AudiSQ5

　　

2024 Audi SQ5 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawSenior Manager, Written Content

　　Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at zzdcar and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.

　　At Audi, the letter S signifies sport, not outright performance. In keeping with that tradition, the 2024 Audi SQ5 has a hotter engine, a stiffer suspension, and more attitude than the Q5 compact crossover SUV on which the automaker bases it. The SQ5 is also the most thrilling version of the Q5 you can buy because Audi doesn't offer an RS version. Still, though the SQ5 is advancing in age, this Audi holds its own among its primary rivals, especially when the topic is value.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi SQ5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$222/mo  for SQ5 Premium

　　SQ5 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,000 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $61,000 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $66,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Audi Q5 vs. Audi SQ5

Wondering about the differences between the Q5 and SQ5? You're not alone. The primary reason to choose the SQ5 is for its powerful 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, but it also has an S-tuned adaptive suspension that adjusts the ride and handling based on the chosen driving mode. Audi also fits the SQ5 with larger wheels and performance tires for improved grip in corners and better brakes to ensure stopping capability. The exclusive S Sport option package adds an adaptive air suspension with a lower ride height and a sport differential that actively splits power between the rear wheels to enhance the car's sportiness when driving out of turns. Inside, the SQ5 has sport seats, a sport steering wheel and special trim.

　　

Competitors to consider

Among its primary rivals, the Audi SQ5 is a good value with an appealing base price and competitive if not class-leading performance. Only the Genesis GV70 3.5T is as affordable as the Audi. In addition, the SQ5 has a stealthier look than the more expensive BMW X3 M40i and redesigned Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. At the Porsche store, you'll need to upgrade to the Macan S to beat the Audi's acceleration, and that requires a significant premium. Ready to learn more? Be sure to read our Expert Rating of the Audi SQ5.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the SQ5 drive? The SQ5 balances sporty and luxury attributes. It's a touch slower than its competition — our test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds — but the SQ5 is nonetheless smooth and satisfying. Stopping power is exemplary, and the brakes are predictable and easy to control around town.

　　 

　　True to the S part of its name, the SQ5 is nimble and enjoyable, offering welcome agility and control. Its summer tires deliver more handling potential than you'd need for a public road, and its stability control is less intrusive than the Q5's. The steering wheel has comfortable grips and lots of assistance in the Comfort setting, which makes for easy quick steering inputs, such as when you're in a small parking lot.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the SQ5? The interior delivers on the comfort you'd expect from a luxury SUV. The supportive seats and quiet ride mean you can drive all day. The side bolsters help keep you in place during cornering but aren't intrusive during the commute. Despite its sporty intentions, the SQ5 doesn't sacrifice anything when it comes to ride quality.

　　 

　　In the cabin, you don't hear much in the way of wind, tire or road noise. You can adjust the loudness of the engine, which in its most dynamic setting adds a low-rpm thrum under moderate acceleration. As for the climate control system, it's easy to adjust and get the air flow you want.

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