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2018 Audi SQ5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

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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Price
Year
Mileage

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 similarities

Premium Plus:

Prestige:

Audi SQ5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Audi SQ5

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

Customer ratings

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.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi SQ5

Audi SQ5 features and specs

Premium Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • 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

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