2023 Audi SQ5 SUV

　　

2023 Audi SQ5 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).

　　, rating written byCameron RogersSenior 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.

　　The 2023 Audi SQ5 is the sport-oriented version of the automaker's Q5 compact crossover SUV. It could hold appeal if you want the convenience of a small SUV but with a little spice added in. Audi pairs a turbocharged V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, adding 88 horsepower to the Q5 for a total of 349 hp. That's a little short of the 382 hp delivered by the BMW X3 M40i or the 434 hp unleashed by the Porsche Macan GTS, but it's still plenty quick. The SQ5 also receives stickier tires, larger wheels and a stiffer suspension to set itself apart from the Q5 in addition to the beefier engine.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $56,500 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $60,900 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $66,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The refresh the SQ5 received in 2021 to its infotainment complements a refined interior, and the addition of standard adaptive cruise control for 2023 is welcome. Also in store for 2023, the Premium Plus trim level gains the Bang & Olufsen sound system that was previously only equipped to the top-level Prestige trim. Overall, we think the SQ5 is a solid pick. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full evaluation.

　　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

　　7.7

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below