2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback SUV

　　

2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiAssociate 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.

　　The Audi Q5 is an admirable choice among compact luxury SUVs, though it leaves some room for more performance. For drivers seeking more power and sharper handling, the 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback is a better choice. In deconstructing that name, the SQ5 is the higher-performing variant of the Q5 and Sportback refers to the sloping rear roofline that puts it in the small subset of coupe-like SUVs. This subset tends to sacrifice utility for appearance, but as you'll find out, the SQ5 Sportback makes fewer concessions than most.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $59,900 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $63,300 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $68,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Performance and practicality

With 349 horsepower and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, the SQ5 Sportback is noticeably sportier to drive than the Q5. While the Q5 is a solid luxury SUV pick, the SQ5 Sportback is tuned more for fun and feels more solidly planted to the pavement. Many coupe-like SUVs suffer with the drawbacks of reduced rear passenger headroom and cargo capacity, but the SQ5 Sportback's smart engineering minimizes sacrifices. Rear headroom and cargo capacity are only minimally reduced.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Genesis GV70 is a relative newcomer but makes a big first impression with its value. You'll save a lot compared to the Audi, and the GV70's V6 engine is also more powerful. Its roofline is also less tapered than the Audi's and it delivers more passenger and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is the most luxurious of the bunch, though it will also cost you more. If performance is your priority, we suggest the BMW X4. Compared to these rivals, the Audi SQ5 has its pluses and minuses and we call them out in our Expert Rating below.

　　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

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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below