Compare the2026 BMW X2VS 2025 Audi new Q5 Sportback

The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the X2 and the new Q5 Sportback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the new Q5 Sportback.

There are over 14 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X2’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 73 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

The X2 M35i xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 44 more horsepower (312 vs. 268) than the new Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the new Q5 Sportback:

For better traction, the X2 has larger tires than the new Q5 Sportback (245/45R19 vs. 235/55R19).

The X2 xDrive28i’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the new Q5 Sportback’s standard 55 series tires. The X2’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the new Q5 Sportback’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X2 offers optional 21-inch wheels. The new Q5 Sportback’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The X2 has a standard space-saver spare (not available on M35i) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the new Q5 Sportback; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 500 pounds less than the Audi new Q5 Sportback.

The X2 xDrive28i is 6.4 inches shorter than the new Q5 Sportback, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X2 has 2.1 inches more front headroom and 1.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the new Q5 Sportback.

The X2 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the new Q5 Sportback.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X2, based on reliability, safety and performance.