Pros
- Punchy V-6 engine
- Quiet cabin
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Piano-black interior bits
- Too many screens
- Capacitive touch controls
The Audi Q5 and SQ5 have entered their third generation with a new platform, updated design, and major tech upgrades. The outgoing models never quite stood out in the compact luxury SUV segment; our Buyer’s Guide ranked them seventh, trailing German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3. This time, though, the Q5 is more polished, bringing smarter technology, a quieter cabin, and a smoother overall ride.
“To Audi’s credit, this is the most convincing and compelling of the Q5/Q6 cohort,” features editor Christian Seabaugh said after driving the SQ5. “It’s not the most expensive, but it feels like the one that offers the best value and bang for the buck—the one that best fulfills this Audi’s mission. It’s engaging and luxurious.”
Judges praised the Q5 and SQ5 for their refined suspension, which soaks up potholes and rough pavement with minimal disturbance inside the cabin. Both of our test vehicles featured air springs—optional on the Q5 but standard on the SQ5—that contribute to their composed ride. The German SUVs also earn high marks for cabin quietness, shutting out wind noise with ease. “This is one of the quietest cars in the field I’ve been in,” senior editor Aaron Gold said.
The Q5’s 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four earned respect from judges, but it was the SQ5’s 362-hp turbocharged V-6 that stole the spotlight. Both engines pair with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, sending power to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive. “The SQ5 gives you that Porsche feeling,” features editor Scott Evans said. “It absolutely justifies its sporty ride quality in how well it handles.”
Despite the upgrades, neither the Q5 nor the SQ5 advanced to the finalist stage. Some judges thought the Q5 underdelivered on the value front, particularly this one in $63,290 Prestige trim, while the SQ5, though strong in several areas, lacked the extra spark to set it apart.
Although the cabin provides respectable space, we flagged a few usability issues, too. Some found entering and exiting the SUVs awkward, while others noted the steering wheel blocked access to certain soft keys positioned beside the 14.5-inch infotainment screen. The voice assistant also fell short compared to rivals. “I asked it to find me a sandwich, and it couldn’t interpret the command to navigate me to a sandwich shop,” associate editor Billy Rehbock complained.
For many buyers, the Q5 and SQ5 will check the right boxes—it’s comfortable, quiet, and capable enough for the daily grind. But by MotorTrend’s 2026 SUV of the Year standards, good wasn’t quite enough. Against a field packed with bold designs, standout technology, and genuine value plays, the Audis feel a step too cautious. The Q5’s price-to-content ratio undercuts its appeal somewhat, while the SQ5,