2025 Audi SQ5
Our VerdictThe 2025 Audi SQ5 blends power, luxury, and everyday usability in a package that feels genuinely special. It’s quick when you want fun, calm when you need comfort, and sophisticated enough to impress in any setting. While the price and operating costs are high, it’s one of the most rewarding SUVs in its class.
Driving enthusiasts who want daily excitement, Families needing a stylish, capable SUV, Buyers in snowy or variable climates
Budget-conscious shoppers, Minimalist drivers who dislike tech-heavy cabins, Off-road adventurers needing rugged durability
The Case For
- Potent turbo V6 with brisk acceleration
- Confident Quattro grip in all weather
- Upscale cabin design with supportive seating
- Strong resale value, especially mid-trim
Considerations
- High purchase price and premium fuel costs
- Rear space and cargo only mid-pack
- Touch-heavy controls reduce convenience on the move
Who It's For
The Audi SQ5 is the performance version of the Q5, aimed at drivers who want a luxury SUV that’s quick, composed, and easy to live with. Standard Quattro all-wheel drive, a turbocharged V6, and sport-tuned suspension make it lively without turning daily commutes harsh. Inside, you get quality materials, supportive seats, and crisp screens that keep the cabin modern. It’s roomy enough for a small family, handles winter weather confidently, and feels premium in the details. The trade-offs: a higher purchase price, average fuel economy for its power, and some touchscreen-heavy controls. Overall, it strikes a savvy balance of speed and utility.
Choose Your Specification
Premium
$64,895Essentials, with pace
The base SQ5 already feels special: turbo V6, Quattro, sport suspension, 20-in wheels, LED lighting, power front seats, heated fronts, leather/Alcantara, panoramic roof, and a big digital cockpit. It’s the most affordable way into the S experience and suits buyers who value performance over extras. You’ll miss some convenience tech (HUD, surround-view) and luxury details (ventilated seats, upgraded audio), but the core driving character is fully intact.
Premium Plus
$68,295Sweet spot
Premium Plus adds the features most owners actually use: advanced driver aids (adaptive cruise with lane guidance), matrix-style lighting, surround-view cameras, a head-up display (where packaged), wireless charging, and an upgraded audio option. Cabin convenience steps up with extra seat adjustments and more ambient lighting polish. It’s the trim that best balances cost, comfort, and tech for daily life, and it typically holds demand on the used market.
Prestige
$71,195Max comfort & tech
Prestige layers in the showcase items: ventilated front seats, heated rears, extended ambient lighting, full-fat audio, the most complete driver-assist stack, and additional glass/cabin refinements. It feels notably richer, and the cabin “wows” passengers with quietness and features. Performance hardware remains the same, so you’re paying for comfort and convenience rather than speed.
- Adds driver aids and tech most buyers use
- Best balance of performance, comfort, and features
- Holds stronger resale than base trim
- Avoids Prestige’s diminishing returns on price
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | Premium | Premium Plus | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gas, 3.0L Turbo V6 | Gas, 3.0L Turbo V6 | Gas, 3.0L Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 362 | 362 | 362 |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 19 / 24 | 19 / 24 | 19 / 24 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 25.9 cu ft | 25.9 cu ft | 25.9 cu ft |
| Transmission | 7-spd dual-clutch automatic | 7-spd dual-clutch automatic | 7-spd dual-clutch automatic |
| MSRP (Starting) | $64,895 | $68,295 | $71,195 |
| Car Type | Compact performance SUV | Compact performance SUV | Compact performance SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Audi SQ5's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4.5Sleek, muscular, confidently upscale
Sharper grille, bold LEDs, sculpted sides. Sportback adds drama; SUV keeps utility. Black-optic packs and wheel choices let you personalize.
Interior
4Premium, supportive, tech-forward cabin
High-quality materials, supportive seats, and crisp screens. Some functions buried in menus; rear seat space is adequate, better in SUV than Sportback.
Safety
4.5Confident assists, solid structure
Robust driver-assist suite: adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, and 360° cameras. Strong crashworthiness expected.
Warranty
4Solid coverage, plan for 5+ years
4 yr / 50k mi coverage with roadside assistance. Extended care or prepaid maintenance is smart for long-term owners.
Fuel Economy
3.5Quick costs fuel; still reasonable
19/24 mpg is average for a V6. Real-world: ~20 mpg. Premium fuel needed; economy dips with spirited use.
Tech & Infotainment
4Modern features, minor menu dives
Large screens, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, premium audio optional. Interface can feel buried but overall impressive.
Performance & Handling
4.5Punchy V6, poised and grippy
Strong acceleration, quick shifts, and Quattro grip. Balanced ride, sharp cornering, confident brakes.
New This Year
- New-gen SQ5 with sharper styling and a richer cabin layout
- Turbo V6 retuned: more muscle, quicker responses
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic replaces prior conventional auto
- Updated infotainment: larger central display, cleaner menus, better voice control
- Expanded driver-assist features and available 360° cameras
More Similar Cars
Comparing Audi SQ5 with its close rivals BMW X3 and Genesis GV70
Audi SQ5
BMW X3
Genesis GV70| Aspect | Audi SQ5 | BMW X3 | Genesis GV70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Turbo V6, ~4.6s 0–60; Quattro grip | Turbo 4 or 6-cyl; sharp dynamics | Turbo 4 or V6; agile and refined |
| Tech & Interior | Large digital screens, premium build | Modern iDrive 8, upscale finishes | Stylish, feature-rich cabin with strong value |
| Practicality | Usable cargo; Sportback trades some space | Strong rear seat and cargo space | Spacious seating and solid cargo room |
| Comfort & Space | Balanced ride, refined cabin | Firm in sport mode, composed otherwise | Smooth ride with luxury touches |
| Who’s It For | Buyers wanting sporty luxury daily driver | Drivers seeking the classic German benchmark | Buyers wanting fresh design and value |
| Best For | Drivers who want both speed and comfort Families who need all-weather confidence Commuters who enjoy weekend performance | Enthusiasts who prioritize handling Buyers who value proven reliability Shoppers drawn to a prestige badge | Shoppers seeking attainable luxury Drivers who want standout styling Owners who prefer long warranty coverage |
Asked & Answered
Is the SQ5 a good daily driver?
Yes, it’s easy to park, quiet on highways, and comfortable over rough patches, with power on tap when you want it.
How does it handle winter?
Quattro and proper tires make it confident in snow and slush. It’s not an off-roader, but it feels secure in bad weather.
What options are worth it?
360° cameras, upgraded audio, and adaptive cruise with lane guidance add daily-life value; wheels/optic packs are style choices.