Audi Q5 vs Dacia Sandero
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi Q5 | Dacia Sandero | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 268 | 101 | +165.3% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 400 | 200 | +100.0% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 10.2 | 18.5 | -44.9% |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automated Manual | Manual | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $54,500 | $20,088 | +171.3% |
- Audi Q5 makes about 165% more power (268 vs 101 hp).
- Dacia Sandero is the more economical, at 18.5 km/L against 10.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and EU); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Q5 or Sandero?
Audi Q5 advantages
- Engine power (+62%)
- Pulling torque (+50%)
Dacia Sandero advantages
- Fuel economy (+45%)
- Affordability (+63%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Audi Q5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Dacia Sandero if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Audi Q5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Dacia Sandero delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi Q5 vs Dacia Sandero: which should you choose?
Audi Q5 (2026 Premium Plus 45 TFSI) — petrol suv with 268 hp and 400 Nm, rated at 10.2 km/L; priced near $54,500 in the US market.
Dacia Sandero (2026 ECO-G 100 Extreme) — petrol hatchback with 101 hp and 200 Nm, rated at 18.5 km/L, 2-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $20,088 in the EU market.
Audi Q5 vs Dacia Sandero: Audi Q5 is more powerful. Audi Q5 makes about 165% more power (268 vs 101 hp). Dacia Sandero is the more economical, at 18.5 km/L against 10.2.
Performance
The Audi Q5 is the more powerful, at 268 hp against 101 hp, with 400 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Running costs
The Dacia Sandero is more economical at 18.5 km/L against 10.2 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Price and value
The Dacia Sandero lists lower at about $20,088 (USD-converted from the EU market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q5 better than the Dacia Sandero?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Audi Q5 makes about 165% more power (268 vs 101 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi Q5 and the Dacia Sandero?
Audi Q5 makes about 165% more power (268 vs 101 hp). Dacia Sandero is the more economical, at 18.5 km/L against 10.2.
Which is better value?
Dacia Sandero delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Audi Q5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Dacia Sandero if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.