2023 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 comes with three different trims - Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige and these trims have been carried over from its predecessors. There are also Sportback versions for all three of these trims available in the market but they have been left out of the discussion to focus on the SUVs. The Premium is the base version that comes with a price tag of $55,800 with all the standard features. These features include 20" 10-spoke wheels with a star design and platinum finish and S-specific brake system along with the adaptive damping suspension. The adaptive cruise control and the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system make the price justified for the base trim. 

The Premium Plus has the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and the virtual cockpit plus feature are excellent additions to this trim. There are also active lane assist features and facilities for heated steering wheels. These features along with the top view camera take the price to $60,500. The Prestige trim, on the other hand, has Matrix LED headlights and OLED taillights. The Navigation package included in the trim and the head-up display takes the price even higher to $65,700. The parking assist is a good addition to this trim but despite the array of features available, the Prestige trim is considered quite expensive. 

Packages

The Audi SQ5 for the 2023 version has several packages offered at affordable prices for customers but there is a small issue. One of the most confusing facts regarding the packages for the 2023 SQ5 is that it offers different packages for different trims. The convenience package which is available for the Premium trim is not compatible with the Premium Plus and similarly, the S Sport package is not available for the base trim which is there for the Premium Plus. The different compatibility of different packages might be a bit confusing in some cases. 

Premium Trim:

Convenience Package

• Audi advanced key
• Driver’s seat memory
• Auto-dimming exterior mirrors with power-folding
• SiriusXM with 360L
• Costs $1,100

Power Panoramic Sunroof

• Costs $1,450

Rear Thoracic Airbags

• Costs $350

Premium Plus Trim:

S Sport Package

• Red brake calipers
• Adaptive air suspension
• Sport rear differential
• Costs $3,000

Navigation Package

• MMI Navigation plus
• Audi connect PLUS
• Costs $1,500

Dynamic Steering

• Precise steering feel and feedback from the road surface
• sporty driving style
• Reduced steering effort
• Costs $1,150

Fine Nappa Leather with Diamond Stitching

Costs $1,000

Warm Weather Package

• Leather seating and contrast stitching
• Ventilated front seats
• Manual rear window sunshades
• Costs $600

Black Optic Package

• 20" 5-V-spoke star-design wheels
• Black exterior trim
• Summer tires
• Black exterior mirror housing
• Costs $600

Prestige Trim:

• Has all the same packages as the Prestige Plus trim

We Recommend

The base trim might be sufficient for an owner but we recommend the Premium Plus trim as it has some of the most exciting features and a reasonable price. The Prestige trim has some additional features but it feels a bit overpriced. Additionally, most of the features are available for the Premium Plus trim and a driver can personalize the car with some of them to have better comfort and riding experience. The S Sport package, Dynamic Steering package, and Warm Weather package are recommended in this case but one can also avoid getting them to stay within a budget. 

Release Date

There are no major changes in the 2023 Audi SQ5 and the carried-over version of the SUV is expected to be available in the US markets in the last quarter of 2022. 

The Audi SQ5 does not boast about its engine but the overall standard and performance are powerful enough. The 3L inter-cooled turbocharged V6 engine has a displacement of 2,995 CC and it uses Gasoline Direct Injection to power itself. The 84.5 x 89.0 mm bore and stroke of the base trim are equipped with a 24-valve DOHC that comes with Audi valvelift system as well as variable valve timing. The power generated by the six-cylinder engine is 349 HP while the torque is 369 lb-ft. There are other competitors in the market that offer higher power output and better torque than the Audi SQ5. The remastered engine is able to produce a much better torque and an improved overall performance as well. The sporty characteristic offers a thrill for the driver which is fun to experience while the regular mode allows the engine to settle down and makes way for easier and more comfortable driving. 

The Audi small SUV has a top speed of 155 MPH which is higher than most of its rivals and it has great acceleration capability of 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds. The quarter-mile duration taken by the SQ5 is 13.4 seconds which is the best figure in the market but there are other cars with slightly better acceleration in the 0 to 60 category. The Audi SUV comes with a Quattro all-wheel drivetrain and is equipped with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission the overall performance and the features available for the trims make it reliable for the buyers and the price tag is justified as well. The Mercedes-Benz has the highest power output and the BMW has the best acceleration among the rivals while matching the top speed with the Audi. 

Ride and Handling

The ride and handling experience for the Audi SQ5 from the 2023 version is excellent and it has optimum stability on rough roads. The 5-link suspension with S-specific adaptive damping in both front and rear allows a child to sleep on a passenger seat without being able to feel any bumps in the road. The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering allows superior control over the vehicle and the turning diameter of 38.7 feet from curb to curb gives smoother handling for the driver. The overall riding experience with the 2023 SQ5 is outstanding and it makes the SUV more desirable for buyers.

Braking Performance

The braking system for the Audi SQ5 provides impressive performance on both smooth and rough surfaces. The 6-piston front brake calipers and the single-piston rear calipers included in the base model offer stable braking ability and the electromechanical parking brakes work superbly as well. The Audi SUV has 13.8 inches of brake rotors in the front while the rear ones measure 13.0 inches for the same rotors. The SQ5 comes with progressive braking and the feedback from the brake pedals is excellent. The larger brake rotors offer reliable braking performance considering the curb weight. 

The curb weight of the 2023 SQ5 is 4,288 lbs making it heavier than most of its primary rivals but the braking ability is adjusted accordingly. The 60 to 0 deceleration for the car takes only 104 feet which is again a better figure than most of the competitors. The braking performance of the Audi SQ5 makes the SUV safer and more reliable even off-roads. The braking distance is better for the BMW while having the heaviest car body. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz has the largest brake rotors from the lot. 

The Audi SQ5 has a standard performance when it comes to fuel economy but it still has better mileage than many competitors from the same category. The mileage offered by the 2023 SQ5 in the cities is 19 MPG while the same on the highways is 24 MPG. only the 2023 BMW X3 M40i has better figures than the Audi in this case. The Audi SUV has considerable mileage and it is not the best in the competition. However, the largest fuel capacity makes compensates for the mileage with an appreciable range in both city and highway. 

There are better figures in both these categories but the performance of the Audi SQ5 is satisfactory. Most importantly, the Audi SUV has the largest fuel tank of 18.5 gallons allowing the drivers to worry very little while riding on long unfamiliar roads. The BMW X3 can be a strong contender in terms of fuel economy but the Audi SUV has many other aspects to compensate for its lags in the specific category. The Porsche has the lowest performance in this category as it has lower mileage and the smallest fuel tank resulting in a disappointing range for the Macan S. 

The 2023 Audi SQ5 boasts its style and comfort factors in the interior and it has one of the most spacious cabins in the market. The three-zone automatic climate control offers optimum comfort for all the passengers and the front center armrest allows ease of posture as well. The SUV has a standard seating capacity of 5 people but the room for both passenger and cargo is superior to most of its rivals. The trunk capacity is 25.9 cu.-ft and only the BMW X3 has a larger space than the 2023 Audi SUV. The seating aspects of the SQ5 are quite comfortable with the 8-way driver seat and the 8-way passenger seats. The full-cloth headliners and the leather seating surfaces add to the comfort level as well. The interior design with a few standard features looks attractive enough in this price range. 

The 2023 SQ5 is equipped with sliding and split-folding 40/20/40 rear seatbacks that come with adjustable recline to offer more space in the second row. The Leather/Dinamica seats and four cup holders offer more creature comfort and the LED interior lighting package provides a soothing atmosphere inside the car. The 2023 Audi SQ5 comes with several other features in the interior segment. The space around the seats is the largest for the BMW X3 in the front row while the Audi has a slight advantage in the second one. The Porsche comes with the smallest cargo available in this section. 

• Storage package
• Stainless steel pedals and footrest
• Black cloth headliner
• Power tailgate
• Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror
• digital compass and Integrated Toll Module
• Leather-wrapped gear selector
• Heat-insulating side and rear windows
• Driver and front-passenger extendable sun visors
• Carbon Atlas inlay

Infotainment System

The infotainment system along with some of the latest technologies improve the overall style, safety, and functionality of the 2023 Audi SQ5. Along with all the basic features the SUV offers a 10-speaker audio system with an option for a 19-speaker audio system from Bang & Olufsen. The UI of the infotainment unit has easy control and access for the driver. The standard speakers are good but the Bang & Olufsen are much better which suits the style of the Audi. the connectivity of the system is appreciable and has standard compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Audi Connect CARE Assistance is an exclusive feature as well. The key features of the infotainment unit are - 

• Audi connect CARE assistance
• Audi pre sense city
• 12.3-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Head-up display
• Satellite and HD radio
• Navigation

The stylish exterior of the Audi SQ5 is powered with unmatched boldness and swift features to make it more desirable. However, the SQ5 is not just about looks as it includes several features with significant functions to improve the practicality of the SUV. The aluminum roof rails and the 255/45 R20 summer tires are prime examples of that. The dynamic turn signals included in the LED taillights offer more safety while the tool kit and floor jack are necessary additions to the SUV. Audi SQ5 has several distinguishable aspects in the exterior and it has a smart-looking design as well. The massive wheels and the quad exhaust tips ensure a good road presence while the headlamps and the skid plates offer great additions to its style. A prominent shoulder line that goes all the way till the tailgate adds extra flare to its presence. 

The overall length and width of the 2023 SQ5 are 184.3 inches and 74.5 inches respectively while the height from the ground is 65.5 inches. The Audi SUV has a standard structure with a wheelbase of 111 inches and most of the competitors have similar measurements in the exterior segment. The Audi SQ5 has a 0.33 drag coefficient against the 4,288 lbs curb weight. There are several features in the SUV that improve the overall style as well as functionality. The Porsche Macan has the largest body structure but the other cars are close enough. The Macan S also has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches which is great for a standard SUV. The Mercedes-Benz, however, has the largest wheelbase. 

• Heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors
• Trailer hitch preparation
• LED headlights with DRL signature
• Aluminum exterior window surrounds
• 20" 10-spoke platinum wheels with stylish design,
• Adaptive damping suspension
• Tailgate roof spoiler

The 2023 Audi SQ5 has not been tested for crash durability and there are no safety reports or ratings available from either NHTSA or IIHS. However, the previous versions of the SQ5 have received five-star ratings and were awarded the Top Safety Pick+ from the respective authorities. There are a lot of standard features like the blind spot monitoring system and the lane departure warning which allows for easier and safer driving. The aspects of rear cross-traffic alert along with rear-end collision alert make the 2023 SQ5 one of the safest SUVs on the roads. It is expected that the new version will also ace the tests and the added safety features offer the same vibe as well. 

• Electromechanical parking brake
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Adaptive cruise control powered with Traffic jam assist
• Speed-sensitive power steering
• keyless entry and push-button start
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning

2023 BMW X3 M40i

The 2023 BMW X3 M40i is the closest rival for the Audi SQ5 and there are several areas where the BMW has better figures. Firstly, the competitive pricing makes the 2023 X3 a strong contender in the market and at the same time, the overall performance is as great as any. The powerful engine and braking system along with the reliability of BMW makes the 2023 X3 M40i one of the most important competitors for Audi SQ5. Standard comfort on the inside and style on the outside makes the BMW X3 a great bargain in the market. However, neither of the cars has a clear upper hand when compared which brings ultimately it down to the drivers’ choice. 

2023 Porsche Macan S

The 2023 Porsche Macan S is a very strong rival in terms of power, comfort, and stability. The 2023 Porsche Macan is equipped with some of the finest features and latest technologies in the market and it is offered at a great price as well. Although the car lacks in many areas when compared to the Audi SQ5, the standard style, comfort, and performance make it a good rival to the Audi SUV. Different packages and the safety system make the 2023 Macan S all the more desirable for a prospective customer. However, it is really the expectations and preferences of a driver when it comes to choosing one of the two competitors. 

2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 is as good an alternative as any of the rivals in the market for the Audi SQ5. The engine, powertrain, and transmission along with braking performance are excellent and the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 can stand toe-to-toe with any SUVs from the same category with competitive pricing. The overall comfort and space are not very promising but it attempts to compensate for that with reliability on the road. The safety and style statement of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 makes it compete against the 2023 Audi SQ5 and makes one wonder about which can be more beneficial. 

The 2023 version of the Audi SQ5 comes with a strong engine and excellent stability. The affordable price and the different trims along with some practical packages make the SUV very desirable in the market. Powered with some of the latest technologies and superior safety features, the car is a good bargain in the competitive market. The interior design and comfort factor can be easily termed as desirable for the Audi SUV and offers a few exclusive features inside the cabin as well. The exterior is as exciting as the interior considering both the style statement and practicality of the body structure. Moreover, the added safety features make the SUV a very reliable one in the current market. It is understandable that there are other potential alternatives in the market but the Audi SQ5 is designed to offer arguably the best riding experience and comfort for the passengers even in off-roads and long drives. The price tag is the lowest among the competitors and despite the lower mileage, you will not regret taking the Audi SQ5 home.