2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback Review

　　

2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　There are plenty of luxury crossover SUVs you can choose from these days. But there are fewer performance-oriented luxury crossovers with a coupe-like sloping roofline. That's exactly what you get with the new 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback. Start with a standard Q5 then add more distinctive styling (the Sportback part) and additional performance (the S part) and you've got a much more interesting SUV than you had when you started. And it has a couple of interesting wrinkles on top of that.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback 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

　　$228/mo  for SQ5 Sportback Premium

　　SQ5 Sportback Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $56,100 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $59,500 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $64,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The SQ5 Sportback is for those who like the style of the Q5 Sportback but want more panache. That comes in the form of a turbocharged V6 engine with nearly 100 additional horsepower over the Q5 Sportback. You'll also get unique SQ5 Sportback exterior badging, a standard adaptive suspension that adjusts to road conditions on the fly, and the ability to add a few optional features that aren't possible with the Q5 Sportback, such as an air suspension system that can adjust the vehicle's ride height.

　　A few other automakers have similar models. The Infiniti QX55 doesn't quite have the muscle, but its style bears similarities to the SQ5 Sportback. Then there's the BMW X4 M40i, which has additional power, and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe with a first-rate interior. If you want even more athleticism, the Porsche Macan S is one of the sharpest SUVs you can buy. Among this group, the new SQ5 Sportback is easily worth a look.

　　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

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the SQ5 Sportback drive? The SQ5 Sportback offers respectable performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat. However, the SQ5 sometimes hesitates from a dead stop. The brake pedal is easy to control and feels good in day-to-day use, but the SQ5 is merely average in stopping from 60 mph, at 119 feet.

　　The SQ5 feels composed and balanced on winding roads, but the Audi's relatively numb steering saps some joy out of the driving experience. That said, it's effortless to drive on a daily basis. It's easy to park, and the engine and transmission are smooth around town. While it has an Off-Road mode, it's best only used to go on small trails that lead to campgrounds.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the SQ5 Sportback? The SQ5 offers comfortable and supportive seats in both rows. All SQ5s come standard with heated front sport seats, and ventilated seats are available. The tri-zone climate control works equally well, and rear passengers have the ability to control their temperature and fan speed independently. The system is quick to chill the car and runs on the cool side, though that's preferable to running warm. Add all this to the hushed cabin and the SQ5 gives off a decidedly premium feel.

　　The ride in the SQ5 skews towards the firm side for a small luxury SUV, but it's not uncomfortable or harsh. Switch the drive mode to Comfort and it softens up a bit.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? This is where the Sportback's sleek roofline becomes an issue compared to more traditional SUVs. Getting in and out can be relatively easy for average-size people, but taller passengers will have to duck a bit. That said, the cabin is spacious whether you're sitting in the front or the back seat. It has better outward visibility than other SUV coupes, but it's still not as good as other SUVs.

　　The controls are all clearly marked, and it only takes a quick glance to acclimate yourself to where things are. The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen has crisp graphics, even though the screen itself looks like a tablet tacked onto the dash. Our editors have mixed opinions on the ease of operating the infotainment system. Some think the touchscreen is simple to use, while others find it more distracting to poke and swipe on the screen than use a touchpad or controller dial, like Audi had for its prior generations. Otherwise, everything is easy to see and reach thanks to an excellent driving position.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Audi has been updating its in-car tech over the past few years. It's mostly solid, but there were a few hiccups. Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration comes standard, but connection issues forced us to use a USB connection. Don't expect much from the voice activation system either, which requires you to adhere to strict prompts. Our SQ5 was equipped with the optional Bang & Olufsen stereo system. It's crisp and clear and doesn't get muddy at higher volumes. Our test vehicle also included a wireless charging pad.

　　The advanced driver aids performed well — most notably the adaptive cruise, which provided a good following distance. We must warn you of the lane keeping assist that seemed to interject every couple of minutes.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? At 24.7 cubic feet, the SQ5 Sportback's cargo area is average for the class and only slightly smaller than the standard Q5's. Stack items higher and you'll notice a bigger difference that roofline makes. Folding the rear seats flat gives you 51.9 cubic feet. There are a few tie-down points inside but no underfloor storage. Small-item storage inside the cabin is merely average with a shallow center console and two small trays that could hold an ID badge or transponder, along with a couple of cubbies.

　　When equipped with the optional trailer hitch, the SQ5 boasts a maximum towing capacity up to 4,400 pounds, which is strong for the class. Only a few competitors can match it. For parents, the easily accessible car seat attachment points and roomy back seat should make it easy to install even the bulkiest of rear-facing infant seats.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the SQ5 Sportback gets 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway), which is average among sport-oriented small SUVs. Like many SUVs in this class, the SQ5 requires premium fuel. We averaged 22.1 mpg on zzdcar' 115-mile test loop with a mix of highway and city driving.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the SQ5 Sportback a good value? Audi's reputation for excellent build quality shines through in the SQ5 Sportback. The interior and exterior gaps and panels have a tight fit and are outfitted with excellent materials. It's priced well too. While it's not quite as quick or as powerful as rivals from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the Audi undercuts the competition with a base price of $57,300.

　　The standard four years/50,000 miles of basic and powertrain coverage is typical of luxury SUVs. Audi also includes 12 years/unlimited miles of rust coverage and four years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　Aside from wheels and badging, nothing visually separates the SQ5 from the standard Q5 Sportback. That's disappointing given the price jump between the two. Still, it strikes a good balance between classy and sporty, looking less awkward than other coupe-like SUVs.

　　The SQ5 Sportback isn't as raucous or batty as some other performance SUVs, but it won't leave you bored. We like its comfortable freeway manners, nimble handling and punchy engine. This turbocharged V6 sounds good too. Some details, though — such as its fake exhausts — disappoint. And the disconnected steering feel and low limits for the tires hold it back from being a real joy.

　　

Which SQ5 Sportback does zzdcar recommend?

The midlevel Premium Plus is our pick for its elevated interior and swath of safety technologies you can't get in the base version. It comes standard with the Convenience package, which includes a heated steering wheel and other helpful features, plus softer surfaces throughout the cabin.

　　

2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback models

The Audi SQ5 Sportback small luxury SUV comes in one of three styles: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard on all versions. Feature highlights include:

　　Premium

　　This base trim comes pretty well equipped with:

　　LED headlights 20-inch wheels Adaptive suspension system (can enhance ride comfort and performance) 10.1-inch center touchscreen Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration Three-zone automatic climate control Leather seating Power-adjustable, heated front seats Panoramic sunroof Power liftgateStandard safety equipment on every SQ5 Sportback includes:

　　Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (notifies the driver if a vehicle is lurking in a blind spot or if rear cross-traffic is approaching when in reverse) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front or behind the vehicle when parking)Optional for the Premium is the Convenience package that includes:

　　Heated steering wheel Keyless proximity entry Driver's seat memory settingsPremium Plus

　　This trim elevates the SQ5 Sportback with the features of the Convenience package plus:

　　Faux leather center console and armrests Configurable digital instrument panel Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the SQ5 Sportback and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the vehicle and the car in front)Prestige

　　The top-line SQ5 Sportback includes even more features such as:

　　OLED (organic LED) taillights Dual-pane acoustic front side windows Head-up display Navigation system Heated second-row seats Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system Traffic sign recognitionOther notable optional features include:

　　Black Optic package Black exterior trim Different wheels with summer tires Warm Weather package Ventilated front seats Manual rear window sunshades S Sport package Adaptive air suspension system (can adjust the vehicle's ride height) Sport rear differential (can enhance the SQ5 Sportback's handling agility) Premium Bang & Olufsen sound system Upgraded leather upholstery

　　

2021 SQ5 Sportback Highlights

Trim: PremiumPremium PlusPrestigePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$56,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$228/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles