2021 Audi SQ5 Review

Name: 2021 Audi SQ5 Review
Brand: Audi
Rating: 4.6 (33 reviews)

Price Range: $31,995 - $40,000

Audi SQ5 Prestige 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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2021 Audi SQ5 Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

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

What's new

The SQ5 receives a styling refresh for 2021
Updated infotainment system
Wireless smartphone integration and integrated toll-road payment system debut
Part of the second Q5 generation introduced for 2018

Overview

All work and no play makes for a dull SUV. If you're seeking a little excitement from a luxury SUV, you're in luck — there's no shortage of choices and the 2021 Audi SQ5 is well regarded in this class. It has a lot of the comfort and understated luxury of the regular Q5 but turns up the performance quotient with a potent 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi SQ5 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$228/mo

$172/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

This year, the SQ5 gets a styling refresh as well as an updated infotainment system and a few other tech feature additions. These upgrades are significant enough to keep the SQ5 fresh and up-to-date. We'd easily cross-shop it with other impressive sporty SUVs that include the BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Porsche Macan. In some ways, the SQ5 finds a narrow middle ground to give it a well-rounded set of skills. Still, it's a close battle among all of these SUVs, so we suggest thorough test drives of each.

Which SQ5 does Edmunds recommend?

The midrange Premium Plus trim gets our recommendation in the SQ5 lineup. Odds are if you're considering the $53,000 base Premium trim, another $4,400 to step up won't break the bank. In return, you get the contents of the Convenience package, along with adaptive cruise control and several other safety, tech and convenience features.

2021 Audi SQ5 models

The SQ5 is a sporty version of the supporting Audi Q5 and is offered in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The SQ5 is also available in an SQ5 Sportback version 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 (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

Premium
The base Premium trim is generously equipped with plenty of convenience and safety features that include:

Roof rails
Power liftgate
Sport-tuned suspension
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Leather and faux suede upholstery
Heated front sport seats
Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay
Integrated toll-road payment system
10.1-inch touchscreen
Advanced safety features that include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitoring (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:

Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Keyless entry and ignition
Heated steering wheel
Driver-seat memory functions
Satellite radio

Premium Plus
The midtier Premium Plus trim includes the Convenience package as well as:

Panoramic sunroof
Digital instrument panel
Wireless charging pad with signal booster
Additional faux leather interior coverings
Enhanced and added safety features such as:

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assist (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
Navigation system
19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio

Some features are available on supporting trims as options. Other bundled option packages offered on the Premium Plus and Prestige trim include:
Warm Weather package

Full leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Rear window shades

S Sport package

Adaptive sport suspension
Sport rear differential
Red brake calipers

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Average

#23 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi SQ5 from 2008-2022.}

$949/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.13x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

20.8%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Audi SQ5.

5 (79%)

4 (6%)

3 (9%)

2 (6%)

1 (0%)

4.6

33 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

BEST ALL AROUND PURPOSE CROSSOVER SUV

ARLE, 07/12/2018

2018 Audi SQ5 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 …

SQ5 Was the Winner - Updated 25k miles

Kevin, 01/20/2019

2018 Audi SQ5 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!

Best luxury SUV w/ perfect comfort/sport balance

Al, 10/25/2017

2018 Audi SQ5 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. …

A naughty SUV, in a little black dress!

NHHawk6, 06/22/2019

2019 Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

Allow yourself time to "experience" a proper introduction to the 2019 Audi SQ5. If you are pressed for time, then wait; if something else is on your mind, then reschedule your test drive. You will want to immerse yourself in this; you owe it to yourself. There is simply an awful lot to process, here. At first glance, it's a bit unsettling. The SQ5 is an unbelievably pretty vehicle. My … first walk-around took 25 minutes. As I approached, the profile is low-slung, via an electronically-controlled air suspension atop beautiful Pirelli-clad 21" wheels. Mythos black metallic paint, bright red brake calipers, and aluminum cross bars project a somewhat "formal" image of an otherwise athletic stance. I just stood and stared. This is one sexy car. Walking around to the front, the good looks become instantly married to an aggressive nose, and there is an unmistakable desire to pop the hood. The engine compartment is impressive; it's simple and clean. The 3.0L V6 fills the space, and almost seems to ask that you close the hood and just get inside, already! Continuing on to observe the Audi from the rear, you cannot help but be impressed. From the D-pillar aft, the SQ5 is simply perfect. Wide, low, and beautifully finished, which is great because this is the view most will see, as you ease past most, on any road you travel. The real show starts now, however, when you slip inside the most intoxicating interior in this, or really any, segment. The 2019 Audi SQ5 cockpit is decadent. The beauty and support of the quilted Nappa leather seats are unsurpassed. The Audi virtual cockpit, a Google Earth photorealistic navigation system, with customizable displays, is a absolute show-stopper! It is beautiful, intuitive, and a pure joy to use! The MMI-plus computer controls everything, via a central dial or an awesome touchpad with handwriting recognition. All information is displayed on a beautiful 7" screen centrally mounted on the dash. However, once you start the engine, and begin your test drive, the deal is all but done. This is a smooth and powerful sportscar in an SUVs skin. I have never driven an SUV, large or small, that was anything like this. It is not just fast; it is poised and confident at every turn, in every turn. It stops on a dime. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is crystal clear, and screams: "turn me up"! The car is dripping with technology, and everything just works! Allow yourself time to "experience" a proper introduction to the 2019 Audi SQ5. You owe it to yourself!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Audi SQ5, so we've included reviews for other years of the SQ5 since its last redesign.

See all 33 reviews of the Audi SQ5

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2021 SQ5 Highlights

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$52,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$228/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the SQ5 models:

Pre Sense City: Warns you when it detects the risk of an imminent crash. Can automatically apply the brakes at speeds under 52 mph.
Side Assist: Alerts the driver to vehicles in the SQ5's blind spot.
Rear Side Airbags: Deploys torso-protecting airbags from the outboard rear seats in case of a side-impact collision. Optional on the SQ5.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.3%

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2021 Audi SQ5 Review

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2021 Audi SQ5 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi SQ5 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Which SQ5 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Audi SQ5 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

BEST ALL AROUND PURPOSE CROSSOVER SUV

SQ5 Was the Winner - Updated 25k miles

Best luxury SUV w/ perfect comfort/sport balance

A naughty SUV, in a little black dress!

2021 SQ5 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi SQ5 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}