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The 2021 Audi SQ5 nails the brief for buyers who want performance without sacrificing daily usability—its 349-hp turbocharged V6 rockets to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds while the adaptive air suspension smooths out rough roads[1]. Car and Driver described it as “a very competent, well-mannered compact luxury SUV that balances quickness and comfort, but it lacks the driving chops of sportier competitors”[2]. The catch? Some owners have reported significant engine problems before 25,000 miles, and 20 mpg combined means you’ll get acquainted with gas station attendants[3].
Why This Review Matters
Compact performance SUVs have become the default choice for enthusiasts who’ve outgrown sports cars but refuse to surrender driving excitement. The 2021 SQ5 sits in the sweet spot of Audi’s lineup—sportier than the base Q5 but more practical than an RS model. For roughly $52,900 when new, buyers got genuine muscle wrapped in a family-hauler body[2].
What sets the 2021 apart from the 2020 model year? Not much, honestly. Audi kept the powertrain and most features identical, though some minor tech updates and package reshuffling occurred. The real question is whether this platform delivers enough to justify choosing it over the BMW X3 M40i or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43—both of which bring slightly more horsepower to the fight.
Key Specifications
| Category | 2021 Audi SQ5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged V6[3] |
| Horsepower | 349 hp @ 5,400 rpm[3] |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1,370 rpm[3] |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 seconds[1] |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (limited)[1] |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic automatic[1] |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD[1] |
| Fuel Economy | 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg[1] |
| Towing Capacity | 4,400 lbs[1] |
| Curb Weight | 4,288 lbs[1] |
| Fuel Type | Premium required[1] |
Performance & Driving Experience
That 369 lb-ft of torque kicks in at just 1,370 rpm[3]. What does this mean when you actually drive it? Zero lag from a stoplight. You floor it, and the V6 responds instantly—no turbo hesitation, no waiting for boost to build. The 4.7-second sprint to 60 mph feels faster than the numbers suggest because the power delivery is so linear[1].
Here’s what the spec sheet doesn’t tell you: the optional S Sport air suspension transforms this thing. One Edmunds owner put it perfectly—”The SQ5 with the sport air suspension allows the car to turn into a spirited driving machine, but also allows the comfort for a long road trip without feeling every bump”[4]. That flexibility sets it apart from the Porsche Macan, which corners harder but beats you up on potholed city streets.
The 8-speed Tiptronic responds sharply in Dynamic mode. But switch to Comfort for highway cruising and it’s a different animal—relaxed, smooth, and content to hold higher gears. Where it falls short? Steering feel. Compared to a BMW or Porsche, the SQ5’s wheel is numb. You’ll know what the front tires are doing, but you won’t feel it through your fingertips. That’s the trade-off for a softer, more compliant ride.
And the quattro system? It genuinely works. One owner documented tackling “4-5 inches of snow/ice transitioning through N. Texas/N. Mexico like a champ while other Tahoes were spinning out”[4]. The rear limited-slip differential helps rotate the back end when you push hard through corners—subtle, but noticeable.
Interior & Technology
Audi’s cabin remains a class leader. The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit displays navigation maps with Google Earth imagery, and the customizable layouts let you prioritize whatever info matters most to you[4]. One reviewer called it “a absolute show-stopper” that’s “beautiful, intuitive, and a pure joy to use”[4].
Material quality punches above the price point. Soft-touch surfaces cover most contact areas, and the available quilted Nappa leather seats feel genuinely luxurious. Front seat space is excellent—38.1 inches of headroom and 40.9 inches of legroom[1]. The rear? Adequate for adults, though tighter than the Mercedes GLC. Cargo space measures 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
The MMI infotainment system includes a touchpad with handwriting recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. But here’s the thing: Audi’s option packages stack up fast. Want the Bang & Olufsen sound system, head-up display, and heated rear seats? That’s extra. A well-equipped Prestige trim easily crossed $65,000 when new.
Safety Ratings
IIHS rated the Q5 platform “Good” across all crashworthiness tests—small overlap front (driver and passenger), moderate overlap, side impact, and roof strength[5]. The front crash prevention system earned a “Superior” rating with optional Audi Pre Sense Front; the vehicle avoided collisions entirely at 25 mph and nearly avoided them at 12 mph[5].
Pedestrian detection earned an “Advanced” rating, successfully avoiding collisions with crossing children at 12 mph and parallel adults at 25 mph[5]. Head restraints scored “Good” for whiplash protection[5].
One note on headlights: the Prestige trim’s LED projectors earned a “Good” rating, but the Premium and Premium Plus trims with different headlight configurations only scored “Acceptable”[5]. If night visibility matters to you, factor that into trim selection. For buyers prioritizing safety features, understanding which Q5 years have better safety tech helps narrow choices.
The Reliability Question
No sugarcoating: some owners have reported serious issues.
One Edmunds reviewer documented head gasket failure and timing chain housing problems at just 22,000 miles—”Car spent 5 weeks in the shop – all covered by warranty but 22k miles to have this level of engine work is less than ideal”[4]. Another owner experienced total electronic system failures three times within three drives, including complete instrument cluster shutdowns and airbag warnings[4]. (Audi corporate eventually replaced that vehicle under lemon law provisions.)
That said, plenty of owners report trouble-free experiences. The turbocharged 3.0L V6 has been in Audi’s lineup for years and is generally robust when properly maintained. Audi vehicles can exceed 150,000 miles with diligent service—just don’t defer oil changes or use anything less than the recommended full synthetic.
If buying used, get a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection from an Audi specialist. Verify remaining warranty coverage. And check service records for any previous engine work.
Ownership Costs
Budget for premium fuel—always. Running regular gas can cause knock and reduced performance. At 20 mpg combined and current premium prices, expect roughly $2,400-$2,800 annually for fuel assuming average driving[1].
Tires are the hidden expense. One owner noted the SQ5 “loves to chew through P-zero sport tires. At $350+/tire… that is annoying”[4]. The optional 21-inch wheels look great but wear expensive rubber that needs replacement every 25,000-35,000 miles. Stepping down to smaller wheels saves money long-term.
Scheduled maintenance follows Audi’s standard intervals—roughly $300-500 for minor services at dealership rates. Independent shops specializing in German vehicles typically charge 20-30% less.
Competitors Compared
| Model | HP | 0-60 mph | MPG Combined | 2021 MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi SQ5 | 349[3] | 4.7 sec[1] | 20[1] | ~$52,900 |
| BMW X3 M40i | 382 | 4.4 sec | 21 | ~$56,000 |
| Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 | 385 | 4.7 sec | 20 | ~$57,000 |
| Genesis GV70 3.5T | 375 | 4.8 sec | 21 | ~$52,000 |
The BMW edges out the SQ5 on raw power and efficiency. The Genesis delivers more bang for the buck plus a longer warranty. But the Audi’s interior quality and quattro’s foul-weather capability remain genuine advantages. And compared to the Mercedes? Owner reviews consistently criticize the GLC’s cramped rear seat—”my wife and I were very turned off by the back seat feeling like it was a literal after thought”[4].
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The 349-hp V6 delivers 369 lb-ft of torque from just 1,370 rpm—instant throttle response with zero lag for confident highway merging[3]
- Optional S Sport air suspension provides the rare combination of sporty handling and genuine long-distance comfort[4]
- Virtual Cockpit with 12.3-inch configurable display ranks among the best digital gauge clusters in any segment[4]
- Quattro AWD with rear limited-slip differential handles snow and ice confidently—owners report outperforming truck-based SUVs in winter conditions[4]
- IIHS “Good” crashworthiness ratings across all tests plus “Superior” front crash prevention make it one of the safer choices in class[5]
Cons:
- Premium fuel required plus 20 mpg combined means annual fuel costs run 30-40% higher than efficient competitors[1]
- Some owners report significant engine issues—head gasket failures and electronic malfunctions documented before 25,000 miles[4]
- Sport tires on optional 21-inch wheels wear quickly at $350+ per tire, adding substantial ongoing expense[4]
- Steering feel is muted compared to BMW X3 M40i and Porsche Macan, reducing the connected driving experience
- Option packages stack up quickly—a fully loaded Prestige trim easily exceeds $65,000
Final Verdict
The 2021 SQ5 does what most performance SUVs struggle with: it’s quick when you want it and comfortable when you don’t. The adaptive air suspension is the secret weapon—dynamic enough for spirited driving, compliant enough for highway road trips with the family. Interior quality remains a class leader, and the Virtual Cockpit is still one of the best implementations of digital gauges anywhere.
But the reliability reports give pause. Before buying used, verify service history thoroughly and budget for a pre-purchase inspection. (Full disclosure: I wouldn’t touch one with sketchy maintenance records, regardless of price.)
- Choose the 2021 SQ5 if: You prioritize interior quality and all-weather capability, want a comfortable daily driver that can still embarrass sports cars at stoplights, and plan to keep it under warranty or have access to a trusted Audi mechanic.
- Look elsewhere if: Long-term reliability tops your priority list, fuel economy matters to your budget, or you want the sharpest steering feel—the BMW X3 M40i and Genesis GV70 3.5T both offer stronger alternatives in those areas.
For those interested in other model years, check out our reviews of the 2022 SQ5 and 2024 SQ5. And if you’re exploring Audi’s broader SUV lineup, our best Audi SUV guide breaks down which models suit different needs.
FAQs
Is the 2021 Audi SQ5 reliable?
Reliability is mixed. The turbocharged 3.0L V6 has a generally solid reputation, but some owners report major issues like head gasket failures and electronic malfunctions before 25,000 miles[4]. If buying used, a pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist is essential. Vehicles still under the original 4-year/50,000-mile warranty provide more peace of mind.
How fast is the 2021 Audi SQ5?
What’s the difference between the Audi Q5 and SQ5?
The SQ5 packs 349 horsepower versus the standard Q5’s 261 hp—an 88-hp advantage[3]. Beyond the upgraded engine, the SQ5 gets sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, quad exhaust tips, and visual upgrades including a unique grille and S-specific interior trim. The 0-60 sprint drops from around 5.7 seconds to 4.7 seconds[1].
References
- Kelley Blue Book. (2024). 2021 Audi SQ5 Specs, Features & Options. https://www.kbb.com/audi/sq5/2021/specs/
- Car and Driver. (2020). 2021 Audi SQ5 / SQ5 Sportback Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/sq5-2021
- Edmunds. (2025). Used 2021 Audi SQ5 Specs & Features. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/sq5/2021/features-specs/
- Edmunds. (2021). Used 2021 Audi SQ5 Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/sq5/2021/consumer-reviews/
- IIHS. (2021). 2021 Audi Q5 4-door SUV Safety Ratings. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/audi/q5-4-door-suv/2021
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
