If you want a luxury SUV that doesn’t sit there politely — one that growls, grips, and pounces when you tell it to — the 2025/26 Audi SQ5 might be your kind of machine. It blends everyday usability, premium touches, and real performance. For buyers who want performance SUV thrill without stepping up to a full-blown sport-SUV like an SQ8 or a Macan, the SQ5 walks that line nicely: manageable size, everyday comfort, and enough grunt to make freeway merges fun.
On the outside, the SQ5 looks sharp without shouting. It carries the signature lines of the Q5 but with subtler aggression: slightly wider stance, sporty wheels, red brake calipers, and the sculpted hood that hints at the V6 under the skin. The optional Sportback body adds a sloped roofline for a slightly more dynamic silhouette — a look that turns heads without sacrificing too much practicality. It feels like a mid-size SUV built for someone who appreciates style and intent, not bland conformity.
Inside, expect typical Audi calm: premium materials up front, comfortable seating, and a driver-focused cockpit. Passenger space is solid for five occupants, and cargo — while not cavernous — remains practical for daily needs or weekend bags. The cabin wraps you in a quiet, refined cocoon, yet the SQ5’s personality lurks just beneath: the drive settings, wheel feel, and paddle shifters remind you this isn’t a gentle cruiser.
The heart of the SQ5 is its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. For 2025/26, that engine now makes 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque — more than enough to hustle the SUV with confidence. AWD is standard (Quattro, naturally), and the dual-clutch or automatic gearbox — depending on body style — shuttles power with crisp transitions. That translates to real-world performance: merges that surprise, passes that feel planted, and a sense of reserve you don’t get in a vanilla SUV. The SQ5 doesn’t just move — it asserts.
On the road, the SQ5 rides tighter than a standard Q5 but still avoids harshness. Suspension remains compliant enough for daily driving, yet responds sharply when you push. The steering offers good feedback, and body motions stay controlled even when the road begins to twist. For those who want a SUV that behaves a little more like a sporty wagon — the SQ5 delivers. Fuel economy is in line with performance expectations: expect about 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway, so it’s not an eco-choice and backward-planning at the pump is part of the deal.
Tech and usability have gotten upgrades for 2026. Inside you now get a modern dual-screen setup: an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and a large 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The layout feels clean and modern; menus are responsive but intuitive — no deep menu dives to find basic functions. Higher trims add comfort touches: premium upholstery, advanced driver assists, and desirable convenience options that elevate the experience without turning it into a tech circus.
Value-wise, the SQ5 walks a balanced line. The baseline starts higher than a standard Q5, but when you consider the engine bump, standard AWD, performance suspension, and premium features — it offers a package rare at this price point. Compared to sport-SUV competitors, the SQ5 often undercuts on monthly payments but doesn’t skimp on identity or capability. For drivers who want performance SUV DNA without going to a Macan or GLC 43 price bracket, this feels like a smart compromise.
But the SQ5 isn’t perfect. The back seats and cargo space — while adequate — don’t impress when you compare to boxier SUVs. That Sportback roofline, while sleek, slightly trims rear headroom. And the fuel cost and insurance for a performance-tuned SUV are real considerations. If you mostly cruise city streets or long-haul highway miles, you’ll feel those trade-offs. Also, while the cabin is well-built, there are places (like lower trim finishes or rear plastics) where you notice this isn’t a $100K-plus SUV.
Who should buy the 2025/26 Audi SQ5? If you want a premium SUV that doesn’t just shuttle people — one that launches you forward with confidence, carries gear, and wraps you in luxury — the SQ5 is a rare sweet spot. It’s for the person who wants something refined, but human, something that can do school runs and weekend canyon runs without asking twice. If you want a middle path between bland SUV and thrill-SUV extremes — this is it.
Before you sign, though: run real-time dealer pricing for your ZIP code on Quotes.EverymanDriver.com. At the SQ5 price tier, invoice discounts or incentives can shift value — making a big difference on the monthly payment or total ownership cost. Smart buy, smarter driver.
