Audi currently has no hybrid SUVs in its lineup. If we look at its past just a few years ago, the Q5 TFSI e quattro stands out as a unique offering as a plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV from the company. It was known for its performance, efficiency and now, it can even be value for money.
So, let us take a look at the 2023 Audi plug-in hybrid Q5 – its history, specs and how much it will cost in today’s market if you wanted a powerful yet efficient compact luxury SUV from a German manufacturer.
As with any used car purchase, your results may vary and CarBuzz advises used-car buyers to do due diligence before buying.
The Hybrid Audi SUV From 2023 You Forgot About
The second-generation Audi Q5 launched for the 2018 model year. It was a huge upgrade over the first generation, featuring the MLB Evo platform, Virtual Cockpit and an upgraded interior, all while being lighter than the previous model as well. In 2021, Audi introduced the plug-in hybrid version, known as the 55 TFSI e quattro.
Apart from a name that rolls off the tongue, the PHEV combined the inline-four cylinder with an electric motor to produce enough power to rival the SQ5. With quattro all-wheel drive as standard as well, performance was a strong point for the SUV, and it did that while being efficient.
In 2023, the PHEV got a bigger battery and improved electric range. It sat at the top of the ICE Q5 lineup and was available in three trims.
- Premium S-line
- Premium Plus S-line
- Prestige S-line
All three trims had the same powertrain and performance figures. The only difference was the interior and quality of life features. When new, the Q5 PHEV had a starting MSRP of $57,400 for the Premium trim all the way to $67,000 for the Prestige trim.
The second-generation PHEV was on sale till 2024, when it was replaced by the third generation, but that has not been brought to the US shores yet.
Hybrid Audi Performance And Efficiency
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2023 Audi Q5 TFSI quattro Specs |
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Model |
Q5 55 TFSI e |
Q5 45 TFSI |
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Engine |
2.0L I4 + Electric Motor |
2.0L I4 |
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Transmission |
7-speed DCT |
7-speed DCT |
|
Horsepower |
362 hp |
261 hp |
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Torque |
369 lb-ft |
273 lb-ft |
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Drivetrain |
Quattro AWD |
Quattro AWD |
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Combined Fuel Economy |
60 MPGe (26 mpg gas-only) |
25 mpg |
|
0–60 mph |
4.5–5.0 secs |
5.5–6.0 secs |
When comparing the 45 TFSI to the PHEV, it is clear that the 17.9-kWh battery gave the 55 TFSI e considerably more performance. The electric tech did add weight though, with the PHEV weighing 500–600 pounds more than the ICE-only counterpart. However, that did not stop the Q5 PHEV from being as quick as, if not quicker than, the V6-powered SQ5 on many occasions, which gave it that extra appeal.
It was praised for its well-damped suspension and smooth ride, as the Audi SUV hybrid got adaptive dampers as standard. The electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing, and gives the Q5 an EV-only range of up to 28 miles, which helps it conserve fuel in city traffic by not using the engine at all. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.
The traditional downside of a smaller rear cargo space in PHEVs is also mitigated with the Q5 55 TFSI e. The battery pack is placed beneath the cargo floor, which helps the car have an identical 25.8 cubic feet of storage space to the ICE model, despite the added electric technology.
Luxury: True Audi Style
The main difference in trims was only noticeable in the cabin. The base PHEV model, S-line Premium, got a lot of standard kit – leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a panoramic sunroof. The Premium Plus trim was next tier up and added features such as a Bang & Olufsen audio system and a surround view camera system. Many owners believed the Premium Plus was the ideal sweet spot in the range, and the audio system upgrade was deemed one of the most worthwhile upgrades.
The flagship trim was the Prestige trim that added a heads-up display, ventilated front seats, better ambient lighting, navigation package improvements and better premium interior materials.
The Q5 55 TFSI e stood out in 2023 for features like its quiet cabin, high-quality materials and smooth ride, with no major downside when compared to the non-hybrid Q5 and the added perks of a plug-in hybrid.
How Much Does The Last Audi Hybrid SUV Cost In 2026?
If the 2023 Q5 plug-in hybrid was so good, you must be wondering, does Audi make a hybrid SUV now? Technically, it does, but not for the US market. The third-generation Audi Q5 e-hybrid quattro is on sale in Europe. It combines the 2.0L turbo gasoline engine with a 20.7-kWh usable battery that provides up to 62 miles of electric-only range. However, there are several factors stalling its arrival in the US market.
Audi is giving priority to its EV lineup and pure ICE models for the first half of 2026. The new Q6 e-tron was launched for the 2025 model year and received a major update built on the 800-volt Premium Platform Electric architecture. Audi USA has also historically launched the plug-in hybrid versions of its ICE counterparts much later than in Europe. While it has not been confirmed when/if the 2026 Q5 PHEV will arrive, it is highly likely considering the market at the moment.
Is The 2023 Audi Q5 Hybrid Value For Money In 2026?
So, while we wait for the new Q5 plug-in hybrid to reach our shores, is the 2023 Q5 55 TFSI e quattro a good buy in 2026? Used models currently listed for sale range from $30,000 to $37,000, depending on spec.
On Edmunds, the cheapest Q5 55 TFSI e is listed for $31,392 in the Premium Plus trim with 41,383 miles on the odometer. The most expensive hybrid Q5 is listed at $37,033 in the Premium Plus trim with just 17,821 miles. If we compare that to the non-hybrid 45 and 40 TFSI models, a Premium Plus trim on sale is listed at $28,520 with 35,398 miles. The most expensive Premium Plus model is on sale for $31,495 with 24,338 miles on the odometer.
If we compare the used market values of the ICE and plug-in hybrid Q5s, the difference is marginal. For $2,000–$4,000 extra, you get all the aforementioned benefits of the hybrid system – more power, an electric-only range, better interior build quality and tech, adaptive dampers as standard.
If we compare the ’23 Q5 PHEV to new crossover/SUVs on sale around the $30,000 mark, it competes with non-luxury brands such as Toyota and Honda. The new RAV4 hybrid falls into this price range, starting at $31,900, albeit not the plug-in hybrid version. The Honda CR-V is also a competitor in this segment, starting at $30,920.
While both the new cars offer better fuel efficiency due to improved technology, they do not have an EV-only range, or the premium interior of the Q5. However, if efficiency and practicality are your main priority, the 2026 model year cars are a better proposition. However, the 2023 Audi PHEV SUV is faster, more refined, has a more premium cabin and performance that rivals performance SUVs.
Is The 2023 Hybrid Audi SUV A Good Buy?
Buying a used car is always a risk. Maintenance is always a deal-breaker, especially with luxury SUVs. However, the Q5 PHEV makes a strong case for itself. Available in three trims, with much of the kit as standard, it offers SQ5 performance with a premium interior and daily usability with an electric range. The car has already depreciated, and it is available for sale for around the same price as the lower 45 TFSI non-hybrid trims. When compared to them, it is significantly better in almost every category.
If we compare it to new 2026 models for sale around the $30,000 mark, it offers unmatched value in terms of a premium cabin and performance. While the new cars are becoming increasingly efficient with developing technology, none of them offer the same Audi luxury benefits. For a car that is only three years old, the 2023 Audi hybrid SUV is a strong contender in the used market for people looking for a luxury SUV with the benefits of plug-in hybrid technology at a bargain price.
Sources: Audi, Toyota, Honda, EPA
FAQ
Q: Does Audi have any hybrid SUV?
Audi has no hybrid SUV currently on sale in the USA.
Q: Which is the best SUV hybrid to buy?
New hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V offer great efficiency and practicality, while used SUVs such as the Q5 Hybrid offer a more premium cabin and better perforamance.
Q: What hybrid models does Audi have?
Audi currently offers no plug-in hybrid models at the moment. The 2027 RS5 and its latest supercar, the Nuvolari, are two hybrids that are confirmed, with speculation that the Q5 Hybrid will launch soon as well.
Q: Which is better, Q3 or Q5?
The Q3 is a smaller compact entry luxury SUV starting at $43,700 while the Q5 is a larger and more premium SUV with a higher base MSRP of $52,800.