Mark, Author at Maynards Garage

2022 Nissan Frontier Review

by Mark | Feb 3, 2022 | 0 comments

The best thing about the new Nissan Frontier is its purity of truckness that was not sanitized in the redesign.

A front-side view of the 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X off-road model

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is available in King and Crew Cab body styles in rear- or four-wheel drive with a V-6 powertrain. Shown is the PRO-4X Crew Cab. (Nissan photography)

The redesigned and re-engineered 2022 Nissan Frontier has not been such a compelling midsize pickup since the “Hardbody” of the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. But the Frontier’s catchup to the competition has been a long time coming — and worth the wait. The Frontier’s last complete makeover was in 2005 for the second-generation.

Its timing is right for the resurgence of midsize and compact pickups. The Frontier is midsize and will compete with the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma. And the compact pickup segment is on the move with such just-released pickups as the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick.

PRO-4X and PRO-X models have the interior option for charcoal with Lava Red.

The optional Charcoal with Lava Red interior.

Nissan Frontier Overview

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is about the same size as before but a complete re-engineering with some exterior styling cues from Nissan’s full-size Titan pickup. Look for its “brutally vertical face” and interlocking-style grille.

Also new is a simplified build order. The new Frontier has just one V-6 powertrain and nine-speed automatic transmission, in two- or four-wheel drive. And there are two body-style configurations of King Cab and Crew cab body styles, in short- or long-wheelbase lengths.

A 5-foot bed is standard on all Crew Cab models, with a 6-foot bed available on Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase models. A 6-foot bed is also standard on all King Cab models. The King Cab has four seats, the Crew Cab has five.

The exterior styling is sturdy and handsome, but it is not covering a delicate beauty queen. The Frontier’s workhorse foundation is a heavy-duty, fully boxed ladder frame. The front suspension is a double-wishbone with twin-tube shock absorbers, and at the rear are multi-leaf springs and a solid Dana axle.

Put it all together and the Frontier has a 6,720-pound maximum towing capacity. Payloads range from a maximum of 1,480 pounds on some 2WD models to 1,230 lbs. for the top-line Pro-4X.

There are tire and wheel packages of 16 or 17 inches with tires sizes of 265/70R16, 265/65R17, or 265/70R17.

It is a hands-on driver area with smart organization to cabin controls.

Nissan Frontier Pricing

The Frontier is available in four trim levels in two- or four-wheel drive:

King Cab: S, SV;
Crew Cab: S, SV;
PRO-X (2WD) and PRO-4X 4WD
Crew Cab long wheelbase: SV 2WD and 4WD

Starting prices range from $29,365 for the King Cab S to $38,595 for the Crew Cab Pro-4X. MSRPs include the $1,225 freight charge from Canton, Miss.

Today’s Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab was $47,145. The PRO-X and PRO-4X feature 17-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, Bilstein Off-Road shock absorbers, an electronic locking rear differential. Three steel skid plates shield the underside, and fender flares fend off some trail scouring. LED lighting includes headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights. And standard interior features include a 9.0-inch color touchscreen, Nissan Door to Door Navigation, and NissanConnect with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Check here for current incentives and pricing.

The 9.0-inch color touchscreen is a big screen for the Around View monitor, with 'trail cam.'

The 9.0-inch color touchscreen is a big screen for the ‘trail cam.’

Nissan Frontier Safety Features

With the complete redesign came a new integration of safety features and technologies.

Most notable is the optional Nissan Safety Shield 360. The group includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking. The $990 package is available on all models.

With all of the available driver-assist technologies, the Frontier’s tech suite lacks steering-assist to provide semi-autonomous driving.

Standard safety features include eight air bags, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, hill-start assist and hill-descent assist, and trailer sway control.

The Pro models have LED exterior lighting.

Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Interior

Starting with a blank box gave the designers space to design the needs of the North American driver. The front seat area feels spacious with a tall headroom of 39.1 inches, with a moonroof. Switches and controls are within easy reach and in logical placement.

Soundproofing the cabin was a priority. There is more insulation, improved rear carpet structure, and new front-door acoustic laminated. Overall, Nissan says engine noise was reduced by 5 decibels during acceleration, road noise has reduced by 3 decibels, and wind noise was trimmed by 2.5 decibels.
The interior plastics have a quality appearance and feel solid and durable with good panel alignment.

The digital dashboard (gauges) is bold with large text and graphics. And the various modes are easy to page through from the steering wheel controls. The 9-inch color infotainment screen is almost clipboard size and is not affected by washout from sunlight. The touch controls are simple to navigate.

The center stack of controls below the touchscreen has an easy-to-reach tier for climate controls. And a lower deck for seat heaters, parking assist, and the USBs. There are four USBs throughout, of which two are the C type.

Large sliding visors actually do a complete job of blocking even that sliver of light that typically gets through at the windshield pillars.

The wireless phone charging pad is conveniently placed on the shift console. Unfortunately, wireless charging is available only on the Pro models, in the $1,990 Pro Convenience package.

The shift console with wireless charging pad

The shift console with wireless charging, grab handles, and large cup holders.

Cabin Access

Nissan says that the front Zero Gravity seats are designed for initial softness with lateral support to help reduce long-range fatigue. And the seat support is excellent, but the eight-way power driver seat does not have seat-bottom tilt, and the manual lumbar is not quite adequate for some. Also, the lumbar lever on the seatback side is not easy to move and feels prone to breakage.

The front passenger gets a handy grab handle at the windshield pillar to hoist aboard. But then the passenger gets only four-way manual seat adjustment, which is no fun for the buddy when out on a trail run. And it’s just wrong on a $47K vehicle.

There are several areas for small-item storage, including the locking (and deep) glove box, a deep armrest console box with a 12-volt plug, and door panels with a 32-ounce bottle slot.

The Frontier’s raised hood complicates sightlines across the fenders, but the front doors have a cut-down at the side mirrors that significantly helps in cornering. In addition, the Around View monitor with a front view (trail cam) is an empowering assist when pulling into a parking slot, the home garage or when cresting the spine of a rock run.

The back seat has snug legroom and a very upright seatback.

Back Seat and Cargo Function

Stepping into the back seat feels more compact than midsize, and the seatback is very upright without any recline. A low hump to the exhaust-trans tunnel aids center seat footroom, but legroom is short at 33 inches, and worse if there’s a tall driver ahead.

Details include a helpful B-pillar grab handle and an overhead grip, a wide fold-down center armrest with cup holders, bottle storage in the doors, and dual USBs with a 400-watt 120-volt household plug.

The tester’s 5-foot bed is nicely accommodated by the Pro Convenience Package, $1,990. It includes a spray-in bedliner, 12-volt plug, side lights, and the Utili-track system with four adjustable tie-down cleats. (Full package features in the specifications chart at the end of the story.)

An underview of the Frontier's front skid plates.

Steel and aluminum front skid plates.

Frontier Performance

Nissan’s 310-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 has welcome thrust when needed, but throttle tip-in can feel abrupt when starting out from the light. Engine torque (the pulling force) is substantial at 281 foot-pounds, but its power peak is high at 4,400 rpm. Consequently, passing power can take a second to engage. But the nine-speed automatic rolls easily through upshifts, and, mercifully, there are no paddle shifters.

Fuel economy is competitive with the other V-6 trucks in the segment, even a click better than the Toyota Tacoma, at least on paper.

The Frontier’s EPA mileage ratings are 17 mpg city, 22 highway, and 19 mpg combined, on the recommended 87 octane fuel. My driving over a couple of hundred miles returned 12 to 16 mpg around town and overachieved on the highway at 22.3 mpg. The 21-gallon tank will provide a comfortable cruising radius of nearly 400 miles and possibly many more on a long highway run.

The Frontier's off-road wheels and Hankook tires

The Pro-4X tester had 17-inch beadlock-style wheels and all-terrain tires.

Frontier Pro-4X Ride and Handling

The Pro-4X might have an intimidating appearance, but the suspension does an excellent job of not beating-up occupants.

The long, 126-inch wheelbase helps steady the highway ride, but my favorite addition is the Bilstein shocks at the rear, which make every vehicle ride smoother. You will feel the body rigidity with some head toss when swinging into a driveway, but Nissan finessed the spring rates for compliance with control.

Still, the turning circle is wide at 42.4 feet, which can require four-point turns on the trail or in the parking structure. And arms get a workout from the overly stiff Pro-4X steering weight. An electronic driver-selectable mode for steering weight would be welcome when negotiating a trail or in close parking conditions.

Stopping power is substantial for all models from four-wheel vented disc brakes. Here are two-piston, 11.7-inch rotors at the front and 11.3-inch single-piston rotors rear.

The underside is protected by steel and aluminum skid plates at the front, with steel plates at the transfer case and fuel tank. And there are two robust front tow hooks.

The $750 step rails appear to be of heavy-gauge steel and include bolt-on footpads at each door. It’s smart to make the footpads removable because they can easily be snapped off on rocks or other trail outcrops. Also, if the off-roader wants to take the time to unbolt the steps, the rails are snug to the body and will make good rock rails when negotiating rugged terrain.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is about the same size as before but a complete re-engineering with styling cues from Nissan’s full-size Titan pickup.

‘Best Off-Road Truck’

I couldn’t get to the desert or trail to test the traction of the Frontier Pro-4X, but the editors of TFLtruck.com (TheFastLaneTruck.com) did. And their teamed awarded it “Best Off-Road Truck” of 2022.

TFL testing included off-road prowess, technology, performance, trailer towing, and efficiency. Their team evaluated the Frontier against three other new 2022 model pickups — the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Toyota Tundra.

Because off-road trail conditions are ever-changing, opinion comes into play when choosing the best of the bunch, according to the TFL crew.

“We compare all of the off-road specifications: ground clearance, approach and departure angles, tires, turning radius, off-road modes, transfer cases, and differential lockers,” wrote the reporting editor.

During the multi-venue evaluation, the Frontier got a workout in such areas as Colorado’s Webster Pass and Tombstone Hill trails. “Its midsize proportions shone through on narrow trails — while the Bilstein shock absorbers and aggressive all-terrain tires on the PRO-4X made ‘short work of most obstacles,’ the editors said.

All Frontier models have the same powertrain: 310-hp, direct-injected 3.8-liter V-6 and 9-speed automatic.

All Frontier models have a 310-hp, 3.8-liter V-6. (Mark Maynard photo)

Why Buy the Nissan Frontier?

Nissan has built small pickups since its first one in 1959. The Frontier has endured through good times and bad, and now the 2022 model reinstates its badge of honor.

For its reinterpretation, Nissan had many good trucks to cherry-pick great ideas while maintaining its engineering integrity. There aren’t any segment-separator features, but neither does the Frontier lack any utility features.

As tough as is the Frontier Pro-4X, it still is a comfortable and accommodating daily driver.

But the best thing about the new Nissan Frontier isn’t its hardware or software. It is its pure truckness that hasn’t been sanitized in the redesign. If you prefer a carlike pickup, consider the Honda Ridgeline.

An off-road Frontier scrambles up a dirt track.

The PRO-X and PRO-4X feature 17-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels, fender flares, all-terrain tires, Bilstein Off-Road shock absorbers, an electronic locking rear differential, and three steel underbody skid plates.

Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab Specifications

Body style: midsize, LWB 4-door, 5-seat pickup with 5-foot cargo bed

Engine: 310-hp, direct-injected 3.8-liter V-6; 281 lb.-ft. torque at 4,400 pm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic with 7-position drive mode and tow-haul mode; part-time 4WD with high and low gearing transfer case; 4-wheel limited slip

Fuel economy: 17/22/19 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 21 gallons

Max payload: 1,230 lbs. 4×4;

Max towing: 6,720 lbs. with trailer-sway control

Front head/leg room: 39.1*/42.3 in. *w/moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 38.6/33.2 in.

Length/wheelbase: 224.1/126 in.

Height/width: 72.9/74.7 in.

Curb weight: 4,708 lbs.

Ground clearance: 9.5 in. front differential; 9.4 in. rear differential

Turning circle: 42.4 ft.

FEATURES

Pro-4X standard equipment includes: Intelligent key locking with push-button ignition, rearview monitor, PRO unique leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, PRO unique leather seat stitching, 7-inch driver gauge display, 9-inch color touch screen, 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio and Apple Car Play and Android Auto, voice recognition for navigation and audio, Bluetooth phone and audio, NissanConnect with Wi-Fi hotspot, 4 USBs (2 C type), 60/40 folding back seat with under-seat storage

Off-roading features: Bilstein rear off-road shocks, electronic locking rear differential, rear suspension stabilizer, 17-inch PRO alloy wheels and 265/70 all-terrain tires, shift-on-the-fly 4×4

Exterior features: LED headlights and high beams, LED running lights and fog lights, aluminum front skid plate and 3 steel underbody plates, sliding rear window, locking (and damped) tailgate, bed-rail protectors, high-mounted cargo light, 4 cargo tie-downs, LED rear lights, over-fender flares.

Standard safety features include: 8 air bags, hill-start assist, hill-descent assist, trailer sway control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, brake-force distribution, brake assist, dynamic stability and traction controls.

PRICING

Pro 4-X Crew Cab 4×4 base price: $38,595, including $1,225 freight charge; price as tested $47,145

Options on test vehicle: Tactical Green metallic paint $395; Off-road style step rails $750; Bed Access package $540; Sport bar $1,095

Pro Convenience package, $1,990, includes spray-in bedliner; Util-track system with 4 adjustable tie-down cleats; heated side mirrors; heated steering wheel and front seats; LED under-rail lighting; remote engine start; trailer hitch with wiring harness; Intelligent Around View Monitor with moving object detection and front trail view; wireless charging

Pro Premium package, $2,790, includes Fender 10-speaker audio system; leather-trimmed front and rear seats; auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink universal transceiver; auto tilt-and-slide sunroof with manual shade; 17-inch beadlock-style alloy wheels.

Technology package, $990, includes lane-departure warning; blind-spot warning; rear cross-traffic alert; rear sonar system; automatic rear braking; high-beam assist; intelligent cruise control; traffic sign recognition.

Where assembled: Canton, Miss.

Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain

Industry News

Kia America To Feature Electric EV6 In Super Bowl LVI Spot

by Mark | Jan 27, 2022 | 0 comments

2022 Kia EV6 Super Bowl teaser photo to highlight pet adoptions

Kia’s 2022 Super Bowl ad will promote the new EV6 battery-electric crossover and pet adoptions. (Kia USA images)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Kia America has returned as an automotive advertiser for Super Bowl LVI and will blitz its all-electric Kia EV6 and the pet-adoption charity Petfinder Foundation. This year will mark Kia’s 13th super bowl advertisement.

Kia’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle will arrive in showrooms soon. On some models, the five-seat crossover SUV has an EPA-rated driving range of 310 miles.

The EV6 cabin has extensive use of recycled plastic and
100 percent vegan leather surfaces on some models.

Size-wise, Kia says the EV6 has the same 114.2-inch wheelbase as its Telluride SUV and compares with the width of a Ford Mustang Mach E and the wheelbase of a Tesla Model Y.

2022 EV6 charge port in the rear right-side taillight.

2022 EV6 charging port.

Sold in rear- or all-wheel drive in five trim levels, EV6 starting prices range from $42,115 for the rear-drive EV6 Light to $57,115 for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Kia EV6 GT-Line. Get Kia vehicle pricing here.

Pricing includes the $1,215 freight charge from South Korea (the Hwasung plant). But pricing does not include possible state EV purchase incentives or the federal $7,500 EV tax credit (for eligible buyers).

24.4 to 50.2 cubic feet of cargo room.

Kia’s Super Bowl campaign is also a scrimmage to promote the brand’s Accelerate The Good Program and its partnership with Petfinder Foundation, a pet adoption charity. Special “Kia Pet Adoption Grants” will help shelter animals find forever homes.

Kia’s Plan S Strategy

The 2022 EV6 is the first model to be launched under Kia’s Plan S strategy for electric vehicles. And the launch of the EV6 also marks the first time a Korean vehicle manufacturer has received carbon footprint certification and a “Carbon Measured” label from the Carbon Trust, the global climate change and sustainability consultancy.

Kia says the EV6 GT-Line AWD, with 77.4kWh high-density lithium-ion battery, can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Special EV6 features include:

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. The EV6 can be used as a mobile power source for computers, camping, tailgating, and backup power at home;

21 standard active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: The semi-autonomous driver-assist capabilities including Highway Driving Assist 2;

Augmented Reality Head-Up Display: The HUD system projects three-dimensional images on the windshield.

800V multi-charging architecture: Kia says its world-first system will allow ultra-fast DC charging capability from a 10-80 percent charge (up to 217 miles range) in less than18 minutes.

Super Bowl LVI will be played on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., in the South Bay region of Los Angeles.

Industry News

The Final BMW V-12

by Mark | Jan 18, 2022 | 0 comments

Limited Edition BMW M760i xDrive
Only 12 vehicles will be released to the U.S.
MSRP of $200,995
U.S. production scheduled for June 2022

A regular production BMW M760i xDrive. (BMW photos)

BY MARK MAYNARD

BMW USA announced today, Jan. 18, that it will produce its last V-12 engine for a series production road vehicle this June, 2022.

To mark the occasion, BMW will offer The Final V12 as a limited series of 12 cars for the U.S. Based on the BMW M760i xDrive, the limited-edition model will feature special badging, wheels, and a broad choice of paint colors and upholstery offered by BMW Individual.

The First BMW V-12

BMW introduced its first road-going V-12 in 1987. The naturally-aspirated, five-liter M70 V-12 engine featured single overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder, and drive-by-wire electronic throttle.

Today, the V-12 engine in The Final V12 displaces 6.6 liters and features direct-injection two mono-scroll turbochargers. The engine produces 601 hp between 5,500-6,500 rpm. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and peak torque of 590 foot-pounds from 1,550 to 5,000 rpm, the V-12 will launch the 5,128-pound sedan to 60 mph in a roaring 3.6 seconds. Its fuel-economy ratings on the recommended premium fuel are 13 mpg city, 20 highway, and 16 mpg combined.

The 601-hp BMW V-12 engine.

Special features for The Final V12 will include a simple but bold “V12” badge at the rear. In addition, unique 20-inch Style 760M double-spoke light-alloy wheels are painted in Window Grey or Jet Black, then burnished to a dark silver surface highlight. Formidable M Sport brakes with have blue or black calipers.

Threshold plates will distinguish the interior at each door sill inscribed with “THE FINAL V12.” There also is a similar plate on the cover of the 12-cylinder engine. In addition, BMW Individual Piano Black Finish trim surrounds the interior and features a console-mounted plaque commemorating the vehicle as “1 OF 12”.

Driver area of the M760Li .

The Final V12

The Final V12 will be offered only in a fully equipped configuration. Its special features will include:

BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional Package;
Luxury Rear Seating Package;
Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof;
Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight;
Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound Audio System.

There are more than 80 paint colors and several tones of full Merino leather.

Owners also will be given a custom-built desk trophy to commemorate their specific vehicle. The trophy will itemize the special order paint, leather, and vehicle identification number as one of The Final V12 vehicles.

Loyal V-12 7-Series BMW owners will get the first invitations to buy the car.

The Final V-12 will have an MSRP of $200,995, including the $995 freight charge from Dingolfing, Germany, but not the gas-guzzler tax. Check here for the pricing of the 2022 M760i xDrive Sedan, which starts at $160,495.

Final V-12 production will begin in June 2022, with deliveries expected in July.

Car Reviews

2022 Audi Q5 Review

by Mark | Jan 14, 2022 | 0 comments

There is a lot to unwrap for the 2022 Audi Q5. This compact SUV is sold in two body styles with choices of gasoline engines or a plug-in hybrid

The Audi Q5 is sold with a choice of three models: the Q5 45 4-cylinder (today’s tester), Q5 55 e plug-in hybrid, and the SQ5 turbo V-6. (Photography by Mark Maynard)

There is a lot to unwrap about the 2022 Audi Q5, and not just that it shares a celebrity lineage with the Porsche Macan — and has heated and cooled cup holders. This compact SUV crossover is Audi’s top-seller and packs an abundance of five-star NHTSA safety ratings. And it is sold in two body styles, including the rakish Sportback, and with choices of gasoline engines or a plug-in hybrid.

What’s New for the 2022 Audi Q5?

The Q5 has powertrain choices of a gasoline-powered 45 TFSI and the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. Both have standard quattro all-wheel drive. (TFSI stands for the turbocharged and direct-injected engine.) Next, choose from three trim choices: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

Following a styling, decor, and infotainment update in 2021, the 2022 Q5 45 TFSI was upgraded to a standard S line exterior. The treatment includes aluminum front door-sill inlays with an illuminated S logo. There is also a new 18-inch wheel design for the Premium trim.

Additionally, a power-adjusted steering column is now standard in the Premium Plus trim. And the performance-oriented SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback get real Atlas Carbon fiber inlays as standard.

A new Black optic package ($1,300) is available for all models, including black exterior trim and 20-inch wheels with all-season tires.

The plug-in Q5 55 e gets standard sport seats to create an SQ5-lite variant. The plug-in hybrid model also receives a battery upgrade to a 17.9 kWh battery, which adds 3.8 kWh. Q5 55 e has an electric driving range of around 19 miles.

Front headroom is a tall 39.6 inches even with the moonroof.

Audi Q5 Pricing

Starting prices for the Q5 45 range from $46,695 to $51,695 to $57,395. The powertrain is the 261-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder with a seven-speed direct-shift (automated manual) automatic transmission. Audi cites 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds. All MSRPs include the $1,095 freight charge from San Jose Chiapa, Mexico.

The 55 e plug-in hybrid uses the 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor and 17.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. With power ratings of 362 hp and 369 foot-pounds of torque, Audi cites 0-60 mph acceleration in 5 seconds. Starting prices range from $55,695 to $65,145.

The high-performance SQ5 quattro has a 349-hp 3.0-liter V-6 with 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Audi cites 0-60 acceleration in 4.7 seconds with its eight-speed Tiptronic automatic. The SQ5 also has three trim choices with starting prices ranging from $56,695 to $66,095.

The fastback Sportback models, with cropped cargo space, are available only with the 45 TFSI powertrain and the same basic content as the full SUV model. The Sportback price premium ranges from $2,300 to $4,300, depending on trim choice.

The Audi Q5 S Line 45 quattro Prestige tester was $59,290 with options including the $595 Glacier White metallic paint and the Black optic package, $1,300.

Ibis white paint is the only non-premium color. Another six hues are offered for $595 each, and there are exclusive colors for $3,900.

Check here for current pricing and incentives.

The handsome tricolor theme with the tester’s Atlas Beige leather.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Q5’s turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder has an impressive 261-horsepower and 273 foot-pounds of torque from 1,500-4,200 rpm.

All Q5 engines feature a 12-volt “mild hybrid” system that engages auto stop-start at idle. The MHEV system also can recover energy under braking or coasting. A lithium-ion battery powers auxiliaries when coasting with the combustion engine shut off. The 12-volt belt-alternator starter system adds 13 horsepower.

Going pedal-down for full launch force creates quite the road show, factoring an all-wheel-drive curb weight of 4,079 pounds. But initial acceleration can be delayed as the turbo spools power and the dual-clutch (an automated manual) engages a gear.

In normal drive mode, the fuzzy logic calibrations to the transmission dole out shifts according to how the driver has been working the accelerator. Easy, around-town driving has a conservative response. But when get-me-outta-here force is needed, the sensors fire off imminent-danger alerts and then there is liftoff. I learned to finesse the “logic” by being a little more aggressive on the accelerator or just driving in Sport mode.

Official fuel-economy ratings are 23 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 mpg combined on the recommended premium fuel. The good news is that I worked up to a combined 30.3 mpg in a 180-mile highway run. And with the 18.5-gallon fuel tank, the cruising range can be more than 500 miles.

The turbocharged and direct-injection (TFSI) 2.0-liter has an impressive 261-horsepower and 273 foot-pounds of torque.

Audi Q5 Safety Features

The safety stars shine for the Audi Q5 in either body style. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Q5 earns the top five stars in the overall category with five stars for frontal and side crashes and four stars for rollover protection.

Standard Q5 safety features include:
•Six air bags.
•Forward collision warning and avoidance assistance.
•Lane-departure warning.
•Blind-spot warning.
•Rear cross-traffic warning.

The Prestige package links the standard driver-assist technologies with adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, Navigation Plus, and active lane assist.

The top-view camera system on the 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Q5 45 Ride and Handling

As with any good German-engineered vehicle, the Q5 has born-with drivability. It is felt in how well the suspension compensates for road conditions and how the tires transmit feedback through the steering wheel and seat.

The Q5’s five-link front and rear independent suspension is never harsh and neatly dips a shoulder into cornering maneuvers. Of course, that engineering is more important for the higher-performance and Sportback models, but the Q5 45 reaps the reward.

Stopping power is substantial from four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, 13.3-inch rotors at the front wheels and 13-inch rotors rear.

The cabin is well soundproofed and the chassis seems to filter out road harshness. The Prestige upgrade includes 20-inch Continental CrossContact XL Sport (255/45) all-season tires.

Continentals can be noisy with a grainy sizzle at highway speeds, but this tire’s compliance and low rolling noise are notable, especially at 20 inches. The comfort factor is the moderate treadwear rating of 480, which is a softer formula than the harder 600 or 700. The higher ratings have a longer tread life and are common on small SUVs.

There is a “space-saving” spare with an inflation system rather than a temporary spare (for such a large wheel).

The Black optic package added 20-inch tri-color finish wheels with Continental CrossContact XL Sport all-season tires.

The Black optic package added 20-inch tri-color finish wheels with Continental CrossContact XL Sport (255/45) all-season tires.

Quattro AWD System

Audi’s sophisticated AWD system decouples the driveshaft to the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is not needed. Essentially the vehicle becomes front-wheel drive when cruising or in other driving situations where the vehicle’s computers determine all-wheel traction is not required.

Audi claims the system can re-engage power to the rear wheels within milliseconds of the system detecting or predicting slip or when the driver accelerates aggressively.

Audi Q5 Interior Function

Clean lines, tidy organization, and rich materials describe Audi’s cabin design. There are no gimmicky electronic displays. Instead, it’s all about the business of driving — and those heated and cooled cup holders.

The tester’s tricolor interior theme is handsome and contrasts nicely with the tester’s Atlas Beige leather-trimmed and perforated upholstery with granite-gray stitching. The front sport seats are firm but comfortably bolstered and 10-way power-adjustable, including seat-bottom tilt.

While the Q5 is compact class, the cabin doesn’t feel small. The SUV body style has the benefit of squared-off proportions, not the raked rear roofline of the Sportback.

Entry and exit are comfortable and uncomplicated by design swoops. Front headroom is a tall 39.6 inches, even with the moonroof. Sightlines are open across the fenders and made better by some open space between the side mirror and windshield pillar.

The Q5 is among about nine new vehicles that offer heated and cooled front cup holders. Add that perk to the other humanizing features of heated back seats, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and heated side mirrors.

A wireless phone charging pad is just below the center armrest with a USB port. And there is another charging USB and 12-volt plug at the head of the shift console.

Cabin controls are easily viewed in three levels of graduating sizes. At the top is the 10.1-inch color touchscreen. Climate controls are below, followed by a tier of less-often adjusted elements; these include the drive-select performance modes, hill-descent control, parking assist, and the cancel switch for the engine’s stop-start.

There are several areas for small-item storage with bottle-holding capacity in the door panels and a lockable glove box of usable dimensions.

The wireless phone charging pad on a shelf below the center armrest.

Audi Q5 Back Seat and Cargo

There is no shortage of accommodations for the Prestige trim.

Headroom is tall at 39.3 inches with a long 38 inches of legroom unless there are tall people in the front seats. The 40/20/40 folding back seat is short on thigh support, and the tall transmission-exhaust tunnel takes from the center seat foot room. But the seatbacks have a couple of inches of recline and the beautiful leather upholstery is a sweet distraction.

Among the accommodations are side-window sunshades, two charging USBs, a 12-volt plug, and a fold-down armrest with can holders. Window seats have overhead grab handles and a dry-cleaning hook, plus sport-coat hooks on both B pillars.

Cargo space is the big separator between the Sportback and SUV body styles. The square space is 44 inches wide with 33 inches from floor to ceiling. Fold the seatback for a max length of 6 feet for a bike or boards.

The cargo area is 44 inches wide with 33 inches from floor to ceiling.

Why Buy the Audi Q5?

As the luxury division of Volkswagen and under the umbrella of Volkswagen Group, the Audi brand is in good corporate company with subsidiaries Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini, among other European marques. That the Porsche Macan uses the Q5 architecture as a foundation is validation for its structural integrity and powertrain technologies.

The Audi Q5 is a smart choice for its stylish simplicity and robust engineering. Its interior design is artful, well assembled, and its level of luxury is rewarding without being precious.

The future is electric for Audi. And with the Q5’s redesign for 2021, the next and likely final redesign is expected for 2025. The Q5 is a complete package now, but expect an evolution revolution as Audi tends to its next-generation best-seller.

Follow the journey here.

The 2022 Q5 now has a standard S line exterior, which includes aluminum front door-sill inlays with an illuminated S logo.