 was launched in 2009 and saw a significant update for 2018. It had a small refresh in 2021. Every 2023 Q5 packs 54 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded, three engine options, and handling that belies its tall stance. The Q5 seats five and has a dual-clutch automated gearbox, quattro and more. Consumer Reports recommends the 2023 Q5 and gives it high marks for performance and reliability. It also has Anddoid Auto and AppleCarPlay.

What’s the difference between the 2023 Audi Q5 40 and 45?

The base version of the 2023 Q5 is the Q5 40, though Audi calls it the Advanced Line. It has a 2.0-liter four cylinder with 201 horsepower with an MSRP of $43,500. The 2023 Q5 45 costs $46,000 and comes with a 261-horsepower version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that outguns many of its competitors.

In the past, Audi’s S Line trim was an option. Now, it’s standard on the Q5 45. Basically, that means that the Q 45 has a higher spec trim package, with both sporter and more luxurious trim. The major differences are different standard and optional wheels. The black optic package is only available on the Q45.

What’s the difference between Premium and Premium Plus?

Each Q5 comes in three trim levels, the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The Premium is the base and comes standard with the Advanced line exterior trim, lane departure warning, and a seven-inch display for the driver. The $5,500 Premium Plus trim for the 40 and 45 adds 19-inch rims, upgraded sounds, the Audi virtual cockpit plus system, and active lane assist. Stepping up the Prestige for $11,000 more includes ventilated front sport seats, navigation, parking assist and a heads-up display.

The PHEV version of the Q5 is the 55

The 2023 Q5 55 looks very similar to the others, but you’re more likely to see this plug-in hybrid running in silent battery-only mode. In 2022, it was called the 50. It has a maximum output of 362 horsepower and can accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds, according to Audi. The 2023 55 starts at $55,400  and also comes in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. It’s nearly as quick as the high-performance SQ5.

The Sportback is the coupe version

The 2023 Audi Q5 comes in a “coupe” version that, like many SUVs that have been turned into cars, has a sloping roof line. The Sportback comes standard with a sunroof, front sport seats, and without the roof rails of the SUV. The sporty styling cuts back on some cargo room, but other than that, it’s basically the same vehicle. You pay for the styling of the Sportback, however, and it has a base price of $50,300.

Is the Audi Q5 the same as the SQ5?

The 2023 Audi Q5 comes in a high-performance version called the SQ5 that is really a separate model. The heart of the $55,800 SQ5 is its V6 that makes 349 horsepower and is tied to an eight-speed (rather than seven) speed Tiptronic transmission. It can blast to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds according to Audi. It, too, comes in the three trim levels with the most expensive Prestige selling for $67,500.