2022 Audi SQ5

When it comes to performance SUVs, few are quite as stylish and understated as the Audi SQ5. The performance derivative of the Q5 crossover wraps stellar dynamics and practicality in a compact SUV body shell. Don't let the subtle exterior fool you, though: it may have one engine option, but the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 provides ample motivation, courtesy of 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

This is pretty much on par with the SQ5's competition, the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 which, ultimately, provide superior driver engagement. In the US, three trim configurations are available. The price of the Audi SQ5 ranges from $55,800 to $65,200, giving buyers plenty of choices to suit their budget. Is the SQ5 worth considering in the compact performance SUV segment?

The handsome body appears to have been stretched over the wheels, giving the Audi SQ5 SUV a muscular yet restrained quality, lending enough aggression to set it apart from the standard Q5 models. Still, it's nowhere near as conspicuous as Audi's RS offerings. The performance SUV gains LED head- and taillights as standard, but the range-topping Prestige variant receives Matrix LED items and OLED taillights with model-specific animations. This trim also receives dual-pane acoustic glass for the side windows.

The mid-spec Premium Plus and Prestige ship standard with a power panoramic sunroof, which is an option on the Premium model. Despite there being a trio of trim levels, all SQ5s wear 20-inch 10-spoke star-design wheels, but larger 21-inch alloys are available as an option. The $3,300 S Sport Package enhances the sporty look, giving the crossover red-painted calipers, among other things.

Those desiring a more sinister appearance should go for the Black optic package; for $600 Audi adds black exterior trim and mirror housings and bi-color 20-inch alloy wheels. Both of these packages are only available on Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, though.

The dimensions of the SQ5 remain unchanged for the 2022 model year. The sporty SUV measures 184.3 inches from stem to stern, 65.5 inches high, and 74.5 inches in width (84.2 inches including the side mirrors). The wheelbase sits at 111 inches, shorter than the more spacious X3 and AMG GLC 43.

With a curb weight of 4,288 lbs, the SQ5 is heavier than the standard Q5 but 331 lbs lighter than the plug-in hybrid derivative. Ground clearance bests the X3's eight inches, at 8.2 inches (with the optional air suspension) - but don't expect to go off-roading because the Audi is a road-biased SUV.

Eight colors are available for 2022 and, aside from District Green metallic and Ultra Blue metallic (both are $595), Audi's options for the SQ5 are rather demure. Ibis White and Quantum Grey are the only no-cost paint choices available, with Florett Silver metallic, Glacier White metallic, Mythos Black metallic, and Daytona Gray Pearl all demanding an additional $595. For $3,900, Audi will paint the SQ5 in a unique hue from its exclusive special paint color selection. Color choices and options have been carried over from 2021.

All SQ5 derivatives for 2022 are powered by Audi's sonorous 3.0-liter V6 engine which utilizes turbocharging to produce 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. The quattro all-wheel-drive system has plenty of grip, allowing the SQ5 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This matches the 385-hp AMG GLC 43, but both are beaten by the 382-hp X3 M40i, which requires a mere 4.4 seconds to cover the same ground. As is the case with most German performance vehicles, the top speed is limited to 155 mph - opting for all-season tires reduces this to 130 mph.

Through the corners, the SQ5 struggles to keep up with competitors, lacking the crisp steering feel of rivals, with the X3 M40i having the edge in a set of bends. To liven the Audi up, an optional torque-vectoring rear differential can be fitted, giving it a more athletic feel. But this sits at odds with the comfortable demeanor the SQ5 SUV possesses and, besides, the rear-biased quattro setup (a standard 40/60 front/rear split) is entertaining enough, with its ability to send 85% of the torque to the rear wheels.

We'd advise taking a test drive to decide whether the new SQ5 SUV can satisfy your performance needs. Still, it is practical, boasting 4,400-lbs of towing capacity - better than the 3,500-lbs rating in the AMG competition and matching the X3.

The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine under the hood of the SQ5 is beautifully refined and barely audible when commuting at regular speeds. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is a masterpiece, with imperceptible shifts contributing to a relaxed driving experience. In town, it is responsive and remains so on the highway. Passing is done with ease; flex your right foot and, aside from a whisper of turbo lag, the SQ5 will jettison you past slower-moving traffic without fuss. Acceleration from a standstill is less violent than its rivals, setting off with minimal drama.

The refined "cruiser" persona can easily make way for a more spirited one by shifting the SQ5 into Dynamic mode. While still hushed, the exhaust system becomes more pronounced, allowing you to revel in the melodious song and the full effect of 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. A manual shift mode adds to the driving experience and works rather well. While both the SQ5 and X3 M40i utilize the same ZF-sourced eight-speed transmission, it feels far smoother in the BMW. Overall, the Audi's 'box is better suited to daily driving than the nine-speed gearbox from AMG.

As standard, the SQ5 receives a five-link suspension setup (front and rear) with S-specific adaptive damping. While it prefers highway cruising to switchback roads, it's still impressive when the road gets twisty. However you spec your SQ5, you'll be purchasing a sporty SUV that has impressive handling ability and plenty of grip. However, the X3 M40i and GLC 43 have the measure of the Audi, in this category at least, handling in a crisper, more neutral fashion. Still, body roll in the Audi is kept to a minimum, especially with the air suspension fitted and placed in its stiffest setting.

The standard suspension is cosseting, soaking up the bumps with ease. But for an even more sumptuous ride quality, we'd opt for the aforementioned air suspension. Whether it's traversing a rough urban road or sailing down a smooth highway, the ride comfort is superb. The optional 21-inch wheels do give a harder edge, so sticking with the standard rims may be a better choice if you value comfort.

The steering, like many Audis, feels numb, although popping the car into its Dynamic setting does give it more substance. Premium Plus and Prestige models are available with a $1,150 Dynamic steering package - Audi says it provides a more engaging feel with more feedback - but, in our experience, it's not worth the additional outlay.

As with other vehicles from the brand, the SQ5's brakes are superb. With 13.8-inch brake discs in the front and 13-inch discs at the rear, the SUV exhibits excellent stopping power. There's plenty of feel and, despite it being a large SUV, fade is virtually non-existent - unless you're really going for it. Respect the SQ5's limits, and it'll look after you just fine.

According to the EPA, the 2022 SQ5 is on par with rivals when it comes to gas mileage. Rated at 19/24/21 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles, it matches the GLC 43's 21 mpg combined rating. By comparison, the BMW X3 M40i has the best mileage, with an impressive 21/26/23 mpg. With an 18.5-gallon gas tank, the SQ5 is theoretically capable of a 388-mile range in mixed conditions. The automaker recommends premium gasoline for the turbocharged V6 mill.

If efficiency is your concern, the fully electric (and cheaper) Q4 e-tron would be a better buy. However, a middle ground can be found in the similarly priced Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. While it has zero sporting pretensions, it is more powerful than the SQ5, with 362 horsepower, and boasts superior fuel economy with the EPA rating the plug-in hybrid at 61 MPGe.

Audi does a great job with the interior of its cars. That's not to say rival products feel cheap, but rather that the four-ringed products feel a cut above. From the soft-touch materials to the damped click of the switches, everything is a joy to touch. The SQ5 is no different and while the cabin remains largely unchanged from last year, all trim levels now receive Carbon Atlas inlays as standard.

The leather/Dinamica trimmed seats are comfortable and provide heating for passengers in the front. The specification is generous with the SQ5 shipping with the updated 10.1-inch touchscreen MMI infotainment system. While passenger space is acceptable for the segment, the cabin does feel a mite smaller than the X3 and GLC, which offer roomier rear quarters. We can't fault the ergonomics, though. The SQ5's cabin is logically laid out and easy to live with.

As a compact luxury SUV, the SQ5 boasts seating for five passengers across two rows. While occupants up front won't have anything to complain about, the middle passenger in the backseat may feel cramped due to the bulky transmission tunnel.

Getting in and out of the vehicle is easy, courtesy of wide-opening doors, which also come in handy when fitting a child seat. Legroom is generous, offering 40.9 inches in the front and 38 inches in the rear - more than enough space for people around six feet tall. With the panoramic sunroof fitted, things are a little tighter, 39.6 inches available up front and 39.3 inches in the second row.

The driving position is spot-on; Audi has judged this perfectly, giving the driver a clear view of the road ahead, although the view out of the back window is obstructed somewhat. Fortunately, the on-board tech helps to mitigate that.

Premium SQ5 models have just two interior color choices; Black with Rock Gray stitching, or Rotor Gray with Anthracite stitching. Upgrading to the Premium Plus or Prestige unlocks more choice, with Black leather seating with Rock Gray stitching available for an extra $600. For $1,000, Audi will trim the seats in diamond-quilted Nappa leather, available in Black with Rock Gray stitching, Magma Red with Granite Gray stitching, or Rotor Gray with Anthracite stitching. In all instances, a black headliner and carpeting are the only choices.

As for interior trim, carbon-fiber interior inlays have been made standard across the three trim levels and work nicely with the other dynamic touches, such as the leather-wrapped three-spoke sports steering wheel.

The SQ5 has a fairly middling amount of cargo space. With 25.9 cubic feet available (25.6 when fitted with a sunroof), it's certainly not small but does trail behind rivals such as the X3 M40i, which boasts 28.7 cubic feet. Still, the Audi has ample room for a trunk full of groceries or several suitcases for an impromptu weekend away.

If that's still not good enough, the rear seats can be folded flat in a useful 40/20/40 split, creating a truly cavernous 54.1 cubic feet of space (53.5 for sunroof-equipped models). The vast tailgate opening and flat trunk floor make packing things much easier.

Personal items can be stored in any number of places throughout the cabin; the SQ5 provides a sizeable glovebox, four cupholders, storage space beneath the armrest, and door pockets that can hold a medium-sized water bottle. Small netted storage sections in the trunk also allow you to safely secure smaller items without them rolling around the cargo area.

All SQ5 models are generously equipped, with even the base Premium trim receiving cruise control, three-zone automatic climate control, a powered tailgate, power seating adjustment (with seat heating up front), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power steering column adjustment, and a backup camera. Audi hasn't skimped on safety, though.

All trim levels receive, as standard, Audi pre sense city, lane departure warning, and Audi side assist. The side assist function is rather handy; rear-facing sensors can detect a critical situation and alert the driver. Parking sensor plus makes the cut, too.

Upgrading to the mid-spec Premium Plus adds other niceties such as a panoramic sunroof, Audi Virtual Cockpit plus, a heated steering wheel, and a top-view camera system. The standard cruise control is supplanted by adaptive cruise control (with traffic jam assist and active lane assist). Lastly, the side mirrors become auto-dimming. Prestige models gain Matrix LED headlights, park assist, a head-up display, rear-seat heating, and traffic sign recognition. The mid- and top-spec trim levels also receive the brand's Virtual Cockpit Plus with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster over the base seven-inch information display.

A $1,100 Convenience Package nets the Premium model a memory function for the driver's seat, keyless entry, and push-button start, among other things. Premium Plus and Prestige SQ5s are available with the $600 Warm Weather Package, which nets buyers ventilated front seats and several other nice-to-haves.

When the SQ5 was refreshed last year, the MMI infotainment system received some welcome updates. Gone is the traditional scroller; users now navigate the system via the 10.1-inch touchscreen. It's a comprehensive package, replete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, and three 12-volt outlets.

All trim levels receive a limited-time subscription to Audi Connect CARE assistance and security services and the smartphone interface, but Premium Plus and Prestige models gain the Audi Phone Box with a signal booster and wireless charging.

Over and above that, Prestige models also receive MMI Navigation Plus (a $1,500 option on the Premium Plus) and the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound ($950 option on Premium Plus). Base models have to make do with the standard 10-speaker sound system.

The V6-powered SUV has been affected by one recall at the time of publication. The NHTSA notes a liquid spill on the rear seat or water ingress from an inadequate body seam underneath the SQ5 may allow liquid to infiltrate the gateway control module, causing it to shut down.

This has affected 2018-2022 models in the USA. It's also worth noting that there are currently four active recalls for the 2021 model, the most recent being a potential issue with the rear axle; according to the NHTSA, a misaligned rear axle can cause uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Audi offers SQ5 customers peace of mind with a limited warranty and powertrain warranty. Both cover four years/50,000 miles and should assuage any reliability concerns. No complimentary scheduled maintenance is offered.

While the NHTSA hasn't performed a full review of the Audi SQ5, the organization has awarded the performance SUV four stars in the rollover test. It has, however, tested the regular Audi Q5 SUV, with the 2022 model receiving an overall score of five stars. This gives a strong indication of how the SQ5 would perform in a collision.

The regular Q5 has also gained honors from the IIHS, receiving a 2022 Top Safety Pick + award. The organization gave the crossover the best available score of Good in all categories with only the standard headlights and front crash prevention systems failing to attain top marks.

As standard, the Audi SQ5 receives six airbags; dual front, curtain (in the front and rear), and side-impact airbags. For an additional $350, the carmaker will add two side thoracic airbags in the rear. All trims have impressive levels of safety features, receiving automated emergency braking (front and rear), high-beam assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The base model features Audi pre sense city and Audi side assist, lane departure warning, and Audi's parking system plus.

Premium Plus models gain adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane keep assist, and a top-view camera system. Additionally, the Prestige derivative also gets traffic sign recognition and a head-up display. Naturally, all models receive the mandatory reverse camera.

In a word, yes - but there's more to this answer. It's an excellent SUV, but it also competes in a segment littered with talent, which includes the likes of the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 - both of which are more engaging to drive. After the recent refresh, the SQ5 feels revitalized and is a better package overall than the aging Mercedes. But the BMW has also recently received a refresh and is a fierce rival that deserves your consideration if you're shopping in this segment.

However, with a base price of $55,800, the new Audi SQ5 is cheaper than both rivals. While some may have the performance edge, none quite match the SQ5 for comfort or value for money. What's more, the Audi is feature-rich and boasts an abundance of safety features. It may not have best-in-class cargo volume, but it's still a perfectly practical SUV. If you're looking for a razor-sharp sports SUV, the BMW will be your best bet. However, if you want a comfortable commuter with decent power and speed, the Audi may just be the one for you.

The base price of the Audi SQ5 comes in lower than rivals, with a starting MSRP of $55,800 for the entry-level Premium trim. Upgrading to Premium Plus will push the price up to $60,000 while the range-topping Prestige will set buyers back $65,200. These prices are exclusive of tax, licensing, registration, and incentives, as well as the $1,195 destination charge. A fully loaded Prestige derivative can easily hit upwards of $77k, including destination.

The SQ5 range is made up of three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. While specification and cost may vary, all models are powered by the same 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels via the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The Premium receives a plethora of standard features, including LED headlights, adaptive damping, cruise control, and lane-departure warning. 20-inch wheels are standard fitment and underline the athletic persona of the SQ5. Carbon-fiber interior trim inlays give the plush cabin a truly sporty feel but, unfortunately, just two upholstery options are available, but at least it's leather/Dinamica.

Premium Plus models receive a panoramic sunroof as standard, along with a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and active lane assist. What's more, Premium Plus offers buyers added safety with the top-view camera system and auto-dimming side mirrors. On the convenience front, keyless entry and push-button start are also standard on the mid-spec trim level, along with Audi's highly desirable Virtual Cockpit Plus.

Lastly, the Prestige gains standard satellite navigation, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and key safety features, such as park assist and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition. The top model is distinguished, visually, by the superior matrix LED headlights and OLED taillights.

The Premium model is available with a $1,100 Convenience Package, which adds a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, push-button start, and a memory setting for the driver's seat. Premium Plus and Prestige models can be fitted with Audi's $600 Warm Weather Package, which includes ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and contrast stitching on the leather seats.

Additionally, both the mid- and top-spec models are available with an S Sport package which, at $3,300, adds red-painted brake calipers, adaptive air suspension, and a sport rear differential. The Premium Plus and Prestige models can also be optioned with the Black optic package, a styling kit that adds bi-colored 20-inch five-spoke wheels, black exterior trim, and black exterior mirror caps. This is priced at $600 and is only available in conjunction with summer tires. A dynamic steering system ($1,150) can be specified on the range-topping Prestige. We'd avoid this, though, and spend the money on the more appealing options mentioned above.

At $60,000, the mid-range Premium Plus derivative is certainly worth the extra outlay needed to upgrade from the base model. Besides the fact that this nets you nice-to-haves such as adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and Audi's Virtual Cockpit, it also unlocks a few key options not available for the base model Premium. From a personalization standpoint, this allows customers to tailor the SQ5 to their specific needs. But tread lightly; frivolous spending on options and packages will increase the price of the Audi SQ5 considerably.

If we were buying, we'd opt for metallic paint ($595), Nappa leather ($1,000), the navigation package ($1,500), and the S Sport package ($3,000). This brings the price to $67,290. This is barely pricier than the $65,200 Prestige but comes with everything you need, including air suspension.

Even though BMW can offer you an X3M, the M40i is the perfect compromise between excitement and value for money, offering nine-tenths of the performance afforded by the halo model and possessing the daily usability of lesser derivatives. For 2022, the six-cylinder receives a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, but the total output is still rated at 382-horsepower. Despite the higher power and torque (369 lb-ft), the racier BMW is more economical than the Audi and has more cargo room.

These benefits justify the extra $2,000 over the Audi's base price, but the X3 doesn't ride as well as the SQ5 and, while the interior is well-crafted, is lacking the overall solidity of its rival from Ingolstadt. It's certainly the better performance SUV, though. Through corners, the BMW exhibits astounding levels of grip and steering feedback, belying its lofty ride height. The B58 inline-six also feels more urgent and has a beautiful, raspy exhaust note that reminds us of BMW's legendary power plants of years gone by.

Like the X3 M40i, the GLC 43 is a middle ground between regular GLC variants and the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG GLC 63. But don't let that fool you into thinking this is the poor man's AMG. It may not have the glorious rumble of its bigger brother, but the turbocharged V6, with its 385 hp and 384 lb-ft, is a superb performer. While it's more performance-oriented than the Audi, it's still not as dynamically gifted as the BMW.

While styling is subjective, the Benz is the looker of the group, with its tasteful AMG kit and imposing presence. Then again, this may not be to everyone's taste and the conservative Audi may appeal. The GLC 43 is also pricier ($59,900), meaning you could get a reasonably well-equipped SQ5 for the same price as a base model AMG. By no means a bad car, it offers a fine balance between the comfort afforded by the Audi and the dynamism of the BMW. But in both categories, it's outclassed by its respective rivals.