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2026 Audi SQ5 Consumer Reviews

2.7 out of 5 stars
6 reviews

Pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay
$60,384
Prices based on sales in VA thru 8/31/26
Final assembly in Mexico

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 SQ5, so we've included reviews for other years of the SQ5 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

The SQ5 is a Fantastic Vehicle

Real SUV Guy, 07/26/2026
2026 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

After years of owning Audis, I purchased a BMW X3, which, unfortunately, rode too firmly and I couldn’t get comfortable in it no matter what I tried. After a little over a year of owning the BMW, I decided to trade the BMW for an SQ5 and couldn’t be happier. It’s much more comfortable than the BMW, and I love the pops and snarls when downshifting, particularly when in Dynamic Mode. It’s fast, and very comfortable, while still serving as a practical vehicle. I typically leave it in Balanced Mode, and it’s a good balance between sporty handling (for an SUV) and comfort. In typical Audi fashion, the fit and finish is fantastic. I will say that the MMI system and overall tech are a bit much, but after having experience with Audi’s MMI system in the past, it’s not difficult to use, and I can move the functions I use most to the main screen so that I have easy access to them. The system itself is working well, and I haven’t experienced any issues with it. I do prefer BMW’s cleaner full display, but the Audi system works well, even though I’d prefer a few more actual knobs, rather than putting almost all controls within the touchscreen system. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is fantastic, and it’s on par with BMW’s Harmon-Kardon sound system. Both systems would benefit from an actual equalizer to adjust the sound preferences. I use the spacial setting and it sounds great, though I’d still prefer manual equalizer adjustments. Again, it’s on par with the competition, though I actually miss the multi-function dial on the BMW center console (that most people complain about!) I’m an audiophile and miss having full control over the sound, though most people will highly enjoy it. The one thing I wish all automakers would do is get rid of the high-gloss black piano finish treatment for something more practical. The piano black pieces are too prone to fingerprints and scratches, and don’t belong in any vehicle, at any price point. Automakers seem to think it looks expensive. It doesn’t. I really enjoy the SQ5 and highly recommend it to others who are looking for a performance SUV in this price range.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Do NOT buy redisned model

Not Happy, 08/29/2025
2025 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 12/24 (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I owned a 2024 SQ5 and was overall satisfied. I wanted the new model with a little more HP and the new design features. OMG nothing but Information technology center issues. Warning lights, low tire pressure warnings and a radio that plays part time. The dealer has had it 3 times for a total of over 5 weeks. They said mine is not the only one. The new models have computer issues. If you do not want to be a virgin buy one!!!!!

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

MMI Entertainment System

Cal, 03/30/2026
2026 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

The MMI system is not working properly. I have returned the vehicle to Beverly Hills Service Dept. 4 times. My stereo system mutes as if I'm receiving a phone call? It has replicated several times however, it reverts back to working properly when taken it to the shop. They say that they can not repair the problem unless it reoccurs. I've tried using the navigational system but it does not announce the directions. It only shows them. While looking at the navigation screen my eyes are off the road which means I could have an accident. Completely frustrated with these problems. I only 733 miles on the car, and i'm tired of returning the car to the service center? No one seems to be able to help.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Practical Retired Engineer says

Andre, 06/18/2025
2025 Audi SQ5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful

I owned two Jaguars, Corvette, Porsche-914 (I Rallied on snow) and Mercedes-550. Got 2016-SQ5 for my wife. I drove 30,000 miles, she did 60,000. Now she wants NEW AUDI SUV. I loved SQ7 with V8. Too expensive. Then we came down to Q7-55: reliability-problems. Now considering SQ5 with 362HP. I hated new Digital-Dash, Gimmicks, and LACK of SHIFTER-stick. I loved old-time VDO-gages and wooden (Nardi) steering. Apple-Play etc are distracting. See an old 911's DASH and stick, for the best layout.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Disappointing Experience with the 2026 Audi SQ5

Ray W, 07/18/2026
2026 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I really wanted to love the 2026 Audi SQ5. On paper, it checks a lot of boxes with its sharp styling, strong performance from the updated 3.0L turbo V6, and premium interior. Unfortunately, a string of frustrating software bugs and questionable feature implementations turned what should have been an exciting daily driver into a constant source of irritation. After living with it for about a month, I took it back to the dealer and traded up for an SQ8.First, the optional Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system (a pricey upgrade) was a major letdown. Customization options are surprisingly limited compared to what you'd expect at this price point—no robust equalizer sliders for fine-tuning, and the surround/immersive settings fall flat. Instead of delivering deep, enveloping bass and a truly three-dimensional soundstage, it often feels thin and uninspiring, especially with dynamic music or movies. For an Audi flagship audio package in a performance SUV, it's simply not worth the extra cost in this model. [HTML removed] The MMI infotainment system is where things really went off the rails. It's plagued with software bugs that Audi has yet to fully resolve via OTA updates. The interface can feel laggy or unresponsive at times, and several advanced driver assistance systems are unreliable. Adaptive cruise control would occasionally crash or disengage unexpectedly, forcing me to take over manually in situations where it should have been seamless. Similarly, the traffic sign recognition system glitched out multiple times, displaying errors or failing to read signs accurately. One of the most annoying quirks: If you disable the fatigue/distraction warning system (which I did because it was overly sensitive), it still flashes a persistent warning in the lower right corner of the display—every single time. It's like the car is scolding you indefinitely instead of respecting your choice. Another daily frustration: Driver modes don't save properly. You have to dive back into the MMI settings at every startup to reselect your preferred mode (Dynamic, Comfort, etc.). It resets every time, which gets old fast on a performance-oriented vehicle like the SQ5.On the positive side, the driving performance itself is genuinely strong. The turbo V6 delivers punchy acceleration and confident handling. That said, there's a noticeable hum of engine sound piped into the cabin—likely through the sound actuator system—that feels artificial and becomes annoying on longer drives, especially at certain RPM ranges. Overall, the SQ5 has the bones of a great vehicle, but the execution—particularly the buggy software and half-baked features—ruined the ownership experience for me. Early adopters of this new generation seem to be hitting similar software gremlins, and Audi needs to prioritize fixes. I'm much happier with the SQ8, which feels more refined in these areas. If you're considering a 2026 SQ5, I'd wait for more software maturation or test one extensively before committing.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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