Used 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback

As drivers have migrated away from sedans and toward SUVs over the years, the compact luxury SUV segment has gotten very competitive. One of our favorite players in this field is the Audi Q5.

It’s a well-rounded premium compact SUV that checks just about every box for shoppers in this segment. It has outstanding interior quality, desirable standard and optional features, a good range of engines, and a composed ride. Also, the quattro all-wheel-drive system comes standard.

However, this class has more affordable options, and the Audi has below-average cargo space. The most direct rivals to the Q5 are the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Driving the Audi Q5 is a delightful experience. It’s composed and supremely comfortable in around-town and highway driving alike. However, it’s also agile and sporty when you want it to be. It strikes a satisfying balance of comfort and performance.

Most drivers will be satisfied with the base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood, available in two different tunings. We recommend the more powerful 45 TFSI powertrain over the 40 TFSI because the price difference is relatively small. In either tuning, it makes plenty of power and torque for the daily commute while returning decent fuel economy.

The plug-in hybrid option adds both efficiency and performance, but the fuel economy is just okay when the battery is depleted. Enthusiasts will be interested in the SQ5 with its turbocharged V6 and upgraded suspension and brakes for a more spirited drive without sacrificing luxury.

The BMW X3 is sportier, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is arguably more comfortable, but the Audi Q5 is the Goldilocks choice between the two.

The Audi Q5 has one of the most refined interiors in its competitive class. The interior design is stylish in a conservative way, and the interior materials are of the highest quality. Multiple types of leather and wood interior trims are available, plus aluminum trim for the S Line model and Carbon Atlas inlays for the SQ5.

Standard interior features include a 10.1-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, front and rear USB ports, 3-zone automatic climate control, and leather upholstery. Some desirable interior options include a head-up display, heated rear seats, Virtual Cockpit Plus, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, and heated and cooled cupholders.

The seating space is generous in both rows of the Audi Q5. However, the cargo space is a little tight compared to most rivals. Cargo space is more compromised if you go with the Sportback body with its sloping roof line.

The Audi Q5 speaks the brand’s design language with conservative styling and a handsome light signature. It’s a nice-looking SUV for drivers looking for something luxurious but not too flashy.

The Q5 is available with a standard SUV body or a Sportback SUV “coupe” body. The Sportback has a sloping roofline, giving it a sportier look that stands out. The S Line and SQ5 models have sporty appearance packages with special wheels, unique trim, and an aggressive body kit.

The size of the Audi Q5 is in line with the compact luxury SUV class. It’s about the same size as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

1. Virtual Cockpit Plus
This is one of the most desirable options for the Audi Q5. It’s a digital gauge cluster that comes standard on the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels of the Q5. On top of the usual info you find in the gauge cluster like speed and RPM, this customizable display can show navigation data, entertainment info, road signs, and much more.

2. Diverse Engine Options
The Audi Q5 lets you choose your level of performance. The base turbocharged 4-cylinder is available in two different tunings. There’s a plug-in hybrid option capable of up to 61 MPGe, and the sporty SQ5 excites the driver with a turbocharged V6.

3. Sportback Body
The stylish Sportback body option gives the Q5 the aesthetic of an SUV “coupe.” The standard SUV body has more cargo space, but its conservative styling risks blending in with the crowd. The Sportback option has a sleek, head-turning aesthetic that’s harder to ignore.

4. Quattro All-Wheel Drive
The legendary quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system comes standard on every Audi Q5. Audi’s “Ultra” technology intelligently switches between front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD depending on the driving conditions. This improves all-weather traction and gives the driver a satisfying grip in spirited driving.

5. SQ5
The high-performance Audi SQ5 adds a lot of excitement to this premium SUV. On top of the muscular turbocharged V6 under the hood, it brings upgraded brakes and an adaptive damping suspension. If you like the aesthetic, consider the more affordable S Line model.

6. MMI Infotainment System
This high-tech standard infotainment system is user-friendly and has a gorgeous 10.1-inch display. It comes loaded with features like Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. For the best audio quality, consider adding the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, which is now standard on the Premium Plus and Prestige models.

A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers most Audi Q5 models. The 40 TFSI models make 201 horsepower, but in the 45 TFSI, a sportier tuning gives it more power and torque with only a slight fuel economy penalty.

This same turbocharged engine is at the heart of the plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e models. It adds an electric motor to add more power and torque, but the extra weight hampers its performance a bit. It can go up to 23 miles on electricity alone.

Finally, the SQ5 is powered by a turbocharged V6 with performance numbers similar to the plug-in hybrid but with a lower curb weight. S-specific braking and suspension systems add to the thrills.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (40 TFSI)
201 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (45 TFSI)
261 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4/permanent-magnet electric motor (55 TFSI e)
362 horsepower @ 5000 rpm (combined)
369 lb-ft of torque (combined)
All-electric range: 23 miles
EPA combined fuel economy: 61 MPGe (gasoline & electric), 26 mpg (gas only)

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (SQ5)
349 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1370 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg