The 2023 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.
Premium Plus trim includes Bang & Olufsen sound system
Part of the second SQ5 generation introduced in 2018
What is the Audi SQ5?
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.
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.
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 … 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.
SQ5 Was the Winner - Updated 25k miles
4 out of 5 stars
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
5 out of 5 stars
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. … 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.
A naughty SUV, in a little black dress!
5 out of 5 stars
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 2023 Audi SQ5, so we've included reviews for other years of the SQ5 since its last redesign.
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