Compare the2023 Audi Q5VS 2022 Buick Encore

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Q5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Encore doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the Q5 and Encore have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Q5 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Encore’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The Q5 has standard Pre Sense Front, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Encore offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

The Q5 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Encore doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q5. But it costs extra on the Encore.

The Q5’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Encore.

The Q5 Premium Plus/Prestige has a standard Top View Camera System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Encore only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Q5 has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the Encore.

Both the Q5 and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Audi Q5 weighs 721 to 1382 pounds more than the Buick Encore. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Audi Q5 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	Q5	Encore
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22%	26%
Neck Stress	215 lbs.	298 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	80/49 lbs.	363/313 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	187	207
Neck Injury Risk	34%	38%
Neck Compression	30 lbs.	104 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	90/55 lbs.	249/289 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Audi Q5 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	Q5	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	60	73
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
Abdominal Force	98 lbs.	120 lbs.
Hip Force	279 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	219	382
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	600 lbs.	707 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Q5 is 1.5% to 3.4% less likely to roll over than the Encore.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Q5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 92 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore last would have qualified as only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2016.

Warranty

The Q5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Encore’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Q5’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the Encore’s (12/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

Reliability

The Audi Q5’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the Encore’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

Engine

The Q5 40 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 46 more horsepower (201 vs. 155) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Q5 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 106 more horsepower (261 vs. 155) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Q5 55 TFSI e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 207 more horsepower (362 vs. 155) and 192 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Q5 running on electricity gets better mileage than the Encore:

			MPGe
Q5
	AWD	55 TFSI e Electric Motor	60 city/61 hwy
Encore
			MPG
	FWD	1.4 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/32 hwy
	AWD	1.4 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/30 hwy

The Q5 55 TFSI e can travel with zero emissions for 22 miles. The Encore can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Q5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Encore doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Q5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Encore doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Q5’s standard fuel tank has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (18.5 vs. 14 gallons).

Transmission

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Audi Q5, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Encore.

The Q5 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Encore doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The Q5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Encore doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Q5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	Q5 45 TFSI	Q5 55 TFSI e	Encore
Front Rotors	13.3 inches	13.8 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13 inches	10.6 inches

The Q5’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Encore are solid, not vented.

The Q5 stops much shorter than the Encore:

	Q5	Encore
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Q5 has larger standard tires than the Encore (235/60R18 vs. 215/55R18). The Q5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Encore (255/45R20 vs. 215/55R18).

The Q5’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q5 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Encore’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Audi Q5 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Q5 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Q5 flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Q5 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Q5 55 TFSI e has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Q5’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Encore doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q5’s wheelbase is 10.4 inches longer than on the Encore (111 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Q5 is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore.

The Q5 55 TFSI e Premium Plus handles at .83 G’s, while the Encore pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Q5 45 TFSI Prestige executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.4 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (27.2 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Q5 55 TFSI e has a 1.8 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore (8 vs. 6.2 inches), allowing the Q5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Q5 45 TFSI’s minimum ground clearance is 2 inches higher than on the Encore (8.2 vs. 6.2 inches).

Passenger Space

The Q5 has .1 inches more front legroom, 3.5 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom, 2.2 inches more rear legroom and 4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Q5’s rear seats recline. The Encore’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Q5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (25.8 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The Q5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (54 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

The Q5’s cargo area is larger than the Encore’s in almost every dimension:

	Q5	Encore
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36”/69”	28.5”/55.8”
Max Width	48.5”	39.5”
Min Width	41”	36”
Height	29.7”	31.8”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Q5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Q5. The Encore doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Q5 has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Encore doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Q5 has a 4400 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The Q5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Encore uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the Q5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Encore. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Q5, the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The Encore doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Q5’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Encore doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Q5 Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Encore doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Q5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Encore has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Q5’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Encore’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Q5 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Q5 has a standard locking fuel and charge port door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Encore doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Q5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Encore’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Q5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Encore doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Q5’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Encore’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Q5 Prestige has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Encore doesn’t offer headlight washers.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Q5 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Q5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Encore doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the Q5 with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Encore’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Q5’s standard rear view mirror and optional side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The Q5 has standard heated front and optional heated rear seats (rear heaters not available on Premium) extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Q5 (except Premium) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Q5’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Encore doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Q5’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Encore doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The Q5’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the Q5 and the Encore offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Q5 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Q5 has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Encore doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi Q5 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Q5 Prestige’s Park Steering Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Encore doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

The Q5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Q5 will retain 48.77% to 50.66% of its original price after five years, while the Encore only retains 46.78%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Q5 is less expensive to operate than the Encore because typical repairs cost less on the Q5 than the Encore, including $72 less for front brake pads and $3 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Audi Q5 and the Buick Encore, based on reliability, safety and performance.