2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback
MSRP Range: $59,200 - $67,600 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
7.8/10
edmunds TESTED
Like every Audi, the SQ5 Sportback will make you feel and look modern and chic with its accoutrements and advanced technology. The interior feels spacious for a coupe-style SUV, but rear headroom and cargo capacity are compromised. The ride may be on the firmer side due to its sporty nature, but it manages to throw in a bit of comfort to balance things out and the relaxing seats feel great to sit in.
2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback Review
byAlex Nishimoto
Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.
, rating written byRex Tokeshi-Torres
Associate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations
Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at Edmunds and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.
Pros
- Comfortable front seats
- Luxurious but restrained interior design
- Nimble handling
Cons
- Infotainment system is distracting to use
- Less overall storage space than standard SQ5
What's new
- Carbon-fiber interior trim now comes standard
- Part of the first Q5 Sportback generation introduced in 2021
Overview
If ordinary luxury crossovers are too practical for you, consider the Audi SQ5 Sportback, which does away with the standard model's pesky cargo space and trades it for a sloping roofline. Though that aesthetic choice might not be so good for hauling luggage, it does lend it a sleek, sporty look. And because this is the S model of the family, that look is backed up by a burly 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine.
Audi introduced the fastback variant of the Q5 and SQ5 in 2021, so the 2022 SQ5 is mostly a carryover model. The one notable difference this year is now every model gets carbon-fiber interior trim as standard. The SQ5 Sportback offers a wide assortment of standard features, including active driver assist systems like lane departure warning and blind-spot warning. Others like adaptive cruise control are available, but you'll need to upgrade to a higher trim.
The Audi SQ5 isn't the first small luxury SUV to offer a raked-roof version. The model joins the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Infiniti QX55. There's also the Porsche Macan, which isn't quite as streamlined in the back but is one of the sportiest SUVs in the class. If luxury, performance and eye-catching design are top priorities for you in an SUV, the Audi SQ5 should be on your list. But if utility is also a priority, you may want to look elsewhere.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.8/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
Like every Audi, the SQ5 Sportback will make you feel and look modern and chic with its accoutrements and advanced technology. The interior feels spacious for a coupe-style SUV, but rear headroom and cargo capacity are compromised. The ride may be on the firmer side due to its sporty nature, but it manages to throw in a bit of comfort to balance things out and the relaxing seats feel great to sit in.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Which SQ5 Sportback does Edmunds recommend?
The base SQ5 Sportback is already plenty luxurious, but spring for the midlevel Premium Plus trim and that feeling is enhanced with a synthetic leather center console and extras from the included Convenience package like a heated steering wheel and smart keyless entry. It also comes standard with advanced driver aids that you can't get on the Premium trim like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.
Audi SQ5 Sportback models
The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback small luxury SUV comes in one of three styles: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard on all versions. Feature highlights include:
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Compare the Audi SQ5 Sportback
Compare selected vehiclesCompare Audi SQ5 Sportback to any vehicle See full list of Small performance SUVs rankings
Audi SQ5 Sportback vs. BMW X4
The X4 and the SQ5 Sportback have a lot in common. Both are swoopy variants of existing SUVs. In M40i trim, the X4 packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that makes more power than the SQ5 but the same amount of torque. Both will be tight on headroom due to their sloping rooflines, but the SQ5 might feel slightly less cramped with its 2.5 inches of extra rear legroom.
Audi SQ5 Sportback vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
The GLC Coupe is another compact luxury fastback SUV, and it follows a similar formula to the SQ5 Sportback. In AMG GLC 43 guise, the Mercedes is powered by a turbocharged inline-six, which makes more power and torque than the Audi. It also gets a few advanced driver assist features that are extra on the SQ5 standard, including adaptive cruise control. The GLC 43 Coupe, though, starts a few thousand more.
Audi SQ5 Sportback vs. Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan is one of the best-handling and most engaging SUVs on the market. It carves corners like a vehicle half its size and has steering feel that's second to none in its class. With all that said, there's some room for improvement. Its infotainment screen is about a generation behind the competition, and its cargo area is small even compared to vehicles with more dramatically raked rooflines.
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FAQ
Is the Audi SQ5 Sportback a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 SQ5 Sportback both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. 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 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback:
- Carbon-fiber interior trim now comes standard
- Part of the first Q5 Sportback generation introduced in 2021
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 average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 SQ5 Sportback and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 SQ5 Sportback is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback?
The least-expensive 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback is the 2022 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 $59,200.
Other versions include:
- Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $59,200
- Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $62,400
- Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $67,600
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