Compare the2023 Audi Q5VS 2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the Q5 and Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid’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 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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.

The Q5 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Q5 has a standard Audi Connect CARE, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Q5 and the Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Audi Q5 weighs 629 to 1228 pounds more than the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. 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 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid:

	Q5	Niro Plug-In Hybrid
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22%	27%
Neck Stress	215 lbs.	291 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	80/49 lbs.	74/269 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	187	224
Neck Injury Risk	34%	80%
Neck Stress	134 lbs.	207 lbs.
Neck Compression	30 lbs.	63 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	90/55 lbs.	144/13 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 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid:

	Q5	Niro Plug-In Hybrid
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	60	138
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	98 lbs.	196 lbs.
Hip Force	279 lbs.	342 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	53 G’s	77 G’s
Hip Force	817 lbs.	993 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	600 lbs.	712 lbs.

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

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

The Q5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

Reliability

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

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 1 place higher in reliability than Kia.

Engine

The Q5 40 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 62 more horsepower (201 vs. 139) and 41 lbs.-ft. more torque (236 vs. 195) than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Q5 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 122 more horsepower (261 vs. 139) and 78 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 195) than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Q5 55 TFSI e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 223 more horsepower (362 vs. 139) and 174 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 195) than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Range

Both the Q5 and Niro Plug-In Hybrid have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The Q5 has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The Q5 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid (14.3 vs. 11.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Q5’s standard fuel tank has 7.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid (18.5 vs. 11.4 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid.

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Q5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid:

	Q5 45 TFSI	Q5 55 TFSI e	Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Front Rotors	13.3 inches	13.8 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13 inches	11.2 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid are solid, not vented.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Q5 has larger standard tires than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid (235/60R18 vs. 205/60R16). The Q5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid (255/45R20 vs. 205/60R16).

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q5 has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid. The Q5 offers optional 20-inch wheels.

The Q5 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid’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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q5’s wheelbase is 4.7 inches longer than on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid (111 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Q5 is 2 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid.

For greater off-road capability the Q5 55 TFSI e has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid (8 vs. 6.3 inches), allowing the Q5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Q5 45 TFSI’s minimum ground clearance is 1.9 inches higher than on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid (8.2 vs. 6.3 inches).

Passenger Space

The Q5 has 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom, .6 inches more rear legroom and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Q5’s rear seats recline. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Q5 has a much larger cargo volume than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid with its rear seat up (25.8 vs. 19.4 cubic feet).

The Q5’s cargo area is larger than the Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s in almost every dimension:

	Q5	Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36”/69”	31.8”/64”
Max Width	48.5”	48.2”
Min Width	41”	41”
Height	29.7”	36”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Q5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Q5 has a 4400 lbs. towing capacity. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The Q5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 31% lower rating, Kia is ranked 26th.

Ergonomics

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The Q5’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully. Only its driver’s window closes 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Q5’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer headlight washers.

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

The Q5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Kia only offers heated mirrors on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX/EX Premium.

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Q5 has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the Niro Plug-In Hybrid EX/EX Premium. The Q5 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Niro Plug-In Hybrid.

Both the Q5 and the Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid 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 Niro Plug-In Hybrid only retains 43.04% to 43.11%.

Recommendations

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

The Audi Q5/SQ5 outsold the Kia Niro by over three to one during the 2021 model year.