2016
Audi SQ5

Starts at:
$53,300
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New 2016 Audi SQ5
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • quattro 4dr 3.0T Prestige
    Starts at
    $53,300
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • quattro 4dr 3.0T Premium Plus
    Starts at
    $53,300
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5 2016 Audi SQ5

Notable features

Gas, diesel and hybrid models
Panoramic moonroof now standard
All-wheel drive standard

The good & the bad

The good

Acceleration
Cabin materials
Towing capacity
Diesel's fuel economy estimates
Low cargo floor

The bad

Inconsistent steering feel
Smallish multimedia screen
Top-heavy feel during sharp turns
Backseat room
See all specifications

Expert 2016 Audi SQ5 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The SQ5 is the performance-oriented variant in Audi’s Q5 crossover lineup. It features a more powerful version of the Q5’s supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 gas engine that’s rated at 354 horsepower. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard.

For 2016, red brake calipers, unique 20-inch wheels and diamond-stitched seats are available. An adaptive suspension is now offered as a standalone option for Premium Plus models.
What’s Special

  • Zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, according to Audi
  • Gray accents for the grille
  • Aluminum side mirror housings; body color available
  • Quad exhaust tips
  • Lowered suspension
  • 20-inch wheels; 21-inch wheels available
  • Leather and Alcantara sport seats
  • Available dynamic steering with variable ratio and assist levels
  • Available gloss-black exterior accents

Here’s info on the regular Q5:
The Q5 competes in the crowded compact luxury crossover segment that includes the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. It seats five and comes with standard all-wheel drive. In addition to four-cylinder and V-6 gas engines, the Q5 offers a gas-electric hybrid system or a turbo-diesel engine.
(Skip to details on the: Q5 Hybrid)
New for 2016
A panoramic moonroof is now standard, and the Audi Connect information system is included with the Navigation Plus Package. The Technology Package available on Premium Plus models now includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Significant Standard Features

  • All-wheel drive
  • Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
  • Power liftgate
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Leather upholstery
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 19- or 20-inch wheels
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Bang & Olufsen premium stereo
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Blind spot warning system

Q5 Hybrid

The Q5 Hybrid, Audi’s first hybrid in the U.S., comes with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. Total system output is 245 hp. Unlike many hybrids, which use continuously variable automatic transmissions, the Q5 Hybrid uses the same eight-speed automatic as other Q5 models.

What’s Special

  • EPA-estimated 24/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive

Back to top

2016 Audi SQ5 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The SQ5 is the performance-oriented variant in Audi’s Q5 crossover lineup. It features a more powerful version of the Q5’s supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 gas engine that’s rated at 354 horsepower. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard.

For 2016, red brake calipers, unique 20-inch wheels and diamond-stitched seats are available. An adaptive suspension is now offered as a standalone option for Premium Plus models.
What’s Special

  • Zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, according to Audi
  • Gray accents for the grille
  • Aluminum side mirror housings; body color available
  • Quad exhaust tips
  • Lowered suspension
  • 20-inch wheels; 21-inch wheels available
  • Leather and Alcantara sport seats
  • Available dynamic steering with variable ratio and assist levels
  • Available gloss-black exterior accents

Here’s info on the regular Q5:
The Q5 competes in the crowded compact luxury crossover segment that includes the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. It seats five and comes with standard all-wheel drive. In addition to four-cylinder and V-6 gas engines, the Q5 offers a gas-electric hybrid system or a turbo-diesel engine.
(Skip to details on the: Q5 Hybrid)
New for 2016
A panoramic moonroof is now standard, and the Audi Connect information system is included with the Navigation Plus Package. The Technology Package available on Premium Plus models now includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Significant Standard Features

  • All-wheel drive
  • Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
  • Power liftgate
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Leather upholstery
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 19- or 20-inch wheels
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Bang & Olufsen premium stereo
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Blind spot warning system

Q5 Hybrid

The Q5 Hybrid, Audi’s first hybrid in the U.S., comes with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. Total system output is 245 hp. Unlike many hybrids, which use continuously variable automatic transmissions, the Q5 Hybrid uses the same eight-speed automatic as other Q5 models.

What’s Special

  • EPA-estimated 24/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive

Back to top

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Safety review

Based on the 2016 Audi SQ5 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
4/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
15.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
15.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
1 years / 5,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first)
Dealer certification
125-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

93% of drivers recommend this car
4.9 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.9
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • By HLC from West Palm Beach FL
    Owns this car
    January 22, 2021

    I just purchase this car is impressive will see

    I look for a car that was good to town looking at reviews n came across this fun to drive n powerful enough to tow a small trailer w power to spare n my fam away have German or European vehicle lol so I went for it .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
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  • By Technowizard Jerry from Walnut, CA
    Owns this car
    December 22, 2020

    Best handling car I have ever owned

    The fact it has a supercharger it is ver easy to performance tune via ECU. I currently have it at tuned to 440 HP. Unlike a turbocharged vehicle there is no turbo lag.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • By Mike from Florida
    Owns this car
    December 4, 2020

    SQ5 Hidden Gem

    New owner but did a lot of prior research on this car. 3.0T engine with the 8 speed ZF transmission is a great combination. Averaged 25.8 mpg on highway. Have the Premium Plus with Technology Package and Black Optics. More fun and engaging than my X5. Engine/trans combo is pretty bulletproof - common problem with SQ5 is water pump replacement. Will probably go ahead and do that and thermostat as preventative maintenance. Already replaced X5 water pump and thermostat. Can't these Germans engineer a better water pump? Very impressed so far, time will tell.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Fozzy12 from Colorado Springs, CO
    Owns this car
    September 21, 2020

    Best in Class, Audi SQ5

    The SQ5 drives like a dream, is very easily modified, is also easy to work on yourself, is fairly handsome to look at, gets average fuel economy for a fast SUV. I really enjoy driving this vehicle both on long trips and in the city. Has excellent handling characteristics.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By SQ5guyinSoCal from San Fernando Valley, CA
    Owns this car
    June 29, 2020

    Best Vehicle I’ve Had

    My first Audi and more than met and exceeded my expectations. Fit n finish is top notch. Incredible performance yet respectable mileage for a performance SUV. Audi is a brand that puts performance and fun into driving.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By tjfrugoli from Sparks, NV
    Owns this car
    April 23, 2019

    Audi's Is Awesome!

    If you have ever wanted an Audi now is your chance. This SQ5 now only provides sporting luxury but is cat quick like it's cousin the Carrera S Porsche. 0-60 in just under 4 seconds. If I didn't need a different vehicle I would never give it up!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Montana Smith from Bozeman MT
    Owns this car
    April 10, 2019

    BEST MID SIZE SUV

    This car met all my needs. Super spacious drives like you can’t believe. Fast and great gas mileage. We took it on a road trip from Scottsdale to Montana and it was AMAZING!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By Jim from NC
    Owns this car
    March 23, 2019

    So much fun to drive

    This is a great car. I don’t know about the reliability as I have only had it a few weeks but based on other owners experience I have high expectations. I also drove a used one with almost 70k andnit drove like a new car. That’s what really sold me! Also, It handles like a sports sedan and it is really quick. I came from a Jeep Wrangler and this is more my style. One note if buying preowned make sure the person before you kept records and can show you it has been properly maintained including oil changed regularly. It’s important cars especially with turbos and supercharged are well cared for. As
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Manwich from Greensboro, NC
    Test drove this car
    March 6, 2019

    Fun and Fast SUV but the Macan is better deal

    Was in the market for a gently used Sq5 but got frustrated trying to find one that wouldn't break the bank. This SUV is fun to drive no doubt but in the end I went with a Used Macan S. Its faster, handles as good or better, looks better IMHO and its a Porsche...JD Power gives higher scores to Porsche overall over Audi and all other German auto brands. I never had considered the Macan until the dealer suggested I try one out. I thought it would be considerably more expensive...NOPE. The Macan outperformed the SQ5 and I found a better deal believe it or not. Who would have known. I still thing the SQ5 is sweet ride but I had to go with the better vehicle and value.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Dave SQ5 from Plymouthn MA
    Owns this car
    September 13, 2018

    A fun SUV

    Just bought the SQ5. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!!! It is fast and handles terrific!! Practical because it is an SUV!! Interior is amazing with diamond stitched seats and aluminum trim! Best car or truck I have ever owned! A sports car that doubles as an SUV!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By ritz from chicago, IL
    Owns this car
    May 29, 2018

    Most fun car I ever had

    This car is just what I was looking for; agile, reliable and comfortable. on top of this very stylish and eye catcher. certainly make me feel proud owner :-)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Serious driver ... from Raleigh, NC
    Owns this car
    April 8, 2018

    A fun SUV to drive

    I've owned Volvos, Saabs, Mercedes, BMW and other cars and SUV's during my lifetime. This Audi SQ5 is one of the most fun cars to drive that I've ever owned (the others being a 2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen and a 1998 Audi A4 2.8L). I only wish that Audi had updated the technology for the SQ5 earlier to have included this model year.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Audi SQ5?

The 2016 Audi SQ5 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Premium Plus (1 style)
  • Prestige (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2016 Audi SQ5?

The 2016 Audi SQ5 offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Audi SQ5?

The 2016 Audi SQ5 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Audi SQ5 reliable?

The 2016 Audi SQ5 has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Audi SQ5 owners.

Is the 2016 Audi SQ5 a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Audi SQ5. 93.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.6

Audi SQ5 history

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