2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5: Deft Handlers on Colorado’s Rockies

The best-selling Audi Q5 is all-new for 2025 and more sophisticated than ever. This third-generation model boasts a sleek yet muscular silhouette with raised wheel arches. The upper part of the headlamps and taillamps—featuring OLED technology—can be customized in eight different ways simply by selecting a motif in the infotainment system.

The sportier SQ5, meanwhile, stands out with larger air intakes up front, a more aggressive-looking rear diffuser and various matte silver accents. It also boasts quad exhaust tips, 21-inch wheels, plus an available black package.

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The evolution of Audi’s compact SUV continues with an expanded suite of safety and driver assistance systems as well as improved engine performance. The standard SUV variant is already in dealerships, while the coupe-style Sportback variant will arrive in the coming weeks.

Beautifully Integrated Technology

Inside both the Q5 and SQ5, the main highlight is what Audi calls the Digital Stage—a horizontally arranged digital interface combining a sleek and slightly customizable 11.9-inch instrument cluster with a driver-oriented 14.5-inch centre touchscreen that proves ergonomic to use. The section below the screen extends forward so that drivers can rest their wrist on it for easier operation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but navigation and other digital services are available through a subscription.

The front-seat passengers in top-line Technik trim get their own 10.9-inch display, allowing them to monitor navigation, change music stations and more. It also serves as an entertainment hub with popular apps such as YouTube, Amazon's Alexa and Spotify. The display is positioned so as not to distract the driver, who will only see a dark panel when the vehicle is in motion.

Audi has simultaneously redesigned the cabin to offer more space for passengers. The cup holders are larger and the wireless charging pad can even cool your phone. In the rear, air-conditioning controls come standard. The mid-grade Progressiv models add a panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and additional USB-C ports for all occupants. The seats are generously padded and comfortable, although we found them to be on the firm side.

On a practical note, trunk capacity has increased and ranks among the largest in the segment. The rear bench seat has a 40/20/40 split and can be reclined to multiple positions or moved forward in order to maximize versatility. If that's not enough, the roof rails can support 110 lbs of cargo (or 165 lbs with the optional air suspension). Towing capacity is rated at 4,400 lbs.

Two Excellent Powerplants

The company invited North American journalists to Aspen, Colorado with plans to drive the new 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 at altitudes in excess of 12,000 feet. The scenery was breathtaking, as you can imagine, but would the engines run out of breath? We’re happy to report they did not. Heck, the SUVs even managed to pass slower cars without any trouble.

The Q5’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In normal driving conditions, it can achieve 0-100 km/h sprints in 6.2 seconds. The SQ5, on the other hand, uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. All models feature quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The two powerplants are solid performers, although the sound of the four-pot is not particularly delightful. The transmission is a bigger disappointment, mind you—it tends to hesitate at lower speeds, sometimes even when using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This applies to both the Q5 and the SQ5, regardless of the drive mode you select. By the way, Dynamic mode makes the most efficient use of the gearbox.

Once underway, shifts are smooth and quick. At one point when pushing the SQ5 to the limit, a warning light came on. Audi was aware of this electronic problem and working to fix it. We just had to release the throttle for a few seconds to make the light disappear. Considering we were driving pre-production models, we won’t make a big deal out of it.

Contrary to what we wrote when we first tested the new Q5 and SQ5 in Spain, North American models do not feature mild hybrid technology. Hybrids are not planned, either, at least for the time being. That’s too bad. Here’s a way to improve fuel economy, and Audi prefers to leave it in Europe. Incidentally, the previous-generation Q5 is still available in plug-in hybrid configuration on the Audi Canada website as a 2025 model. The problem is that virtually all units have now been sold.

The Quest for Balance

Road conditions in the Rockies were difficult. We had to face temperature changes, rain and even snow. Nonetheless, the quattro four-wheel drive system lived up to its reputation. Traction was never a problem.

For a more stable ride, both the Q5 and SQ5 were equipped with an air suspension. In Dynamic mode, the system lowers the vehicle by 15 mm and sharpens its reflexes. Comfort and Balanced modes have no impact on ride height, but the former dials up softer tuning for the dampers and steering. Offroad and Offroad Plus modes increase ground clearance by 30 mm—perfect for tackling trails and unpaved roads.

Overall, the SUVs are impressively balanced. Steering is precise and responsive, whatever the drive mode. Body roll and other chassis movements are expertly controlled, so handling remains excellent at all times.

At the end of the day, it was apparent that the Q5 and SQ5 had somehow been easy on gas despite our enthusiastic driving style and the high altitude. They burned 8.8 and 9.3 L/100 km, respectively. Under normal circumstances, combined fuel consumption should be around 9.9 and 10.7 L/100 km according to data from Natural Resources Canada.

Beware of High Prices

Excluding the Sportback variant, the 2025 Audi Q5 lineup starts at $58,700 (MSRP). Progressiv and Technik models retail from $63,900 and $65,400, respectively. Meanwhile, the SQ5 pushes the price to $78,700 for the Progressiv model and up to $81,200 for the Technik.

All in all, the new Q5 and SQ5 have a lot going for them and should continue to lead sales in the compact luxury segment. Despite a few irritants, including the transmission, the absence of a hybrid option and certain subscription-based services, they prove to be more competent than ever and easy to recommend for those who want a versatile and refined SUV. The main drawback, however, is the significant price hikes.