2024 Audi SQ5 Sportback SUV

　　

2024 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.

　　SUVs are great for practicality and convenience, but let's face it, they're not the most exciting cars to look at or drive. Thankfully, there's a subset of coupe-like SUVs that feature sporty tapering rear rooflines and sharper performance than their more traditional siblings. The 2024 Audi SQ5 Sportback is that version of its Q5 stablemate, offering more power and sportier cornering abilities. If you're looking for a more inspiring SUV, the SQ5 Sportback may be a great fit.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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) - $60,400 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $63,400 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $68,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: A sporty drive with few sacrifices

SUV shoppers typically don't place performance at the top of their priorities, but it is more prevalent among luxury brands. The Q5 may leave some spirited drivers feeling a bit flat with its rather low handling limits, making the SQ5 Sportback a sensible upgrade. Its potent 349-horsepower engine and sport-tuned adaptive suspension are far more inspiring. Unlike other coupe-like SUVs, the sportier roofline barely affects rear headroom and cargo capacity in the Sportback.

　　

Competitors to consider

The big news among 2024 coupe-like SUVs is the debut of a new generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. Mercedes has typically favored luxury over performance, but the new 416-hp AMG GLC 43 could be a contender. For lower budgets, the Genesis GV70 packs a lot into an affordable package, while the sleek BMW X4 remains one of the livelier choices in the class. There's not a bad choice among them, though the Audi SQ5 tends to trail the competition in some areas, as pointed out in our Expert Rating.

　　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