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Audi SQ5 Premium Plus 3.0 TFSI front grill

Audi SQ5

Jeff Zurschmeide, Edmunds Contributor
Jeff Zurschmeide | Edmunds Contributor
July 16, 2026

The Audi SQ5 is a compact crossover SUV designed for luxury, but with more performance than the standard Q5. The SQ5 will seat five passengers in two rows, with a healthy cargo area for a compact SUV, while offering a luxury driving experience. The SQ5 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 362 horsepower, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's signature Quattro® all-wheel-drive system. On the dash, you'll find a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well as a full digital dashboard.

Explore the evolution of the Audi SQ5

Get our expert take on used Audi SQ5 models, or view year-by-year changes.

Third generation
2026 - present
No image available
N/A
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Second generation
2018 - 2025
2023 audi sq5 angled front
$26,998 - $51,998
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First generation
2014 - 2017
2017 audi sq5 angled front
$26,998
More Info

2026 - present

No image available

Third generation Audi SQ5

The third-generation SQ5 was released midway through 2025. The updated SUV gains bold new body styling, a performance increase from the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and updated technology throughout the vehicle. 

The powertrain mostly stays the same as the last generation but gets a boost to 362 horsepower, delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro® all-wheel-drive system. The updated SQ5 also gets a newly retuned sport suspension for spirited driving. There are drive modes that adjust the SQ5's personality, and you will be quite comfortable until you select the Dynamic driving mode, which stiffens up the suspension for serious cornering. 

The new generation also includes wireless Apple CarPlay®, which gets full-screen access to the 14.5-inch touchscreen. That makes navigation maps and any other displays large enough to be easy to use. There's also an available passenger-side display for video streaming and gaming.

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Model highlights

  • Five-seat compact SUV

  • Turbocharged V6 engine

  • Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with all-wheel drive

  • Adjustable driving modes

  • Large 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment

View year by year changes

2018 - 2025

2023 audi sq5 angled front

Second generation Audi SQ5

For the second generation of the Audi SQ5, the original supercharged V6 engine was replaced by a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Audi's Quattro® all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. The SQ5 also comes with a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes compared to the standard Q5. 

Inside, the second-generation SQ5 continued Audi's sport-luxury tradition with its S models. The seats are comfortable but well bolstered to hold the driver and front passenger in place during cornering. Even a little light off-roading is possible, given that the SQ5 drive modes include both off-road and Allroad settings. One feature to note is the available air-ride suspension, which allows the driver to select a firm or comfortable suspension response.

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$26,998 - $51,998

Model highlights

  • Two-row compact SUV

  • Turbocharged V6 engine

  • Automatic transmission with all-wheel drive

  • Available air-ride suspension

  • Off-road driving modes

View year by year changes

2014 - 2017

2017 audi sq5 angled front

First generation Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 debuted in 2014 to rave reviews for its performance. The SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine offering 354 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro® all-wheel-drive system. The SQ5 also benefits from a performance-tuned suspension and improved brakes compared to the standard Q5. 

Inside, there's seating for five passengers in two rows. Audi is known for its sport-luxury interiors, and the SQ5 offers comfort and luxury as well as sporty touches and good bolstering in the front seats. You also get a flat-bottom steering wheel, synthetic suede trim, and various aluminum trim pieces around the cabin.

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$26,998

Model highlights

  • Compact two-row SUV

  • Supercharged V6 engine

  • Automatic transmission with all-wheel drive

  • Sport-tuned suspension

  • Seating for five passengers

View year by year changes

Changes by year

Latest generation from 2026 - present

2026 Audi SQ5

Highlights

  • First full year for third-generation SQ5

  • Revised infotainment interface

  • Scroll controls on steering wheel

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Previous generation from 2018 - 2025

2025 Audi SQ5

Highlights

  • Final year for the second-generation SQ5

  • No significant changes

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2024 Audi SQ5

Highlights

  • No significant changes

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2023 Audi SQ5

2023 audi sq5 angled front

Highlights

  • Adaptive cruise control became standard

  • Premium Plus trim got a Bang & Olufsen® audio system

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2022 Audi SQ5

2022 audi sq5 angled front

Highlights

  • Carbon-fiber interior trim became standard

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2021 Audi SQ5

2021 audi sq5 angled front

Highlights

  • Midcycle refresh updated the exterior styling

  • Updated infotainment system

  • Wireless smartphone integration and automated toll payment added

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2020 Audi SQ5

2020 audi sq5 angled front

Highlights

  • No significant changes

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2019 Audi SQ5

2019 audi sq5 angled front

Highlights

  • New entry-level Premium trim added

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2018 Audi SQ5

2018 audi sq5 angled front

Highlights

  • First year for the second-generation SQ5

  • New turbocharged V6 engine

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Previous generation from 2014 - 2017

2017 Audi SQ5

2017 audi sq5 angled front

Highlights

  • Final year for the first-generation SQ5

  • Prestige trim gained adaptive cruise control and enhanced steering

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2016 Audi SQ5

Highlights

  • No significant changes

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2015 Audi SQ5

Highlights

  • No significant changes

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Looking for 2013 models or older?

CarMax only sells 2014 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.

Reliability

3
Average

RepairPal gave the Audi SQ5 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Audi SQ5 23rd out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Audi SQ5 is $949, compared to an average of $642 for Luxury Midsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Audi SQ5 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.1 times per year, compared to an average of 1.4 times for Luxury Midsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 21% for the Audi SQ5, compared to an average of 13% for Luxury Midsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Jeff Zurschmeide, Edmunds Contributor
Jeff Zurschmeide | Edmunds Contributor

Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.



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