2018 Audi SQ5 review
Audi SQ5 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Comfortable, luxurious ride quality
- Upscale and streamlined interior
- Athletic handling around curves
Cons
- Challenging smartphone integration process
- Infotainment system is unintuitive
- Voice prompt button doesn’t work with smartphones
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2018 Audi SQ5 launches brand-new generation with more torque and features
The Audi SQ5 stepped out with a full redesign in 2018 parallel with a brand-new Q5. Completely restyled inside and out, the 2018 SQ5 also received a new turbocharged V6 making 354 horsepower. Audi says maximum torque is now available lower in the rev range, which means it gets going even faster than before.
Also new for 2018 is an available adaptive air suspension, which makes the ride even smoother than the previous generation. Offered in two trims (Premium Plus and Prestige), every SQ5 comes with all-wheel drive and is stocked with a generous set of features. Standard amenities include a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, LED headlights, a power liftgate, power-adjustable leather seats, and smartphone integration, not to mention driver-assistance features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning.
Competitive with rivals from BMW and Porsche, the SQ5 holds its own with a blend of athletic performance and a spiffy interior that delivers on its promise of sophisticated luxury.
All Audi SQ5 years
What is new for the 2018 Audi SQ5?
- SQ5 trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s), Leather & Suede Seats, Head Up Display, Turbo Charged Engine, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Seat Heaters, Heated Steering Wheel, and Rear Sunshade features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Premium Plus trim now comes with Rear View Camera, Parking Sensors, and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
2018 Audi SQ5 trims
Curious how Audi SQ5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesPremium Plus:
- 354-hp, 369-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Sunroofs
- Adjustable Suspension
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- View our Audi SQ5 Premium Plus inventory
Prestige:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Plus
- Head Up Display
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Navigation System
- View our Audi SQ5 Prestige inventory
Audi SQ5 photos
What We Like
Interior: Audi is known for its high-quality interiors, and the SQ5 is no exception. Spacious and functional, the SQ5 is well suited to an individual or a family. Both front and back-seat passengers enjoy plenty of elbow room, headroom, and legroom, and outward visibility is excellent due to pillar placement and body design. The standard panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, and soft leather upholstery is plush to the touch.
Driving: The 2018 SQ5’s quick-shifting eight-speed transmission is delightful, and powerful brakes provide confidence to step out in this performance vehicle. Steering is impeccable in both the Comfort and Dynamic modes and provides the right amount of feedback. And handling is a treat in the SQ5, as you might expect from an Audi.
Comfort: A serene cabin is courtesy of an excellent fit and finish, enhanced by extra soundproofing in the top-level Prestige trim. Sculpted leather seats provide a soft surface that envelops each passenger upon entry, and the optional adaptive air suspension adds a cloud-like feeling as you glide down the road.
What Needs Improvement
Technology: While Audi equips the SQ5 with an impressive-looking infotainment system and available digital driver’s display setup, it is more form than function. Yes, smartphone integration is offered, but it’s clunky. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams are available, but they’re optional. The structure is there for a terrific technology experience, but it needs a bit of fine-tuning.
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Ratings & reliability
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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi SQ5Audi SQ5 features and specs
Curious how Audi SQ5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Premium Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- A/C Seat(s)
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- CD Audio
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
354
Torque (ft-lbs)
369
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
111.2"
Overall length
183.9"
Width
74.5"
Height
65.3"
Leg room
F 41"/R 37.8"
Head room
F 40.2"/R 37.7"
Front tires
P255/45WR20
Rear tires
P255/45WR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
440/4400 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Audi SQ5 FAQ
The 2018 Audi SQ5 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Premium Plus: 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Prestige: 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
The Audi SQ5 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the Audi SQ5 as 22 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUV
The 2018 Audi SQ5 has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Audi SQ5, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Audi SQ5 Reviews.
The 2018 Audi SQ5 has a maximum towing capacity of 4400 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Audi SQ5:
- Sunroof(s)
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Head Up Display
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Android Auto
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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