2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback

　　

2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　If ordinary luxury crossovers are too practical for you, consider the Audi SQ5 Sportback, which does away with the standard model's pesky cargo space and trades it for a sloping roofline. Though that aesthetic choice might not be so good for hauling luggage, it does lend it a sleek, sporty look. And because this is the S model of the family, that look is backed up by a burly 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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

　　$222/mo  for SQ5 Sportback Premium

　　SQ5 Sportback Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $59,200 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $62,400 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $67,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Audi introduced the fastback variant of the Q5 and SQ5 in 2021, so the 2022 SQ5 is mostly a carryover model. The one notable difference this year is now every model gets carbon-fiber interior trim as standard. The SQ5 Sportback offers a wide assortment of standard features, including active driver assist systems like lane departure warning and blind-spot warning. Others like adaptive cruise control are available, but you'll need to upgrade to a higher trim.

　　The Audi SQ5 isn't the first small luxury SUV to offer a raked-roof version. The model joins the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Infiniti QX55. There's also the Porsche Macan, which isn't quite as streamlined in the back but is one of the sportiest SUVs in the class. If luxury, performance and eye-catching design are top priorities for you in an SUV, the Audi SQ5 should be on your list. But if utility is also a priority, you may want to look elsewhere.

　　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 toward 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.

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