If you’ve been around any upscale shopping center or school pickup line lately, you’ve probably seen plenty of the Audi Q5. It’s polished and practical, quietly signaling success. I recently drove the all-new 2026 SQ5, the third generation of Audi’s performance SUV, and it feels like a major step forward. Built on a new platform, it offers up classic six-cylinder power with modern tech in a way that finally makes a daily SUV feel genuinely engaging. My first impression? It nails the balance most rivals struggle with, comfortable without being dull, quick without being punishing, and capturing without being pretentious.
Kyle Edward
Powertrain and Engineering Deep Dive
Under the hood, Audi has resisted the trend of downsizing to four cylinders. The 2026 Audi SQ5 keeps a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which immediately gives it more character than rivals. Output stands at 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
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This engine has been tuned to ensure minimal turbo lag. Instead of waiting for the turbo to build pressure, you get instant pull the moment you press the throttle, followed by a strong surge as the V6 comes fully online. The result feels both natural and punchy at the same time.
Kyle Edward
Audi has also replaced the previous 8-speed automatic with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which delivers much quicker, cleaner shifts and makes the SUV feel more responsive. Underneath, the new Premium Platform Combustion chassis uses stiffer materials and a sophisticated five-link suspension at both ends, improving control without sacrificing everyday comfort.
The Driving Experience: 9/10
Translating that engineering into motion is where the SQ5 truly shines. The V6 fires up with a deep, cultured resonance that simply cannot be synthesized by a four-cylinder. It sounds good. Not in an obnoxious, wake-the-neighbors way, but in a confident, mechanical way that reminds you there is a substantial engine up front.
Kyle Edward
Acceleration is brisk, with the 0-60 mph sprint happening in around 4.5 seconds. In the real world, it feels even faster. The hesitation you expect when stomping the gas at a green light is gone. The car just goes. It is a linear, relentless wave of torque that pushes you back into the seat and holds you there.
The switch to the dual-clutch transmission has largely paid off. When you are pushing the car on a back road, the shifts are telepathic. Pull a paddle, and the gear changes instantly with a satisfying “thwack” from the exhaust. It makes the driving dynamics feel super sporty and far more engaging than the previous model.
Kyle Edward
Ride quality is where it truly surprises. With the air suspension in Comfort mode, it soaks up bumps with ease and feels genuinely luxurious, even compared with firmer rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Switch to Dynamic, and the chassis tightens up, delivering sharp control and confidence on a winding road. It manages to feel relaxed during daily driving and properly stiff when you want it to be.
Steering is precise and predictable, addressing a longtime criticism of Audi models. While it may not be as talkative as the Porsche Macan, the front-biased Quattro system gives the SQ5 strong traction and stability through corners. The overall impression is of an SUV that feels planted, secure, and far more agile than its size suggests.
Kyle Edward
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Exterior Design & Features: 10/10
Visually, the latest Audi SQ5 adopts a cleaner, more modern design that looks upscale without trying too hard. The familiar Q5 shape is still there, but it is sharper, tighter, and far more contemporary.
One welcome change for 2026 is the return of real exhaust outlets. The previous model drew criticism for fake trim while the actual pipes were hidden underneath. This time, four genuine chrome tips sit proudly at the rear, a small but meaningful detail that shows Audi was paying attention.
Audi
The lighting technology on this car is frankly ridiculous, in the best way possible. The front features Matrix LED headlights, but the rear is where the party is. The car uses second-generation active, communicative OLED taillights. They can actually display warning symbols to drivers behind you if traffic slows down suddenly.
I personally loved the LED accent lighting. It is not just static; it is customizable. You can choose from up to eight different daytime running light signatures via the infotainment screen. It lets you change the car’s “face” to match your mood. It adds a layer of personalization that makes the car feel uniquely yours. It is sleek, modern, and distinctively Audi.
Interior Design, Tech, and Ergonomics: 9/10
Stepping inside is where the “blown away” feeling really cements itself. The interior design is excellent. Audi calls it the “Digital Stage,” and the cabin is dominated by a massive, curved panoramic display that houses both the 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display.
I particularly loved the dashboard’s different angles and the way everything is placed. It feels architectural, like a modern lounge chair, rather than just a collection of buttons and plastic. Speaking of plastic, you will not find much of the cheap stuff here. The materials are ultra-premium. I would go so far as to say the fit and finish feel better than anything currently inside a BMW X3 or even the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Dinamica microfiber and diamond-stitched Nappa leather feel rich to the touch, and the construction’s solidity is palpable.
Kyle Edward
There is a heavy reliance on screens, which is where the industry is headed. Physical buttons for climate control are gone, replaced by touch controls. While this usually annoys me, the screen clarity is so high and the response so snappy that it is less of a burden than in other cars. The system runs Android Automotive OS, which means apps like Spotify and YouTube are native to the car.
There is also an optional 10.9-inch passenger display with an “Active Privacy Mode,” allowing your co-pilot to watch movies without distracting you. It is a cool party trick that keeps the cabin feeling incredibly high-tech.
Comfort is paramount here. The sport seats offer excellent bolstering for spirited driving but remain comfortable enough for long road trips. The driving position is spot-on, offering a commanding view of the road without making you feel like you are driving a bus.
Kyle Edward
Pricing, Fuel Economy, and Practicality: 8/10
The 2026 Audi SQ5 starts at approximately $66,695 for the Premium trim, with the top-spec Prestige trim pushing past $74,000. In the competitive landscape, this pricing is quite competitive.
The BMW X3 M50 starts at around $66,300, while the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 starts at nearly $69,000. Considering the standard equipment Audi includes, including the Matrix LED headlights and the 20-inch wheels, the value proposition is strong.
Audi
Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. These are decent numbers for a 362-horsepower performance SUV.
Practically speaking, the SQ5 offers 26.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This is slightly less than the BMW X3’s 31.5 cubic feet but significantly more than the Mercedes GLC’s tight 21.9 cubic feet. It is plenty of room for a week’s worth of groceries or luggage for a family vacation.
Final Verdict: 9/10
The 2026 Audi SQ5 is a masterclass in balance. It positions itself perfectly as the rational performance SUV that you actually want to live with every day. It checks all of the boxes. It is luxurious, incredibly customizable with its lighting signatures, sporty enough to make you smile on a back road, and fast enough to merge with authority. It even sounds good, thanks to that V6 and the return of real exhaust pipes.
So, who is this car for? It is for the person who wants speed and status but has grown out of the “look at me” phase. It is for the driver who appreciates the engineering of a dual-clutch transmission and air suspension but still needs to pick up the kids and do a Costco run in total comfort.
If you are cross-shopping this against the BMW X3 or the Mercedes GLC, take a hard look at the Audi. The materials are better, the air-suspension ride is excellent, and the tech is simple and easy to use. It is a complete package that is very hard to fault.
About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog