2019 Audi SQ5 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

New entry-level Premium trim level addedLast year's Driver Assistance package now standard on PrestigeMakes slightly less power than last year's modelPart of the second Q5 generation introduced for 2018

　　If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, he'd probably declare that only three things are certain: death, taxes and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines in small luxury SUVs. Thankfully, most manufacturers offer upgraded engines for buyers who want stronger performance. The 2019 Audi SQ5 is a great example. This high-octane version of the Q5 comes complete with a powerful turbocharged V6, a sport-tuned suspension and more powerful brakes.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 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 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　SQ5 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,400 MSRP3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $58,200 MSRP3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $62,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　That V6 cranks out 349 horsepower, which is a substantial upgrade over the regular Q5's 248 hp. Acceleration is effortless and quick thanks to the SQ5's standard all-wheel drive and quick-shifting automatic transmission. Pleasingly, the SQ5 is still comfortable to drive, boasting a smooth ride quality, a roomy cabin and excellent materials.

　　However, the SQ5 shares the Q5's drawbacks: namely, the somewhat unintuitive user interface and, curiously, performance that is slightly below class-average. Even though the SQ5 is much more powerful than the Q5, it's not quite as quick as the Porsche Macan or the AMG-powered Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class models. Overall though, the Audi SQ5 is a worthy upgrade if you already have your eye on the Q5 but need a little more sauce.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.7 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Audi SQ5 Premium Plus (turbo 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　Since this test was conducted in 2018, the current SQ5 has received some revisions, including a very slight power decrease for 2019, which we don't believe will meaningfully change its 0-60 mph time. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's SQ5.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.7 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　The turbo V6 is a touch slower than its competition, but it and the eight-speed automatic are so smooth and satisfying that you probably won't care. Stopping power is exemplary, and the braking system feels confident in emergencies. This is a capable and enjoyable machine.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The SQ5's turbocharged V6 generates gratifying acceleration, including 0-60 mph performance of 5.3 seconds. That test result is quick but slightly slower than more powerful competitors. You'd only notice that difference on a test track, not in the real world.

　　

Braking

7.5

　　Powerful brakes and summer tires make for confident behavior during simulated emergency stops. The anti-lock braking system emits a fair amount of noise that might make an actual emergency more stressful for a novice driver, but the stopping power is there. Around town, the brakes are predictable and easy to modulate.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　The flat-bottom wheel has comfortable grips and lots of assistance in the Comfort setting, which makes for easy quick steering inputs when, say, you're in a small parking lot. We prefer the feel and precision that comes from the reduced assistance in the Dynamic mode. So both modes have merit.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　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. These attributes make evasive maneuvers easier, too.

　　

Drivability

7.5

　　The SQ5 does an admirable job balancing sporty and luxury attributes. Its largely lag-free power delivery and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic make for effortless cruising or passing, if needed. The engine stop-start system adds a slight hesitation off the line, but it can be disabled.

　　

Off-road

7.0

　　You'll find off-road and Allroad drive settings (one for speeds below 20 mph, the other above), hill descent control, and the ability to increase ride height if you've chosen the optional air suspension. The SQ5 is intended mostly for the occasional unpaved road and nothing more challenging.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　The interior delivers on the comfort you'd expect not just from a luxury SUV, but from an Audi. The supportive seats and quiet ride mean you can drive all day, and the optional adaptive air suspension delivers impressive ride control in spite of the available large-diameter wheels.

　　

Seat comfort

8.5

　　The seats are as supportive as they are attractive, providing welcome comfort for all-day driving. The side bolsters help keep you in place during cornering but aren't intrusive during the commute. Plenty of adjustments, including four-way lumbar, ensure all occupants can find their ideal position.

　　

Ride comfort

9.0

　　Despite the sporty intentions and massive 21-inch wheels, the SQ5 makes no sacrifices when it comes to ride quality. The optional adaptive air suspension takes the credit. It's firm and taut when you're in the Dynamic setting, but it's soft and compliant for typical driving. An excellent balance.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.5

　　The SQ5 does an admirable job of only letting in the important sounds. 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 and the occasional pop from the exhaust.

　　

Climate control

8.5

　　The system is quiet yet powerful, and you don't need to make adjustments as you drive along. The vents are easy to adjust and provide good coverage. Unfortunately heated and ventilated seats are separate options. Welcome features such as a heated steering wheel and rear window shades are included.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　The SQ5 earns high marks for interior functionality, making it a solid workhorse for a family — and a sharp-dressed one at that. The minimalist design is easy to understand, the space is plentiful and easy to access for front and rear passengers, and the outward visibility is excellent.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　The cabin layout and primary physical controls make sense. You don't have to hunt around to accomplish basic tasks. One potential annoyance is how the shifter requires you to press a button to enter Park and not push forward like most transmissions. It's something you learn after a few drives.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　The tall door openings make for good head clearance, while their short length means they don't need to swing out wide in parking lots. Opting for the adaptive air suspension lowers the ride even farther (by 1.2 inches), reducing the step that occupants need to make to access the interior.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　The wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments makes it easy for drivers of most widths and heights to find their ideal setting. The steering wheel doesn't obstruct the gauge cluster, and though the pedals are not adjustable, most drivers won't need to compromise their arm and leg positions.

　　

Roominess

8.5

　　The interior sports generous interior measurements that make this SUV seem roomier than its compact designation. Front passengers have plenty of space, and the rear seats offer generous legroom. The back seat will accommodate three larger adults, but they might complain.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　The large windows and narrow roof pillars make for excellent outward visibility. The big sideview mirrors and a standard rearview camera with a proximity system take the guesswork out of parking. The optional and configurable full-color head-up display only shows what you want.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　A consistent Audi strength. With rare exception, every component of the interior relays a sense of high quality. Optional upgraded leather and stitching make this luxury vehicle feel as if it's in another class entirely. The switches and interior controls have a satisfying click and heft.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　A family will find plenty of interior storage solutions, with cargo volume that's expected for the class. We like the adjustable load height that comes with the optional air suspension, and the 4,400-pound tow rating should satisfy the needs of most owners.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　The decently sized door pockets and center console should accommodate most items. We like how the tray under the armrest slides back and forth; it holds a phone or two. The cupholders sit just behind the entertainment controls, so they may be more difficult to use if you have a tall drink.

　　

Cargo space

7.0

　　The SQ5 offers 26.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row and 60.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is typical for this kind of vehicle. When equipped with the air suspension, you can raise or lower the rear of the vehicle with a button located in the cargo area to make loading easier.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　The outboard rear seats have easy-to-find LATCH and tether anchors, while the middle seat has a single tether anchor. The location and layout of these seats earned the Q5, which is fundamentally the same as the SQ5 in this regard, a Good rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

　　

Towing

8.5

　　With a 4,400-pound maximum tow rating, the SQ5's capability ranks among the best of the segment. Models equipped with an air suspension have a trailer tow setting that activates automatically with the factory-installed hitch. Owners with aftermarket hitches must select this mode manually.

　　

Technology

7.0

　　When outfitted with all the options, the clear and vibrant displays look wonderful. Alas, they prioritize aesthetic appeal over functionality, so it can take a bit longer to learn the system's logic. The absence of some phone integration features is surprising.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.5

　　The optional navigation system and digital gauge cluster look fantastic, but after interacting with them you realize that they rely more on fancy graphics than user intuitiveness. Switching through menus is quick, but it takes some time to learn the system's logic.

　　

Smartphone integration

6.5

　　We appreciate standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, but the lack of a touchscreen makes operation clumsier than competitors' systems. The integration isn't as deep either. Navigation prompts don't appear on the head-up display or gauge cluster as they do in other vehicles.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　The available adaptive cruise control system takes all the frustration out of stop-and-go highway traffic, and we like that you can configure how aggressively it slows the vehicle down. The available top-view camera system makes parking easier, and the blind-spot monitoring system is effective.

　　

Voice control

6.5

　　Audi's voice recognition does fine, but you'll likely want to use your smartphone's system. Unfortunately, the voice prompt button on the steering wheel doesn't work with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, so you have to use a workaround. Other vehicle entertainment systems do this better.

　　

Which SQ5 does zzdcar recommend?

　　There are a ton of high-tech features available on the Premium Plus and Prestige models, but most aren't must-haves. Our money is on the new base Premium model, which includes a ton of creature comforts and tech items for a reasonable price. We think the Convenience package is worth the negligible cost for the blind-spot monitor and other upgrades.

　　

2019 Audi SQ5 models

　　The 2019 Audi SQ5 is a high-performance compact SUV that comes in three trims. The Premium model is very well-equipped for a base model, with tons of luxury and convenience features in addition to a handful of safety systems. The midtier Premium Plus model adds a few tech upgrades, while the top-trim Prestige doubles down on creature comforts. Every model is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (349 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque) driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Standard equipment highlights on the base Premium model include 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires, adaptive dampers, LED headlights and taillights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, roof rails, push-button ignition, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, selectable driving modes, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats (including four-way power lumbar adjustment), 40/20/40-split rear seats, leather upholstery with simulated suede inserts, ambient lighting, Bluetooth, Audi's Connect Care remote services, a 7-inch central display with Audi's MMI infotainment system, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, two USB ports, HD radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Also included are forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera and hill descent control.

　　The Premium's available Convenience package further adds a blind-spot monitor, keyless entry, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, driver-seat memory settings and satellite radio. It also includes sensors that can detect an impending rear collision and take action to reduce injury to passengers. 

　　The Premium Plus model includes the contents of the Convenience package, plus a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, simulated leather-covered armrests, Audi's Connect Prime and Plus services (with a Wi-Fi hotspot), a navigation system, an 8.3-inch central display screen, Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel, a touchpad controller with handwriting recognition, a wireless charging pad and rear USB charge ports.

　　At the top of the lineup is the Prestige model. It pulls out all the stops with automatic high-beam control, extra soundproofing, a color head-up display, additional ambient lighting elements with color selection, adaptive cruise control, a premium 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, lane departure warning and mitigation, a 360-degree parking camera, and an automated parallel and perpendicular parking system.

　　A number of packages are available for the Premium Plus and Prestige models. The Cold Weather package adds all-weather floor mats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. In contrast, the Warm Weather package adds ventilated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery and rear window shades. The Black Optic package swaps out some of the SQ5's silver-colored exterior elements with black trim and adds black wheels. Finally, the S Sport package adds a sport-tuned rear differential, red-painted brake calipers, and an air suspension system with adaptive ride-height and driving modes.

　　All-season tires are a no-cost option throughout the model range. Other options include 21-inch wheels with summer tires, rear side airbags, diamond-stitched leather upholstery and variable-ratio steering.

　　

2019 SQ5 Highlights

Trim: 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　

Base MSRP	$52,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$222/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles