The SQ5's name suggests it's a sporty version of the Q5 on which it's based. It delivers on that suggestion, adding a large dose of driving enjoyment to an already desirable package. The combination makes this well-rounded, stylish and highly functional SUV an easy recommendation.
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.
Pros
Impressively comfortable ride for a sport-tuned SUV
Generous space for passengers
Luxurious but restrained interior design
Nimble handling
Cons
Lower power output than some rivals
Not many visible cues that differentiate it from the standard Q5
Steering does not feel engaging in the default Comfort mode
What's new
Adaptive cruise control now standard
Premium Plus trim includes Bang & Olufsen sound system
Part of the second SQ5 generation introduced in 2018
Overview
The 2023 Audi SQ5 is the sport-oriented version of the automaker's Q5 compact crossover SUV. It could hold appeal if you want the convenience of a small SUV but with a little spice added in. Audi pairs a turbocharged V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, adding 88 horsepower to the Q5 for a total of 349 hp. That's a little short of the 382 hp delivered by the BMW X3 M40i or the 434 hp unleashed by the Porsche Macan GTS, but it's still plenty quick. The SQ5 also receives stickier tires, larger wheels and a stiffer suspension to set itself apart from the Q5 in addition to the beefier engine.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus 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 $4.10 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The refresh the SQ5 received in 2021 to its infotainment complements a refined interior, and the addition of standard adaptive cruise control for 2023 is welcome. Also in store for 2023, the Premium Plus trim level gains the Bang & Olufsen sound system that was previously only equipped to the top-level Prestige trim. Overall, we think the SQ5 is a solid pick. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full evaluation.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.7/10
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.
The SQ5's name suggests it's a sporty version of the Q5 on which it's based. It delivers on that suggestion, adding a large dose of driving enjoyment to an already desirable package. The combination makes this well-rounded, stylish and highly functional SUV an easy recommendation.
How does the SQ5 drive? The SQ5 balances sporty and luxury attributes. It's a touch slower than its competition — our test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds — but the SQ5 is nonetheless smooth and satisfying. Stopping power is exemplary, and the brakes are predictable and easy to control around town.
True to the S part of its name, the SQ5 is nimble and enjoyable, offering welcome agility and control. Its summer tires deliver more handling potential than you'd need for a public road, and its stability control is less intrusive than the Q5's. The steering wheel has comfortable grips and lots of assistance in the Comfort setting, which makes for easy quick steering inputs, such as when you're in a small parking lot.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the SQ5? The interior delivers on the comfort you'd expect from a luxury SUV. The supportive seats and quiet ride mean you can drive all day. The side bolsters help keep you in place during cornering but aren't intrusive during the commute. Despite its sporty intentions, the SQ5 doesn't sacrifice anything when it comes to ride quality.
In the cabin, you don't hear much in the way of wind, tire or road noise. You can adjust the loudness of the engine, which in its most dynamic setting adds a low-rpm thrum under moderate acceleration. As for the climate control system, it's easy to adjust and get the air flow you want.
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How’s the interior? The SQ5 earns high marks for interior functionality. The design is minimalist, yet the cabin layout and primary physical controls make sense. A wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments make it easy for most drivers to find their ideal setting. The interior has generous interior measurements, and front and rear passengers have plenty of space.
The tall door openings make for good head clearance when getting in and out. The large windows and narrow roof pillars allow excellent outward visibility. Along with the outward view, the big sideview mirrors, crisp-looking rearview camera and proximity sensors take the guesswork out of parking.
Technology
7.0/10
How’s the tech? Audi has been updating its in-car tech over the past few years. It's mostly solid, but there were a few hiccups. Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration comes standard, but connection issues forced us to use a USB connection. Don't expect much from the voice activation system either, which requires you to adhere to strict prompts. Our SQ5 was equipped with the available Bang & Olufsen stereo system. It's crisp and clear and doesn't get muddy at higher volumes. Our test vehicle also included a wireless charging pad.
The advanced driver aids performed well — most notably the adaptive cruise, which provided a good following distance.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The SQ5 offers 25.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row and 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is a bit less than average for this class of SUV. The decently sized door pockets and center console should accommodate most items. We like how the tray under the armrest slides back and forth, and it holds a phone or two.
With a 4,400-pound maximum tow rating, the SQ5's capability sits among the best of the segment. Models equipped with the air suspension have a trailer tow setting that activates automatically with the factory-installed hitch.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the SQ5 will get 21 mpg combined, which is average compared to other sport-oriented small SUVs. Like many SUVs in this class, the SQ5 requires premium fuel.
Value
7.5/10
Is the SQ5 a good value? The SQ5 is a true standout when it comes to build quality. The interior continuously relays value to its occupants. The optional upgraded leather and stitching make this luxury vehicle feel like it's in another class entirely. The switches and interior controls have a satisfying click and weight. The price is reasonable and remains so even after adding the options you want. Warranty coverage from Audi is average.
Wildcard
7.5/10
An enjoyable and powerful engine combined with pleasing handling makes the SQ5 hard to fault. Its stability control system is less intrusive than the standard Q5's, and its turbocharged V6 engine generates entertaining thrust and sounds.
But aside from the badges and wheels, little says the SQ5 is special, especially from the outside. And no one should be OK with the embarrassing blocked-off fake exhaust ports on the rear bumper — especially Audi.
Which SQ5 does Edmunds recommend?
There's a lot to like about the SQ5's base Premium trim level, but we recommend upgrading to the Premium Plus. It includes the Convenience package that you'd want anyway, then adds a few more safety systems and an absolutely rocking Bang & Olufsen audio system. It also opens the door to the SQ5's full list of optional extras, notably the Warm Weather package.
Audi SQ5 models
The SQ5 is a sportier version of the Audi Q5 compact SUV and is offered in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The SQ5 is also available in an SQ5 Sportback version (which we review separately) that features a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. Both are similarly equipped and are powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
Premium
The base Premium trim is generously equipped with plenty of convenience and safety features that include:
20-inch wheels with performance tires
Roof rails
Power liftgate
Adaptive suspension system
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Paddle shifters
Push-button ignition
Leather and faux suede upholstery
Carbon-fiber interior trim
Heated front sport seats
Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay
Integrated toll-road payment system
10-speaker audio system
10.1-inch touchscreen
Advanced safety features that include:
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Automatic high beams
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front or behind the vehicle when parking)
The optional Convenience package adds:
Keyless entry
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Driver's seat memory functions
Satellite radio
Premium Plus
The midtier Premium Plus trim includes the Convenience package as well as:
Panoramic sunroof
Digital instrument panel
Additional faux leather interior coverings
19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
Lane keeping assistance (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Prestige
The range-topping Prestige trim adds several luxury and tech features that include:
Dual-pane sound-insulating front windows
Upgraded exterior lighting
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Traffic sign reader
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Heated rear seats
Interior ambient lighting
Heated and cooled front cupholder
Navigation system
Wireless charging pad with signal booster
Option packages offered on the Premium Plus and Prestige trim include: Warm Weather package
Full leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Rear window shades
Black Optic package
20-inch two-color finish wheels with summer tires (upgradable to 21-inch wheels)
Black exterior mirror housings
Black exterior trim
S Sport package
Adaptive air suspension
Sport (electronic torque-vectoring) rear differential
Red brake calipers
Variable sport steering (optional)
Stand-alone options include a panoramic sunroof (Premium only), upgraded leather upholstery (Premium Plus and Prestige only), all-season tires (all models) and rear side airbags (all models).
3.0T Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I have never seen or driven a car like this before. I've owned BMW 3, 5, and 7 series, Porsche 911, and Mercedes SL 55 and a Honda Pilot. The SQ5 is a combination of all of them. Its rides very comfortably, very stable, and quiet, sporty and with a lot of power and torque. Its a get up and go car, great to drive anywhere in the city or country. I love the quality and the very … advanced technology I feel like I'm in a spaceship. I've tested the Volvo XC90, it had a very bouncy air suspension and I didn't quite trust their NAV system. I also test drove the RX 350, but again the ride was not as smooth and it just didn't absorb the bumps well, plus it was quite boring to drive. I've never test drove an Audi before until my wife wanted to look at the Audi Q7. After we bought the Q7, I just fell in love with it and had to have one just like it. The SQ5 is a combination of sports car and comfortable SUV, very adaptable to all my different driving needs.
4/5 stars, SQ5 Was the Winner - Updated 25k miles
Kevin,
3.0T Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Update at 25k miles:
Still love the handling, and all things that made us originally get this vehicle but maintenance has been less than ideal. At 22k miles had a slight oil leak - turned out to be the head gasket which is major, and timing chain housing assembly (also major). Car spent 5 weeks in the shop - all covered by warranty but 22k miles to have this level of engine work is less … than ideal. Only other gripe about the car since original review is tires - it loves to chew through P-zero sport tires. At $350+/tire... that is annoying. Snow handling is great however with all seasons.
Original Review:
My wife and I needed an SUV and my BMW was looking at maintenance bills >60% of the value of the car and was well past warranty. I built a detailed spreadsheet that incorporated different weightings based on what we both liked across several vehicles we drove. We looked at Lexus and other brands as well, but they didn't meet the mission as we ran through our objectives and desires. The categories were the following: price, safety rating, estimated reliability, performance, fun factor, road trip comfort, technology/audio, road noise, storage / capacity, and fuel efficiency. It ultimately came down to the SQ5 and the Macan S, with the SQ5 being the most practical in the class in our view. The SQ5 with the sport air suspension allows the car to turn into a spirited driving machine, but also allows the comfort for a long road trip without feeling every bump which set it apart from the Macan in that class. Inversely, the Macan might be the best cornering SUV or 4 door vehicle I've driven... the builders clearly thought out the suspension as though they were thinking about a 911. The other category which the SQ5 truly stood out was the MMI technology package that was significantly more intuitive, user friendly, sharp displays, and just all around better than the Porsche or Mercedes. While the Porsche and Mercedes both 0-60 slightly faster than the Audi, in reality... how often is that really the deciding factor? Part of our mission included trips to CO, which we recently completed in the SQ5 and despite having sport tires, with the quattro system and rear limited slip dif, it tackled 4-5" of snow/ice transitioning N. Texas/ N. Mex like a champ while other Tahoe's were spinning out and not making the same progress... We are thrilled with our SQ5 so far - and no mx issues of yet to report. Separate from this review, both my wife and I were really trying and or expecting to like the GLC 43 AMG much more than we did... it was wholly underwhelming in all other categories with exception to performance. The 9-speed transmission in the GLC 43 AMG feels like a spastic middle-school aged boy whos had a few too many Mtn Dews for my liking as it always was trying to figure out what to do next. The PDK is a dream in the Porsche, however the Audi has an honest transmission that delights when pressed hard in Dynamic mode, but also isn't "begging" to go fast when you're looking for a more relaxed drive and perhaps on bluetooth. The Audi and Porsche both had great overall interiors and creature comforts, with the Audi being a small but noticeably more comfortable cabin with 4 people inside compared to the Porsche. Despite being on the same chassis, the Porsche's engine/transmission areas take space away from the cabin that the Audi didn't sacrifice. The Mercedes in the front was fine, had great interior lines/design... but my wife and I were very turned off by the back seat feeling like it was a literal after thought that would be dissapointing even for a non-lux midsize crossover let alone wear the badge of MB! Long story short - we are thrilled with our SQ5 and it surprised us because when we started we both thought it'd be a Porsche or Mercedes, but in the end... we were surprised by the complete package the Audi has assembled (and candidly... we are liking the subtlety of the Audi brand compared to the sometimes certain driver stereotypes of the other brands tested). Happy driving!
5/5 stars, Best luxury SUV w/ perfect comfort/sport balance
Al,
3.0T Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Very happy with choosing the 2018 Audi SQ5 prestige. Before buying, I compared it to the new F -Pace S, XC60 T8, 43 AMG, and upcoming redesigned X3 M40i. With Audi SQ5's standard adaptive dampers, you get the best comfort, but also great sportiness when desired. The volvo is for my taste too soft and floaty, while the others are too harsh for a daily driver even with adaptive dampers. … Even when driving back-to-back the Lexus RX and the SQ5 on my backroads, I found the SQ5 quieter and soaking up bumps much better than the Lexus RX while being faster at the same time. The virtual cockpit and the modern entertainment system are truly the best and most updated in their class, ahead of other competitors. Having google maps in a 12.3" screen in front of you w/ live traffic info is unbeatable. The XC 60 T8 comes close, but its infotainment system is rather laggy and ergonomics are not well though-out as everything, incl. heater, are adjusted w/ the main screen. So if that main screen does not boot up quickly or correctly you are basically left in the dark not being able to adjust anything. As confirmed by the recent reliability survey from consumer-reports, Audis are very reliable particularly compared to other luxury brands. Volvo and Jag are the bottom brands in this respect. All in all, it is the best grocery getter I have owned that pertains a dual-personality of keeping the rest of the family comfortable driving from A to B, but yet having the option of embracing windy and twisty roads with speed.
5/5 stars, Exceptionally balanced vehicle
Aspen SQ5,
3.0T Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Ive owned alot of cars since the late 70's, mostly BMW and Porsche. Ive owned 5 M3's, 2 M5's, 4 911's and more recently X5's, a Cayenne and even an X3M. Then I bought a 2012 Audi A8L and fell in love with the brand. Bought wife an Audi allroad and wanted something a little sportier. Wen to the dealer intending to look at the S4/S6/7 line and was considering the S5 sportback. All of the … aforementioned is only for context. Im an older guy who appreciates performance and yet I have a perspective of how much performance a person can actually use on the street. I also enjoy a modicum of practicality and so many new cars today offer both that could only be dreamed of 10 or 15 years ago. The SQ5 is without a doubt the best balance of both comfort and performance I have encountered to date in an easy to live with package. Simply amazing the choices we consumers enjoy today. I considered a Macan but the usual Porsche buying experience is a turnoff. Additionally, my local Audi dealer was terrific to deal with and frankly, the SQ5 technology embarrases the Macan as well as the driving dynamics of the 2018 SQ5 feel far superior to the older platform that underpins the Macan. You can't go wrong with the SQ5 and be sure to get the virtual cockpit option.
The SQ5 is essentially a souped-up version of the more pedestrian Audi Q5. The Q5 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces nearly 100 horsepower less than the SQ5. The Q5 is fairly quick compared to its primary rivals and its trim levels generally mirror those of the SQ5. And like its performance-oriented brethren, the Q5 is offered in standard and Sportback body styles. You can save quite a bit of money by picking the Q5 instead of the SQ5.
The GLC from Mercedes-Benz has long been one of our favorite compact crossovers, but it's gotten a little long in the tooth. Good thing a fully redesigned version is on the way for 2023. The new GLC has a beautifully detailed interior that puts all others to shame, and its MBUX infotainment system is second to none. However, Mercedes is starting out by offering the base GLC 300 only. There's no SQ5 competitor yet.
Sure, the BMW X3 would be a more typical choice, but might we suggest the dark-horse Genesis GV70 instead? The GV70 came out of nowhere last year to dethrone the GLC as the king in our ranking of the best small luxury SUVs. The V6 version of the Genesis is priced nearly the same as the SQ5 and fully delivers on the performance front. It's also exceptionally comfortable and matches the Audi for interior quality.
The Audi SQ5 is the sport-inclined version of the automaker's small SUV, giving you an option if you want the convenience of an SUV but with a little spice added in — some hot sauce on your salad. Or a whole bunch of toppings on your frozen yogurt, if you prefer.
While the SQ5 does not lack for comfort or interior space, we're a little disappointed by its power output compared to its rivals, namely the BMW X3 M40i. Audi pairs a turbocharged V6 with an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission, adding 88 horsepower to the Q5 for a total of 349 hp. That's a little short of the 382 hp delivered by the M40i, the 385 hp provided by the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and the ungodly 434 hp unleashed by the Porsche Macan GTS. The SQ5 receives stickier tires, larger wheels and a stiffer suspension to set itself apart from the Q5 in addition to the beefier engine.
The refresh the SQ5 received in 2021 to its infotainment complements a refined interior, and the addition of standard adaptive cruise control for 2023 is welcome. Also in store for 2023, the Premium Plus trim level adds a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound.
Edmunds says
The Audi SQ5 doesn't boast the power to match its fiercest rivals, but it offers a pleasant interior and enough standard equipment to provide an intriguing option in the performance SUV category.
FAQ
Is the Audi SQ5 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 SQ5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 SQ5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 34 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the SQ5 ranges from 25.6 to 25.9 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. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Audi SQ5?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Audi SQ5:
Adaptive cruise control now standard
Premium Plus trim includes Bang & Olufsen sound system
Part of the second SQ5 generation introduced in 2018
To determine whether the Audi SQ5 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the SQ5. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the SQ5's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Audi SQ5 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Audi SQ5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 SQ5 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 SQ5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 34 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 SQ5 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi SQ5?
The least-expensive 2023 Audi SQ5 is the 2023 Audi SQ5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $55,800.
Other versions include:
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $55,800
Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $60,500
Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $65,700
If you're interested in the Audi SQ5, the next question is, which SQ5 model is right for you? SQ5 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 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
