2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$45,400 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q5 brings sophisticated German handling and efficiency, marked by its 26 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive grip starting at a competitive $45,400 MSRP. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 Buick Enclave unleashes sheer force, boasting a massive 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, making the Q5's 201 hp feel pedestrian in comparison, although this power comes with lower 23 combined MPG. The Audi is significantly more compact at 184.3 inches long, offering nimble city driving, while the larger Enclave prioritizes interior volume, though its listed cargo capacity is surprisingly slightly less at 22.9 cu ft versus the Q5’s 25.9 cu ft. This comparison pits German efficiency and tight dimensions against American muscle and commanding size, creating a fascinating battle between power metrics and premium refinement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 wins for commuters due to its superior 26 combined MPG rating and smaller footprint, making city maneuvering easier.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave is likely superior for families due to its significantly larger dimensions (207.6 inches long) and substantially higher 328 horsepower output.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Buick Enclave's massive 127 hp advantage, delivering a much more engaging performance profile.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 provides better fuel economy (26 MPG vs. 23 MPG) and uses a lower-cost fuel type (premium recommended vs. regular unleaded) for a slightly lower MSRP.

Choose the Audi Q5 if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency and can benefit from the 26 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a compact, agile size, evidenced by its 184.3-inch length for easier parking.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive security for varied conditions right out of the box.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You absolutely demand high acceleration, thanks to the massive 328 horsepower engine.
You appreciate the cost savings associated with using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
You desire the substantial capability suggested by its peak torque of 326 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5	Buick Enclave
Length	184.3"	207.6"
Width	74.5"	79.6"
Height	65.5"	71.0"
Wheelbase	111.0"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Buick
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	201 hp	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	236 lb-ft	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Buick
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Buick
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/536.5 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Buick
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Buick
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	12
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Buick
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	62.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	62.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	58.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Buick
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Buick
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 and 2026 Buick Enclave.

Which vehicle offers more usable space for passengers and cargo?

While the 2026 Buick Enclave is physically much longer at 207.6 inches, the 2025 Audi Q5 surprisingly boasts a greater listed cargo capacity at 25.9 cu ft compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft. For general passenger volume, the larger exterior dimensions of the Enclave usually translate to a more spacious cabin.

Is the performance gap between the Q5 and Enclave significant?

Yes, the performance gap is vast; the Buick Enclave outputs 328 horsepower, which is an overwhelming 127 horsepower more than the Audi Q5's 201 hp. This suggests the Enclave will accelerate significantly faster off the line.

What is the impact of the different transmissions on driving feel?

The Audi Q5 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, which can offer quick, direct shifts associated with performance driving. The Buick Enclave uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, generally prioritizing smoother, more conventional acceleration.

How much more does it cost to run the Enclave versus the Q5?

The Enclave costs more at the pump due to lower efficiency (23 combined MPG vs. 26 combined MPG) and requires premium fuel less often since the Q5 recommends it while the Enclave takes regular unleaded. The Q5's efficiency offers long-term running cost benefits.

Do both models come standard with AWD?

No, the 2025 Audi Q5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction. The 2026 Buick Enclave defaults to front-wheel drive, which could impact handling and traction in severe weather compared to the Audi.

Comparing base pricing, which crossover is the better deal?

The Audi Q5 has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $45,400 compared to the Buick Enclave’s $46,200. Considering the Q5 also offers superior combined MPG, it might present better overall value despite having lower horsepower.