Compare the2023 Jaguar E-PaceVS 2023 Audi Q5 Sportback

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the E-Pace deploy with different levels of force to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The E-Pace’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Q5 Sportback’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The E-Pace’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the E-Pace and the Q5 Sportback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The E-Pace comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Q5 Sportback’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Jaguar pays for scheduled maintenance on the E-Pace for 5 years and 60,000 miles. Jaguar will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Q5 Sportback.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Jaguar vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 29 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Jaguar higher than Audi.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Jaguar E-Pace higher (7 out of 10) than the Audi Q5 Sportback (5). This means the E-Pace produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Q5 Sportback every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Jaguar E-Pace, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Q5 Sportback.

For better stopping power the E-Pace’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Q5 Sportback:

The E-Pace offers an optional 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 Q5 Sportback’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the E-Pace’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Q5 Sportback’s (38.1 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The E-Pace is 10.9 inches shorter than the Q5 Sportback, making the E-Pace easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the E-Pace uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The E-Pace has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The E-Pace’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Q5 Sportback.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the E-Pace has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Q5 Sportback only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Jaguar E-Pace has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Q5 Sportback Premium Plus/Prestige offers wireless charging.

Insurance will cost less for the E-Pace owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the E-Pace will cost $275 to $2510 less than the Q5 Sportback over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Jaguar E-Pace will be $5334 to $5464 less than for the Audi Q5 Sportback.