Revised exterior styling.Larger touchscreen with a new infotainment system.More powerful four-cylinder engine.
PROS Quiet, comfortable cabin features top-notch interior craftsmanship Standard all-wheel drive Wide array of technology options
CONS Limited space for luggage behind rear seats
The 2021 Audi Q5 crossover puts a new face on a best-selling formula that doesn’t show signs of getting old.
PROS Chiseled looks Great base engine… …compelling performance engine too Good standard safety features Good touchscreen
CONS Interior is a little bland Plug-in hybrid fizzled for us Not exactly revolutionary Gets expensive in a hurry
Pros Feels very well-built Lots of space for four Comfortable and quiet
Cons Not exciting to drive Costly optional packs Rear middle seat uncomfortable
As you might expect from looking at them side by side in a parking lot, the Audi Q5 and the Audi SQ5 are two versions of the same small luxury crossover SUV. The SQ5 offers more power and some extra performance along with a few added luxury touches to help it feel a bit more premium.
Pros Impressively comfortable ride for a sport-tuned SUV Generous space for passengers Luxurious but restrained interior design Nimble handling
Cons Lack of touchscreen functionality limits smartphone integration usefulness
Thankfully, the Audi SQ5 is a lot more comfortable than most of them. Its standard adaptive suspension will let you choose between sporty or more comfortable settings, but the optional adaptive air suspension irons out bumps better than any other sporty SUV. It’ll also lower the car’s ride height at speed to make it more stable and you can raise it by 45mm if you fancy a spot of light off-roading.
Pros Very fast Great build quality Spacious interior
Cons Expensive options Diesel engine only Pricey compared to alternatives
The SQ5 displays great balance between driving dynamics and comfort, proving its worth in a competitive class.
Pros Numerous standard interior features, well-balanced ride, surprisingly fuel efficient.
Cons Passenger volume and cargo space is lacking, bland exterior design, falls short to its rivals in terms of performance.
