Overview
Though the standard Audi Q5 and SQ5 are both crafted from the same quality stock, the SQ5 has a twinkle in its eye and an appetite for fun missing from the otherwise respectable Q5. Of course, it dresses the part, with a unique mesh grille pattern, blackout details, and larger wheels. Carbon inlays impart a subtle but sporty ambience to the interior, and leather sport seats are available, as is Audi’s excellent digital cockpit. Backing up that bravado is a 354-hp turbocharged V-6 that tops the base Q5 40’s turbo-four by 93 ponies. (The Q5 55 plug-in hybrid has a combined 362 horsepower, but an entirely different vibe.) Like the base Q5, the SQ5’s chassis dynamics are tad softer than its primary competition—the BMW X3 M, the Porsche Macan, and the Mercedes-AMG GLC-class. That’s entirely a bad thing, as comfort often trumps dynamic precision on six-hour slogs with the entire family aboard. Buyers still wrestling with their newfound adulthood have the option of selecting the otherwise identical Sportback version with its rakish sloping roofline, though you’ll pay a slight premium for your vanity.
What’s New for 2024?
Like much of the Audi lineup, the SQ5 sees some key tech and feature improvements for 2024. Adaptive cruise with adaptive cruise assist is standard; the latter features improved traffic sign recognition for better effectiveness in all driving situations. Lane-keep assist joins the standard list, as does a heated steering wheel with Hands-on Detection (HoD). Remote start is newly available via the myAudi app, which now works with third-party services including Spotify, Amazon Music, and more. Arkona White replaces Ibis White exterior paint across the entire model family.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We see the Premium Plus trim as the sweet spot in the lineup, as it includes a panoramic sunroof, a leather package, a top-view camera, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Unlike its Q5 sibling, the SQ5 takes the guesswork out of choosing a powertrain by offering just one: a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 rated for 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission funnels the output to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, which, in the case of the SQ5, can direct up to 85 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. Though the eight-speed swaps cogs smoothly, some staff members have noted slow transmission response in some situations. Those looking to maximize the thrills can spec an optional S Sport package with a performance differential, adaptive air suspension, and red-painted calipers. While the SQ5 knocks off the run to 60 mph in a respectable 5.1 seconds, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 did the same in 4.5 seconds. The steering response is accurate and well-weighted, but the chassis favors a compliant ride over razor-sharp reflexes. We suspect that most buyers in this segment would be perfectly happy with the SQ5’s straight-line speed and its pothole-vanquishing ride, but uncompromising drivers should consider the Porsche Macan.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Wearing an official EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, the SQ5 falls 4 mpg short of the base Q5’s 25 mpg number. That’s not a horrible price to pay for the added performance, but it will add up over time. That said, our SQ5 Prestige test vehicle delivered an impressive 28 mpg highway on our 75-mph highway fuel economy run, handily beating its 24 mpg EPA highway rating. The SQ5 also falls in line with its competitive set, so you won’t feel penalized for injecting a little fun into your commute. For more information about the SQ5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Whether you stick with the standard body style or opt for the sleeker Sportback, the SQ5’s interior doesn’t disappoint. Heated, power-adjustable front seats are standard, and diamond-stitched quilted-leather coverings are just a box check away. The heated steering wheel, formerly an option, is standard for 2024 in every SQ5, as are three-zone automatic climate control and Audi’s practical, attractive design. But there are still plenty of tempting options, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and additional leather trim for the front row. As for real-world cargo, the SQ5’s 27-cubic-foot cargo area swallowed the same six carry-on boxes as the Macan’s 18-cubic-foot luggage compartment. Call that an impressive result for the Macan or a disappointing one for the SQ5, but either way, it puts the Audi near the bottom of its class for real-world carrying capability. The Sportback variant reduces storage space behind the rear seats by 3 cubes (25 total) and folding the seatbacks opens up 52 cubes of cargo volume.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The SQ5’s standard infotainment offerings include two USB ports, three 12-volt outlets, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration comes standard. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display is standard on the mid-range Premium Plus and the top Prestige trims; navigation is optional on the Premium Plus, but it’s standard on the Prestige. Among other tricks, the gauge-cluster display provides a satellite street view of the directions from the navigation system, so drivers never need to guess whether they’re on the right track. This is a little gimmicky in a world where nearly everyone’s pocket holds a GPS-equipped smartphone. Added USB ports for back-seat passengers would be welcome.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2024 Audi SQ5 SUV now features adaptive cruise control with adaptive cruise assist (coordinates cruise, traffic jam assist, lane centering, and more for smooth vehicle operation and safety) as standard kit. The latter features an expansion of traffic sign recognition capability designed to make the assist work more comprehensively. A head-up display is available on the top-tier Prestige trim. Audi also provides several collision-avoidance technologies including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard in this model. For more information on the SQ5’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Standard front and rear automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi’s standard warranty package is just typical for the industry, and its limited and powertrain warranties match those offered by BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Audi SQ5
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
BASE PRICE
Premium, $53,995; Premium Plus, $58,395; Prestige, $63,595
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2995 cm3
Power
349 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque
369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.0 in
Length: 184.3 in
Width: 74.5 in
Height: 65.6 in
Passenger volume: 99–103 ft3
Cargo volume: 26 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 4400 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.7 sec
100 mph: 12.9 sec
1/4 mile: 13.5 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 20/18/24 mpg
