Likes
- Loaded with tech
- Beautiful interior
- Excellent driving experience
- Genuinely practical
Used Audi SQ5 review
2017 - 2021
Dislikes
- Short warranty period
- Potentially expensive parts and repair bills
- Reliability and longevity concerns
- Terrible depreciation
Stuff you should know
Overview:
The second-generation Audi SQ5 perfectly blends being genuinely fast and immensely enjoyable to drive while also being practical and luxurious. It’s small enough to easily manoeuvre through crowded car parks but large enough to feel substantial on the road, loaded with technology and safety equipment and its sophisticated yet understated body wears a classy European aesthetic.
But unfortunately, reality can hit hard with question marks hovering over the SQ5’s long term quality and reliability and (as we’ve seen from the first-generation SQ5), its habit of depreciating in value at an alarming rate.
Should you buy one? Read on.
What goes wrong?
- ECU and electronic issues
- Can have excessive oil consumption
- Water pump issues
- PCV valve issues
- Common engine mounts issues at approx. 80,000kms
- Engine bay plastics may have issues as they get older
- Turbo and intercooler issues
- ECU and electronic issues
- Can have excessive oil consumption
- Water pump issues
- PCV valve issues
- Common engine mounts issues at approx. 80,000kms
- Engine bay plastics may have issues as they get older
- Turbo and intercooler issues
- ECU and electronic issues
- Can have excessive oil consumption
- Water pump issues
- PCV valve issues
- Common engine mounts issues at approx. 80,000kms
- Engine bay plastics may have issues as they get older
- Turbo and intercooler issues
Should you buy it?
If you’re in the financial position to justify the depreciation, are economically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the potential mechanical and reliability issues and can find an SQ5 in mint condition, with a faultless service history with low mileage, yes. The SQ5, when working at 100%, makes for a fantastic package.
However, if buying an SQ5 is going to put a strain on your finances and you require a premium SUV that will stand the test of time, no, you shouldn’t buy one.
If you’re in the financial position to justify the depreciation, are economically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the potential mechanical and reliability issues and can find an SQ5 in mint condition, with a faultless service history with low mileage, yes. The SQ5, when working at 100%, makes for a fantastic package.
However, if buying an SQ5 is going to put a strain on your finances and you require a premium SUV that will stand the test of time, no, you shouldn’t buy one.
Should you buy it?
If you’re in the financial position to justify the depreciation, are economically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the potential mechanical and reliability issues and can find an SQ5 in mint condition, with a faultless service history with low mileage, yes. The SQ5, when working at 100%, makes for a fantastic package.
However, if buying an SQ5 is going to put a strain on your finances and you require a premium SUV that will stand the test of time, no, you shouldn’t buy one.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech Specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo petrol, 260kW / 500Nm (SQ5 2017 – 2020, Black Edition 2018 – 2019)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo with electric compressor diesel, 255kW / 700Nm (TDI special edition 2020)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo with electric compressor diesel, 251kW / 700Nm (TDI 2021 – 2022)
Transmission
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 7.3 – 11.2 / 100km (SQ5, Black Edition)
- 6.2 – 7.7 / 100km (TDI special edition)
- 6.0 – 8.7 / 100km (TDI)
Length
- 4671mm – 4689mm (All Models)
Width
- 1893mm (All Models)
Height
- 1635mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2824mm – 2832mm (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2017 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo petrol, 260kW / 500Nm (SQ5 2017 – 2020, Black Edition 2018 – 2019)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo with electric compressor diesel, 255kW / 700Nm (TDI special edition 2020)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo with electric compressor diesel, 251kW / 700Nm (TDI 2021 – 2022)
Transmission
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 7.3 – 11.2 / 100km (SQ5, Black Edition)
- 6.2 – 7.7 / 100km (TDI special edition)
- 6.0 – 8.7 / 100km (TDI)
Length
- 4671mm – 4689mm (All Models)
Width
- 1893mm (All Models)
Height
- 1635mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2824mm – 2832mm (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2017 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo petrol, 260kW / 500Nm (SQ5 2017 – 2020, Black Edition 2018 – 2019)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo with electric compressor diesel, 255kW / 700Nm (TDI special edition 2020)
- 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo with electric compressor diesel, 251kW / 700Nm (TDI 2021 – 2022)
Transmission
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 7.3 – 11.2 / 100km (SQ5, Black Edition)
- 6.2 – 7.7 / 100km (TDI special edition)
- 6.0 – 8.7 / 100km (TDI)
Length
- 4671mm – 4689mm (All Models)
Width
- 1893mm (All Models)
Height
- 1635mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2824mm – 2832mm (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2000kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2017 (All Models)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / unlimited km (SQ5, Black Edition, TDI special edition, TDI)
- 5 years / unlimited km (TDI)
Servicing
- 15,000 km / 12 months (All Models)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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