Audi’s crossover is sporty and even sportier

Audi is known for making quality, luxury sedans. But they also make their mark in crossovers and SUVs, too. And, as only Audi can, they actually offer a fun and an extra-fun variant of their Q5 crossover.

Here to take a closer look at the Audi Q5 and the SQ5 are former Wheels editors Dave Mikesell and Jimmy Dinsmore. Jimmy got the pleasure of driving both the Q5 and the SQ5, but Dave was left out of the sporty fun, so he will take a look at the Q5, which is actually quite fun as-is, right, Dave?

DAVE: Here is how much thought Audi has put into its retooled Q5 for 2018: The base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, has had its horsepower increased to 258 from 220 hp and the torque was upgraded to 273 lbs.-ft. from 258. Call me pragmatic, but this is certainly acceptable in a compact crossover. Now, I'm sure Jimmy will regale us with tales about the SQ5 on the open road. What shouldn't be missed, though, is that the Q5 will win over the day-to-day commuter/people transporter with its level of comfort.

JIMMY: That 2.0-liter engine is good, Dave. It really is. And the consumer won't know what they're missing out on, unless they drive the SQ5 which has a turbocharged V6 and makes 354 hp. This is such a quick, responsive engine. It takes the turns amazingly well with responsive handling and there's absolutely no turbo lag. This is the most enjoyable crossover I've driven in a long time. I always loved Audi's sedans and felt so-so about their SUVs, including the Q5, but this SQ5 makes it something special. Enough bragging from me, Dave – give them your impressions of the interior.

DAVE: First off, the real leather seating surfaces are noted and appreciated. And that is just the beginning. Audi has incorporated high-quality materials, easy-to-operate function controls and knobs and well-placed visuals. It must be said here that my test vehicle came with accoutrements from the high-end Prestige Package (Premium and Premium Plus packages are also available) that included navigation, panoramic sunroof, heads-up display and special interior lighting. Seating is listed for five but the middle rider in the back is going to have to make do with a harder, flatter surface than his or her mates. So, I guess that's really not a drawback if you have four or fewer riders.

JIMMY: When competing with the likes of BMW and Mercedes, as well as the Asian luxury brands, you have to be special. The Q5 and SQ5 may not quite cross that threshold, but they are quite nice. The Q5 has a base price of $41,500 which more than makes up for some of the lack of blow-you-away luxury. It's well priced for all you get. The SQ5 starts off at $54,300, but the performance and overall sporty vibe more than justifies that jump in price.

DAVE: Audi has been slow to make changes to its Q5 since it became its top seller in the United States following a 2009 launch. Nine years passing before much of a makeover seems conservative, but the wait was worth it. The Q5 is better than ever. The line offers plenty of luxury in whatever form. If you like the Audi crossover and are not clamoring for the sportiest ride possible, the Q5 is a good choice.

JIMMY: The fuel economy for the AWD Q5 is 23 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway, while the SQ5 loses some fuel economy with a rating of 19/24. For me, fuel economy wasn't that big of an issue. It got more than 20 mpg and was blazing fast off the line, handling like it was on rails. So, I'm good. Having driven both the Q5 and the SQ5, I can say that these are almost two different vehicles. Both are good; one is exceptional. Sorry, Dave, on this one – I got the better of the two.


2018 AUDI SQ5

  • Price/As-tested price………………………………………… $54,300/$54,300
  • Mileage…………………………………… 19 mpg/city; 24 mpg/hwy
  • Engine……………………………………… 3.0-liter V6
  • Horsepower…………………………… 354 hp/369 lbs.-ft.
  • Transmission…………………………… 8-speed automatic
  • Drive wheels……………. All-wheel drive

2018 AUDI Q5

  • Price/As-tested price………………… $41,500/$56,100
  • Mileage…………………………………… 23 mpg/city; 27 mpg/hwy
  • Engine……………………………………… 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower/torque…………………………… 258 hp/273 lbs.-ft.
  • Transmission…………………………… 7-speed automatic
  • Drive wheels……………………………………… All-wheel drive
  • Final assembly point……………………………………… San Jose Chiapa, Mexico

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