Audi Q5 vs SQ5: Performance, Tuning, and Reliability
Meet Trey
Trey is an automotive enthusiast and has a huge passion for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles of all kinds. His enthusiasm started with the MK5 GTI, and he has massively expanded his knowledge over the years. When Trey is not delivering high-quality and in-depth content, we can usually find him working in his garage on his modified Genesis coupe. Trey created VW Tuning several years ago, and he is the primary visionary behind the content.
We’ve written about the Audi Q5 vs Q7 and the Audi Q3 vs Q5, but figured we would tackle Audi’s most popular SUV model with its high-performance variant, the Audi Q5 vs SQ5. To be blunt, there aren’t very many differences, but they could get you over the fence in your purchasing decision. In this article, we will be covering price, size, performance, safety, reliability, and common problems for both models.
Audi Q5 vs SQ5 – The Basics
The Audi Q5 was first introduced in 2008 and is still in production today. The Q5 is positioned between the Q4 e-tron and Audi’s first SUV, the Q7. There have only been two generations since the Q5s inception, the B8 Q5 & B9 Q5. The B8 Q5 is often referred to as the 8R Q5, and the B9 Q5 is often referred to as the FY Q5. The B8 generation was built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform. And the B9 Q5 was built on the MLB Evo platform. There are two body styles you can get with the Q5: regular Q5 or Q5 Sportback.
The Audi SQ5 was first introduced much later than the Q8, in 2014, and is still being produced today. The SQ5 was Audi’s first S model to feature a diesel engine. Just like the Q5, the first generation is referred to as the B8 SQ5 and the second is referred to as the B9 SQ5. The SQ5 is the sportier version of the Q5 and it comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. There are two body styles you can get with the SQ5: regular SQ5 or SQ5 Sportback.
Audi Q5 Generations
- 8R Q5 (B8) (2008 – 2017)
- FY Q5 (B9) (2018 – Present)
Audi SQ5 Generations
- 8R SQ5 (B8) (2014 – 2017)
- FY SQ5 (B9) (2018 – Present)
Audi Q5 vs SQ5 Price
In this portion, we will be going over the new 2022, as of this writing, model prices and used prices for the Q5 and SQ5.
New Audi Q5 Price
In this portion, we will be going over the new Q5 2022 model year prices. There are 3 different engines for the Q5: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 55 TFSI e Plug-in hybrid. A Premium Q5 40 TFSI quattro® starts at $43,300, a Premium Plus Q5 40 TFSI quattro® starts at $48,300, and lastly, a Prestige Q5 40 TFSI quattro® starts at $54,000. While, a Premium Q5 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $45,800, a Premium Plus Q5 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $50,800, and lastly, a Prestige Q5 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $56,500. Finally, a Premium Q5 55 TFSI e Plug-in hybrid quattro® starts at $55,400, a Premium Plus Q5 55 TFSI e Plug-in hybrid quattro® starts at $59,500, and lastly, a Prestige Q5 55 TFSI e Plug-in hybrid quattro® starts at $64,800.
New Audi SQ5 Price
In this portion, we will be going over the new SQ5 2022 model year prices. Unlike the Q5, the SQ5 only has one engine, 3.0L V6 TFSI, but it is much more powerful. A Premium Audi SQ5 starts at $55,800, a Premium Plus Audi SQ5 starts at $60,000, and lastly, a Prestige Audi SQ5 starts at $65,200. Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system, and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission come standard on the SQ5.
If you are curious about the trim differences with Audi’s, here is an article we wrote about the different Audi trims.
Used Audi Q5 & SQ5 Price’s
When it comes to used Audi Q5s vs SQ5s, pricing is pretty much consistent with new prices. With that, we mean that since the SQ5 is the high-performance variant of the Q5, it tends to be a bit more expensive. Since the Q5s haven’t been around too long, we will be basing prices on all model years for both models. A used Q5s price ranges from $21,998 – $55,998* with an average price overall of $35,000, depending on model year and mileage. A used SQ5s price ranges from $19,795 – $72,998* with an average price overall of $46,495, depending on model year and mileage. The SQ5 is more expensive on the new and used side. So, is the Audi SQ5 worth the extra money?
*At the time of writing this article, we believe we are in a market where used vehicles are inflated, so consider that when seeing the used prices above.Â
General Q5 & SQ5 Topics
Q5 vs SQ5 Size
Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Audi Q5 and the 2022 Audi SQ5.
Audi Q5 vs SQ5
When it comes to size, there isn’t much of a difference since the SQ5 is based on the Q5. The only difference is the curb weight because of the different engines. Therefore, we will go into the biggest difference and why many consumers will likely choose the SQ5 over the Q5, performance.
Audi Q5 vs SQ5 Performance
For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 Q5 and 2022 SQ5 performance specs.
Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy
Q5 Performance
As stated above, the Q5 has three different engine options: 40 TFSI (2.0T TFSI), 45 TFSI (2.0T TFSI), and a 55 TFSI (2.0T TFSI) e Plug-in Hybrid. All three engines can be found in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. Also, Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system, and a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission come standard on all three engines. The 40 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 201hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 45 TFSI quattro® engine puts down 261hp and 273lb-ft of torque. And lastly, the 55 TFSI Hybrid puts down 362hp and 369lb-ft of torque.
The 40 TFSI engine gets 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 25 with an 18.5gal fuel tank. The 45 TFSI engine gets 23mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 25 with an 18.5gal fuel tank. And lastly, the 55 TFSI hybrid gets an electric range of 390 miles, combined gas & electric 61 mpge, and a combined mpg of 26 on gas only with a 14.3gal fuel tank.
SQ5 Performance
A 2022 Audi SQ5 features a 3.0T TFSI quattro® engine that puts out 349hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in three different trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Also, Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system, and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission come standard on the SQ5 engine. The 3.0T TFSI engine gets 19mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 21 with an 18.5gal fuel tank.
Q5 & SQ5 Reliability and Common Problems
Audi Q5
Is the Audi Q5 reliable? The Audi Q5s have average reliability. The main reason the Q5s reliability gets a bad reputation is because of the Gen2 EA888 engines which have excessive oil consumption issues. RepairPal ranks the Audi Q5 3 out of 5 on their reliability rating. This puts the Q5 11th out of 14 for all luxury midsize SUVs. If you are in the market for a used Q5, we would advise staying away from the 2010-2014 Audi Q5 model years. The average annual maintenance of an Audi Q5 is $928, which is above the average $805 for luxury midsize SUVs.
Common problems that are seen in Q5s are as followed: excessive oil consumption, timing chain tensioner failure, start-stop system malfunction, leaking fuel pump flanges, and DRL failure. If maintained properly, we’ve seen the Q5s last up to 150,000 miles, while the TDIs (diesel engines) can last up to 300,000 miles.
The 5 Most Common Audi Q5 Engine Problems
Audi SQ5
Is the Audi SQ5 reliable? The Audi SQ5 has a different engine (3.0T TFSI) that gets a good reputation when it comes to reliability. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information to go off of with reliability ratings. But after scrolling through many forums, the SQ5’s reliability is pretty solid.
Common problems that are seen in SQ5 are as followed: premature thermostat or water pump failure, ignition coil or speak plug failure, carbon build-up, excessive oil consumption, oil pressure switch failure, motor mount failure, and crankcase vent valve failure. If an SQ5 is properly maintained, especially after 100,000 miles, we’ve seen them last up to 150,000.
Q5 vs SQ5 – Which is Better?
When it comes to which one is better, we feel this is a rather subjective question. Every consumer has different vehicle needs and lifestyles, so it is hard for us to say which one is best for everyone. In our opinion, the Q5 provides the biggest bang-for-your-buck. Both models received 5-star safety ratings. The SQ5 has a sportier aesthetic with an updated grille, wheels, and a more aggressive body kit. Both have similar standard safety features. However, more tech comes standard in the SQ5 since it is quite a bit more expensive. So if you find yourself wanting a sporty SUV with some power, go with the SQ5. If you are just looking for a great luxury SUV with decent gas mileage, go with the Q5.
Something we always suggest is getting a first-hand experience with both models. There’s nothing better than test driving both because it will easily assist in your purchasing decision. So, visit your local Audi dealer or used lot to get into an Audi Q5 or SQ5 test drive.
Audi Q5 vs SQ5 Conclusion
To wrap this article up, we hope all the information provided above has assisted in choosing between the Audi Q5 vs SQ5. Purchasing a luxury vehicle isn’t a simple purchase, so the more research done, the better. In short, the Q5 allows more customizability and gets better gas mileage, while the SQ5 is sportier and more powerful, but more expensive. If you are someone that has experience with either model, please share in the comments below. This could assist future readers in choosing between the two models.
