2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Price Range: $61,800 - $68,900 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Audi SQ5 Sportback Prestige 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Audi SQ5 Sportback Prestige 4dr SUV Exterior

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The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is sporty and chic while being more understated than some of its rivals. Its interior offers ample tech features and a roomy feel for a coupe-like SUV, but the sloping roofline compromises rear headroom and cargo space. Although it rides a little firm, the performance SUV still provides a smooth ride and boasts comfortable and supportive seats.Read full review

Rank #3

3 Small performance SUVs

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$57,456

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.}

rating written byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Comfortable front seats for long drives
Luxurious but restrained interior design
Nimble handling

Cons

The infotainment system can be distracting to use
Slightly less passenger room and cargo space than standard SQ5

What's new

Minor updates to feature availability for the current model
A fully redesigned SQ5 Sportback will launch in mid-2025
The current model will remain on sale until then
Part of the first SQ5 Sportback generation introduced in 2021

Overview

The SQ5 Sportback is the performance version of the regular Q5 Sportback. Both sport a sleeker look than their non-Sportback counterparts because of their sloping roofline. Unlike many primary rivals, the Q5 lineup hasn't been redesigned in several years and is starting to show its age. However, that's about to change with a redesigned model that will be released later in the calendar year. Until then, the current SQ5 Sportback, which only received minor equipment updates for 2025, will remain on sale. If you aren't in a rush to buy a brand-new SQ5 Sportback, we recommend waiting for the next-gen model.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$223/mo

$172/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Wait for the next-gen model?

You'll likely be happy with the current SQ5 Sportback; it's quick and athletic, and it boasts solid build quality and a nicely appointed interior. However, we expect a much-improved redesigned model. The next-gen SQ5 Sportback is sharper and more modern-looking yet retains a similar design to the current model. The cabin, however, is significantly upgraded thanks to much larger driver and center touchscreen displays, additional ambient lighting and an optional passenger-side touchscreen. Audi will also load the new SQ5 Sportback with the brand's latest tech including upgraded advanced driver aids and an improved infotainment system. The turbocharged V6 will also receive improvements.

Competitors to consider

The BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 are direct rivals to the SQ5 Sportback but cost more. The BMW is a hoot to drive for an SUV but is based on the previous-gen X3 instead of the improved redesigned model. If you have the budget for the AMG GLC 43, you should definitely consider it. It's superior to the current SQ5 Sportback in many ways, but the next-gen SQ5 Sportback will be more evenly matched. The Genesis GV70 is one of our highest-ranked small luxury SUVs and offers a comparable turbocharged V6. For a thorough review of the Audi SQ5 Sportback, check out the Edmunds Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the SQ5 Sportback drive? The SQ5 Sportback offers respectable performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat. However, the SQ5 sometimes hesitates from a dead stop. The brake pedal is easy to control and feels good in day-to-day use, but the SQ5 is merely average in stopping from 60 mph, at 119 feet.

The SQ5 feels composed and balanced on winding roads, but the Audi's relatively numb steering saps some joy out of the driving experience. That said, it's effortless to drive on a daily basis. It's easy to park, and the engine and transmission are smooth around town. While it has an off-road mode, it's best only used to go on small trails that lead to campgrounds.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the SQ5 Sportback? The SQ5 offers comfortable and supportive seats in both rows. All SQ5s come standard with heated front sport seats, and ventilated seats are available. The tri-zone climate control works equally well, and rear passengers have the ability to control their temperature and fan speed independently. The system is quick to chill the car and runs on the cool side, though that's preferable to running warm. Add all this to the hushed cabin and the SQ5 gives off a decidedly premium feel.

The ride in the SQ5 skews toward the firm side for a small luxury SUV, but it's not uncomfortable or harsh. Switch the drive mode to Comfort and it softens up a bit.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? This is where the Sportback's sleek roofline becomes an issue compared to more traditional SUVs. Getting in and out can be relatively easy for average-size people, but taller passengers will have to duck a bit. That said, the cabin is spacious whether you're sitting in the front or the back seat. It has better outward visibility than other SUV coupes, but it's still not as good as other SUVs.

The controls are all clearly marked, and it only takes a quick glance to acclimate yourself to where things are. The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen has crisp graphics, even though the screen itself looks like a tablet tacked onto the dash. Our editors have mixed opinions on the ease of operating the infotainment system. Some think the touchscreen is simple to use, while others find it more distracting to poke and swipe on the screen than use a touchpad or controller dial, like Audi had for its prior generations. Otherwise, everything is easy to see and reach thanks to an excellent driving position.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $5,885 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,885 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Premium Plus trim.}

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Technology is a strong area for the Q5. The central touchscreen has a high-resolution display and feels responsive, though, as noted, you might not love the reach required to get to the screen. The digital instrument panel is similarly crisp and responsive — a seamless pairing with the central screen. The advanced driver aids also performed well. Adaptive cruise control is well calibrated on the freeway, and you can't possibly miss the flashing blind-spot warning lights.

Though Apple CarPlay smartphone integration with wireless connectivity comes standard, we found the wired USB connection to be more consistent. Bluetooth compatibility is good, and our vehicle included a wireless charging station. Don't expect much from the voice activation system, though, since it requires you to adhere to strict prompts.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? At 24.7 cubic feet, the SQ5 Sportback's cargo area is average for the class and only slightly smaller than the standard Q5's. Stack items higher and you'll notice a bigger difference that roofline makes. Folding the rear seats flat gives you 51.9 cubic feet. There are a few tie-down points inside but no underfloor storage. Small-item storage inside the cabin is merely average with a shallow center console and two small trays that could hold an ID badge or transponder, along with a couple of cubbies.

When equipped with the optional trailer hitch, the SQ5 Sportback boasts a maximum towing capacity up to 4,400 pounds, which is strong for the class. Only a few competitors can match it. For parents, the easily accessible car seat attachment points and roomy back seat should make it easy to install even the bulkiest of rear-facing infant seats.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the SQ5 Sportback gets 21 mpg combined, which is average among sport-oriented small SUVs. Like many SUVs in this class, the SQ5 requires premium fuel. We averaged 22.1 mpg on Edmunds' evaluation route with a mix of highway and city driving.

Value

7.5/10

Is the SQ5 Sportback a good value? Audi's reputation for excellent build quality shines through in the SQ5 Sportback. The interior and exterior gaps and panels have a tight fit and are outfitted with excellent materials. It's priced well too. While it's not quite as quick or as powerful as rivals from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the Audi often undercuts the competition.

The standard four years/50,000 miles of basic and powertrain coverage is typical of luxury SUVs. Audi also includes 12 years/unlimited miles of rust coverage and four years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance.

Wildcard

7.5/10

Aside from wheels and badging, nothing visually separates the SQ5 from the standard Q5 Sportback. That's disappointing given the price jump between the two. Still, it strikes a good balance between classy and sporty, looking less awkward than other coupe-like SUVs.

The SQ5 Sportback isn't as raucous or batty as some other performance SUVs, but it won't leave you bored. We like its comfortable freeway manners, nimble handling and punchy engine. This turbocharged V6 sounds good too. Some details, though — such as its fake exhausts — disappoint. And the disconnected steering feel and low limits for the tires hold it back from being a real joy.

Which SQ5 Sportback does Edmunds recommend?

If you're in the market for a performance luxury SUV that costs over $60K, why not aim for the top trim? The Prestige trim only costs a little more than the midlevel Premium Plus and includes almost all of the features the SQ5 Sportback offers. Add the Warm Weather package to round off the Prestige's long list of features with upgraded upholstery, ventilated front seats and rear side window sunshades.

Compare 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Audi SQ5 Sportback models

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is a small luxury SUV that's available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. Each is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque). An eight-speed automatic transmission powers all four wheels through the standard all-wheel-drive system. Keep reading for our breakdown of the SQ5's significant features by trim level.

Premium
Comes nicely equipped with:

LED headlights with automatic high beams
20-inch wheels with summer performance tires
Adaptive suspension system (helps improve ride comfort and handling stability)
Panoramic sunroof
Keyless proximity entry
Power liftgate
Three-zone automatic climate control
Leather seating with synthetic suede
Heated front seats
Heated, power-adjustable steering wheel
10.1-inch center touchscreen
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration

Every SQ5 Sportback has the following standard driver assist features:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

Premium Plus
Upgrade to the Premium Plus trim for:

Auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors
Synthetic leather on the center console and armrests
Integrated navigation system
Configurable digital instrument panel
19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
Adjustable interior ambient lighting
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the SQ5 Sportback and its surroundings in tight parking situations)

Prestige
The top-of-the-line version of the SQ5 Sportback includes:

Upgraded exterior lighting
Dual-pane acoustic front side windows
Heated rear seats
Wireless phone charger
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

Notable options for the Premium Plus and Prestige trims include:

Black Optic package

Different 20-inch or 21-inch wheels
Black exterior trim
Black exterior badging

Magnesium Gray package

21-inch wheels
Black and gray exterior trim
Black exterior badging

Warm Weather package

Ventilated front seats
Leather upholstery with contrast stitching
Manual rear window sunshades

S Sport package

Sport adaptive air suspension system (can adjust the vehicle's ride height)
Sport rear differential (can enhance the SQ5 Sportback's handling agility)

Upgraded premium leather upholstery
Rear side airbags

Audi SQ5 Sportback Reviews

Owner Reviews

5.0

1 reviews

5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

My First Audi

Tim Smith, 05/19/2024

2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

With the exception of a used ‘68 VW Beetle, I’ve never owned a European car. Always Japanese. Love this car. Have had it for a month. Fun to drive — handles well and the turbo 6 cylinder makes it quick. Drives like a sport sedan in a small SUV body. Beautifully simple interior. Comfortable ride. Interface could be simpler, but it just takes a bit of time to get used to it. Gas mileage …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback, so we've included reviews for other years of the SQ5 Sportback since its last redesign.

See all 1 review of the Audi SQ5 Sportback

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2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Features & Specs

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$61,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$223/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

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Safety

Key safety features on the SQ5 Sportback include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	Not Rated
Back Seat	Not Rated
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	16.4%

FAQ

Is the Audi SQ5 Sportback a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 SQ5 Sportback both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 SQ5 Sportback gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the SQ5 Sportback has 24.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi SQ5 Sportback. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback:

Minor updates to feature availability for the current model
A fully redesigned SQ5 Sportback will launch in mid-2025
The current model will remain on sale until then
Part of the first SQ5 Sportback generation introduced in 2021

Learn more

Is the Audi SQ5 Sportback reliable?

To determine whether the Audi SQ5 Sportback is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the SQ5 Sportback. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the SQ5 Sportback's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 SQ5 Sportback and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 SQ5 Sportback gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 SQ5 Sportback is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?

The least-expensive 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $61,800.

Other versions include:

Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $61,800
Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $65,700
Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $68,900

Learn more

What are the different models of Audi SQ5 Sportback?

If you're interested in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, the next question is, which SQ5 Sportback model is right for you? SQ5 Sportback variants include Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of SQ5 Sportback models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Pricing

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds spotlight: Wait for the next-gen model?

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $5,885 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,885 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Premium Plus trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which SQ5 Sportback does Edmunds recommend?

Audi SQ5 Sportback models

Audi SQ5 Sportback Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

My First Audi

Helpful shopping links

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Features & Specs

Compare the Audi SQ5 Sportback

Safety

Key safety features on the SQ5 Sportback include:

NHTSA Overall Rating

FAQ

Is the Audi SQ5 Sportback a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?

Is the Audi SQ5 Sportback reliable?

Is the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?

What are the different models of Audi SQ5 Sportback?

Related 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback info

Submodels of SQ5 Sportback

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $5,885 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,885 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Premium Plus trim.}