2024 Audi SQ5 review

What We Like 

• Handling: Earning the S part of its name, the SQ5 is nimble and enjoyable to drive. It offers superb agility and control. Its summer tires deliver more than enough handling for a public road, and its stability control gives the driver more freedom than the standard Q5. These attributes also pay dividends in making evasive maneuvers easier to perform. 

• Ride comfort: Despite its sporty intentions and large 21-inch wheels, the SQ5 doesn't compromise ride quality for its added performance. This is especially true with the available adaptive air suspension. It provides an excellent balance between firm and tight in the Dynamic setting but is soft and compliant during typical driving. The side cushions on the sport seats are supportive and keep you in place during cornering, but aren't intrusive during the daily commute. 

• Technology: The central touchscreen and digital instrument panel both feature high-resolution displays and are responsive to commands. Audi's driver-assistance tech performed well, with the well-calibrated adaptive cruise control being the standout feature. It takes the frustration out of stop-and-go highway traffic, and you can configure how aggressively it slows the vehicle down. The available top-view camera system makes parking a breeze, and the blind-spot monitoring system is effective. 

What Needs Improvement 

• Voice controls: Audi's voice recognition is competent, but it will only follow specific prompts, so you'll need to learn those. The system won't reply to a request for a SiriusXM channel, for example, but it will find station names. Other vehicle entertainment systems handle this better. The alternative would be to use either Android Auto^™ or Apple CarPlay^®, both of which are supported.