2023 Audi SQ5 Review

Trims

2023 Audi SQ5 trim comparison

Starting MSRP

$57,695*

$62,095*

$67,295*

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

Multi-Zone Climate Control

Premium Audio

19 city/24 hwy

3.0L V6 Turbo

AWD

4 yr / 50k mi

349 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

Sport Mode

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Start/Stop System

Regenerative Braking

Gas

Premium Unleaded

349 hp

5400 rpm

369 lb-ft

1370 rpm

3.0 L

V

6 cylinder

Turbocharged

Double Overhead

24 valve

11.2

19 MPG

24 MPG

21 MPG

Reviewed by Jaclyn Trop

Overview

If the standard-issue Audi Q5 compact SUV seems tepid, the high-performance SQ5's upgrades crank up the excitement level. Consider the standard engine, a turbocharged V6 rated at 349 horsepower. It's enough to launch the SQ5 from zero to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds according to Audi. A retuned suspension with 20-inch wheels and tires is also part of the package, although it strikes a good compromise between comfort and performance. The SQ5's cabin includes standard sport seats, carbon fiber trim, and metallic pedals to give it the look and feel of a true performance vehicle. A large 10.1-inch touchscreen makes for easy control of the numerous features while a standard three-zone climate control system keeps everyone comfortable. The biggest shortcoming of the SQ5 lies behind the rear seats as it provides less cargo space than many of its competitors. It's a surprisingly competitive class, too, as the SQ5 faces off against the BMW X3 M, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, and Porsche Macan.

Positives

Impressive performance for an SUV. Luxurious interior. Useful technology features.

Considerations

Less power than the class leaders. Small cargo area.

Verdict

Powerful, comfortable, and sharp looking, the Audi SQ5 proves that small SUVs can be exciting. Other than a tight cargo area, there are few downsides to this high-performance sport utility vehicle.

What's New for 2023

The SQ5 carries forward with only minor changes. Adaptive cruise control is now included on all models. Premium Plus models add the Bang and Olufsen audio system as standard equipment.

Trims and Pricing

The 2023 Audi SQ5 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All models come with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo engine and all-wheel drive. The most popular model is the Premium Plus, but we recommend the Premium. We'll explain why.

Premium

The Premium trim starts at $56,995 (including destination fees) and comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim, heated seats, active cruise control, and a lane-departure warning system. Notable options include a panoramic sunroof ($1,450) and a convenience package ($1,100) that adds keyless entry and start, a heated steering wheel, driver's seat memory, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, and XM satellite radio.

The Premium is our pick as it offers the same performance as other trims and plenty of features at a reasonable price.

Premium Plus

Starting at $61,695, the Premium Plus adds such features as a heated steering wheel, memory side mirrors, a panoramic moonroof, Audi's virtual cockpit digital instrument display, a 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system, and a surround-view parking camera system. Optional equipment includes upgraded leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and an S Sport package ($3,000) that adds an adaptive air suspension, sport differential, and red brake calipers.

Prestige

The range-topping Prestige is priced from $66,895 and boasts LED headlights, heated rear seats, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, navigation, and park assist sensors.

Engine and Performance

Powered by a 349-horsepower V6 turbo engine, the Audi SQ5 accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, according to Audi. That's extremely quick for any vehicle, let alone an unassuming compact SUV. The crossover's adaptive suspension keeps the ride comfortable, especially compared to some of its more aggressively tuned rivals. That group includes the BMW X3 M, Porsche Macan Turbo, and Jaguar F-Pace SVR, all of which offer more power and performance but fall short on everyday comfort.

Fuel Economy

The 2023 Audi SQ5 delivers decent fuel economy ratings, particularly for an all-wheel-drive SUV. The SQ5 is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency to return 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. That's better than the BMW X3 M (14/19 mpg city/highway) and the Porsche Macan Turbo (17/21 mpg city/highway).

Interior

The Audi SQ5 has a plush interior adorned with leather and aluminum trim. Diamond-stitched Nappa leather is available. The long list of standard features includes heated front seats and reclining rear seats. And the SQ5 boasts more cabin space than you'd expect from a compact SUV. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel come standard in upper trims. The SQ5 has slightly more passenger space than rivals, although they provide more options. The BMW X3 M offers Vernasca leather with contrast stitching, as well as wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber interior trim.

The SQ5 provides 24.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 51.9 cubic feet behind the front row. That's less than the X3 M and Jaguar F-Pace, but more than the Porsche Macan or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Audi SQ5 is well equipped with modern technology. Audi's infotainment system is user-friendly and can be activated by touch or voice command. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen come standard. A 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system is included on the Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Comparatively, the infotainment system in the BMW X3 M can be operated by voice command, touchpad controller, or its 10.25-inch touchscreen. The X3 M has Apple CarPlay integration but doesn't support Android Auto. The Jaguar F-Pace SVR features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice command, wireless device charging, and an interactive display with 3D navigation.

Safety

The 2023 Audi SQ5 has not been evaluated by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The SQ5 features a long list of standard safety equipment, including parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Upper trims add adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a surround-view parking camera, and traffic jam assistance.

Audi SQ5 vs. the Competition

The Audi SQ5 is a solid competitor in the luxury compact-SUV segment. It handles well, accelerates quickly, and boasts a plush interior. Compared with rival crossovers, the SQ5 offers slightly less performance but better everyday comfort. The BMW X3 M is a more focused machine with quicker acceleration and sharper handling. But its starting price is over $70K. Then there's the Porsche Macan Turbo, a compact SUV with sports car-like handling and a base price of over $85K. The Audi SQ5 can't match either the BMW or the Porsche for all-out speed, but it's worth a look for its more reasonable price and less aggressive nature.

Audi SQ5 vs. BMW X3 M

Audi SQ5 vs. Porsche Macan

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.

TrueCar also ranks the best vehicles in each category based on a data-driven methodology. Each vehicle is carefully scored using our in-house rating system, which systematically evaluates every car, SUV, truck, and van. Utilizing ALG industry research, consumer surveys, a team of data scientists and vehicle experts, TrueCar provides a unique and useful outlook to help you find the best vehicle for your driving needs.

Owner Reviews

2023 Audi SQ5 Owner Ratings & Reviews

2nd Generation Audi SQ5

2018 - Present

Overall Rating

4.3

Based on

Performance

4.5

Comfort

4.3

Fuel Efficiency

3.6

Safety Technology

4.3

Features

4.2

43%

44%

11%

2%

< 1%

Search

All reviews

Search

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

3.0

Safety Technology

3.0

Features

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

3.0

Safety Technology

3.0

Features

5.0

pros

Extremely comfortable, quiet and fast. Depending on the Audi Drive Select mode, the SQ5 can feel like either a luxury SUV or a fun sports car. The MMI and Virtual Cockpit are amazing.

cons

Some pedal lag at acceleration in Auto mode. Trunk isn't that big.

Submitted by Max V on --- --- ----|2022 Audi SQ5 Prestige SUV|Purchased on --- --- ----

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0