The SQ5 Sportback is the performance version of the regular Q5 Sportback.
Both sport a sleeker look than their non-Sportback counterparts because of their sloping roofline.
Unlike many primary rivals, the Q5 lineup has not been redesigned in several years and is starting to show its age.
However, that is about to change with a redesigned model that will be released later in the calendar year.
Until then, the current SQ5 Sportback, which only received minor equipment updates for 2025, will remain on sale.
Performance
The SQ5 Sportback offers respectable performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in five 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
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 is 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 towards the firm side for a small luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), but it’s not uncomfortable or harsh. Switch the drive mode to comfort and it softens up a bit.
Interior
This is where the Sportback’s sleek roofline becomes an issue compared to more traditional SUVs. Getting in and out can be relatively easy for average-size people, but taller passengers will have to duck a bit.
That said, the cabin is spacious whether you are sitting in the front or the back seat. It has better outward visibility than other SUV coupes, but it’s still not as good as other SUVs.
The controls are all clearly marked, and it only takes a quick glance to acclimate yourself to where things are. The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen has crisp graphics, even though the screen itself looks like a tablet tacked onto the dash.
Our editors have mixed opinions on the ease of operating the infotainment system. Some think the touchscreen is simple to use, while others find it more distracting to poke and swipe on the screen than use a touchpad or controller dial, like Audi had for its prior generations.
Otherwise, everything is easy to see and reach thanks to an excellent driving position.
Technology
Technology is a strong area for the Q5. The central touchscreen has a high-resolution display and feels responsive, though, as noted, you might not love the reach required to get to the screen.
The digital instrument panel is similarly crisp and responsive — a seamless pairing with the central screen. The advanced driver aids also performed well.
Adaptive cruise control is well-calibrated on the highway, and you can’t possibly miss the flashing blind-spot warning lights.
Though Apple CarPlay smartphone integration with wireless connectivity comes standard, editors found the wired USB connection to be more consistent.
Bluetooth compatibility is good, and the test drivers’ vehicle included a wireless charging station. Don’t expect much from the voice activation system, though, since it requires you to adhere to strict prompts.
Storage
At 24.7 cubic feet, the SQ5 Sportback’s cargo area is average for the class and only slightly smaller than the standard Q5’s.
Stack items higher and you will notice a bigger difference that roofline makes. Folding the rear seats flat gives you 51.9 cubic feet.
There are a few tie-down points inside but no underfloor storage. Small-item storage inside the cabin is merely average with a shallow center console and two small trays that could hold an ID badge or transponder, along with a couple of cubbies.
When equipped with the optional trailer hitch, the SQ5 Sportback boasts a maximum towing capacity up to 4,400 pounds, which is strong for the class. Only a few competitors can match it.
For parents, the easily accessible car seat attachment points and roomy back seat should make it easy to install even the bulkiest of rear-facing infant seats.
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates the SQ5 Sportback gets 21 mpg combined, which is average among sport-oriented small SUVs. Like many SUVs in this class, the SQ5 requires premium fuel.
Drivers averaged 22.1 mpg on evaluation route with a mix of highway and city driving.
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