Model research hub
Audi SQ5
Carscoops titles its review of the redesigned SQ5 'drives like it costs more and feels like it costs less,' and says Audi rates the SQ5's combined fuel economy at 7.6 l/100km (30.9 US mpg). MotorTrend says the newly introduced third-generation 2026 Q5 and SQ5 mark the SUV's first total redesign since the 2018 model year, hitting the mark with stylish restraint, and notes that while mild-hybrid versions of the Q5 and SQ5 are available internationally, Audi won't be bringing that technology to the United States. Car and Driver notes Audi's larger SQ7 is both more powerful and quicker than the SQ5, but the additional performance and space will cost you.
Carscoops' verdict
Carscoops (opens in a new tab) titles its review of the 2026 SQ5 'drives like it costs more and feels like it costs less,' and says Audi rates the SQ5's combined fuel economy at 7.6 l/100km, or 30.9 US mpg.
First total redesign since 2018
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the newly introduced third-generation 2026-model-year Q5 and SQ5 mark the SUV's first total redesign since the 2018 model year, and that Audi seems to have hit the mark with stylish restraint. It notes that internationally there are mild-hybrid versions of the Q5 and SQ5 available, but Audi won't be bringing that technology to the United States.
Where the SQ7 outdoes it
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Audi's larger SQ7 is both more powerful and quicker than the SQ5, but the additional performance and space will cost you.
Questions buyers ask
Is the mild-hybrid Audi SQ5 sold in the U.S.?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says no, mild-hybrid versions are available internationally but not brought to the United States.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Audi SQ5?
Carscoops (opens in a new tab) says Audi rates it at 7.6 l/100km, or 30.9 US mpg combined.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Audi SQ5 is built around 3.0L turbo V6, rated at 362 horsepower across its compact performance SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2026 SQ5 seats 5 and is a Compact performance SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2026 SQ5.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Audi SQ5
Every SQ5 trim shares the same 362-horsepower turbo V6 and standard AWD; the three trims separate by audio, lighting and comfort equipment.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
4 indexed Audi SQ5 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Audi SQ5 | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Audi SQ5 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Audi SQ5 | 2025 record → | |
| 2015 Audi SQ5 | 2015 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Audi SQ5.
The Audi SQ5 is built alongside the Audi Q5, and public records cover the two together. Generation history, the fact box and background are on the Audi Q5 page; the safety record for the Audi SQ5 itself follows.
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- April 2026, Seat Belts:Pretensioner. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belts may have been manufactured incorrectly, and fail to properly restrain occupants during a crash. Consequence: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Audi SQ5, most often about power train (2), electrical system (2), forward collision avoidance (2).
Year by year
The Audi SQ5 across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Audi SQ5 | 23 | $3,450 | 2 | |||
| 2026 Audi SQ5 | 23 | $3,350 | 2 | |||
| 2025 Audi SQ5 | 21–22 | $3,500–$3,700 | 4 | 1 | 6 | |
| 2024 Audi SQ5 | 21 | $3,700 | 2 | 6 | ||
| 2023 Audi SQ5 | 21 | $3,700 | 2 | |||
| 2022 Audi SQ5 | 21 | $3,700 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2021 Audi SQ5 | 20 | $3,900 | 2 | 5 | 11 | |
| 2020 Audi SQ5 | 20 | $3,900 | 1 | 4 | 7 | |
| 2019 Audi SQ5 | 21 | $3,700 | 1 | 5 | 18 | |
| 2018 Audi SQ5 | 21 | $3,700 | 1 | 5 | 24 | |
| 2017 Audi SQ5 | 19 | $4,100 | 1 | 5 | 4 stars | |
| 2016 Audi SQ5 | 19 | $4,100 | 1 | 6 | 4 stars | |
| 2015 Audi SQ5 | 19 | $4,100 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Audi SQ5, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 4 to 2 | 21.5 to 23.0 | Transmissions: Automatic (S8) | |
| 2024 to 2025 | 2 to 4 | 21.0 to 21.5 | Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S7) | |
| 2023 to 2024 | Drives: All-Wheel Drive | Drives: 4-Wheel Drive | ||
| 2021 to 2022 | 20.0 to 21.0 | Drives: 4-Wheel Drive | Drives: All-Wheel Drive | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 1 to 2 | Labels: SQ5 Sportback | ||
| 2019 to 2020 | 21.0 to 20.0 | |||
| 2018 to 2019 | Transmissions: Automatic (S8) | Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S8) | ||
| 2017 to 2018 | 19.0 to 21.0 | Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S8) | Transmissions: Automatic (S8) |
Buying used
What the Audi SQ5 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | seat belts (pretensioner) | None |
| 2022 | 2 | electrical system (body control module/bcm); structure (body) | None |
| 2021 | 5 | suspension (rear); seat belts (rear/other); electrical system (body control module/bcm); 2 more | None |
| 2020 | 4 | seats; suspension (rear); electrical system (body control module/bcm); 1 more | None |
| 2019 | 5 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); wheels (hub); air bags (frontal); 2 more | None |
| 2018 | 5 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); wheels (hub); structure (body); 1 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2015 | 1 | steering (electric power assist system) | None |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2018, campaign 18V-369 (Jun 2018): service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components). A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 18 | 19% | 2018 (8) |
| engine | 15 | 16% | 2018 (6) |
| unknown or other | 12 | 13% | 2018 (3) |
| forward collision avoidance | 11 | 12% | 2018 (4) |
| power train | 10 | 11% | 2018 (4) |
| steering | 9 | 10% | 2015 (2) |
| Model year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2016 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2015 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Audi SQ5 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TFSI Premium | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 362 | 406 | 4,431 | 4,400 | 23 | $66,695 |
| TFSI Premium Plus | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 362 | 406 | 4,431 | 4,400 | 23 | $67,695 |
| TFSI Prestige | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 362 | 406 | 4,431 | 4,400 | 23 | $72,595 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Audi SQ5 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 362 | 4,431 | 4,400 | 17.2 |
| 2025 | 6 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 349–362 | 4,288–4,464 | – | 17.2–18.5 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 349 | 4,288 | – | 18.5 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 349 | 4,288 | 4,400 | 18.5 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 349 | 4,288 | 4,400 | 18.5 |
| 2021 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 349 | 4,288 | 4,400 | 18.5 |
| 2020 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 349 | 4,321 | 4,400 | 18.5 |
| 2019 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 349 | 4,321 | 4,400 | 18.5 |
| 2018 | 2 | V6, Turbo, 3.0L | 354 | 4,398 | 4,400 | 18.5 |
| 2017 | 2 | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L | 354 | 4,420 | 4,400 | 19.8 |
| 2016 | 2 | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L | 354 | 4,420 | 4,400 | 19.8 |
| 2015 | 2 | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L | 354 | 4,420 | 4,400 | 19.8 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Model-year recall record
Audi SQ5: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2025 Audi SQ5 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.3).
- 2015 Audi SQ5 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.3).
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 1 | 6 | seat belts |
| 2024 | 6 | ||
| 2023 | not available | ||
| 2022 | 2 | not available | electrical system, structure |
| 2021 | 5 | 11 | seat belts, tires, electrical system, suspension |
| 2020 | 4 | 7 | tires, electrical system, suspension, seats |
| 2019 | 5 | 18 | electrical system, wheels, airbags, structure |
| 2018 | 5 | 24 | brakes, electrical system, wheels, structure |
| 2017 | 5 | ||
| 2016 | 6 | ||
| 2015 | 1 | 8 | steering |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi SQ5 model year 2022 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Audi SQ5?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2025, 2015 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Audi SQ5 model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2025 Audi SQ5 has 1 recall on file; The 2015 Audi SQ5 has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.3. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Audi SQ5 by model year?
2025: seat belts. 2022: electrical system, structure. 2021: seat belts, tires, electrical system, suspension. 2020: tires, electrical system, suspension, seats. 2019: electrical system, wheels, airbags, structure. 2018: brakes, electrical system, wheels, structure.
Q04Why do some Audi SQ5 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi SQ5 model year 2022 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical, Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this Audi SQ5 is most often compared with.
Nearest Audi models
Other Audi models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 SQ5 come in?
The 2026 Audi SQ5 (compact performance SUV) comes in 3 trims: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige.
Q02What are the 2026 SQ5 trims?
The 2026 Audi SQ5 trims are Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige, listed from the entry Premium up to the top Prestige.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 SQ5 use?
The 2026 Audi SQ5 is built around 3.0L turbo V6, rated at 362 horsepower across its compact performance SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 SQ5 have?
The 2026 Audi SQ5 is rated at 362 horsepower (3.0L turbo V6).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 SQ5?
The 2026 Audi SQ5 is offered with Standard AWD.