Audi Q5 VS Audi SQ5 - Which would you pick?

[@jakeblack5712]

Here is why I chose a 2018 SQ5 and not the Q5: the SQ5 has way better performance, better engine, it’s got the classic version of Quattro which is full time all wheels and rear bias, mechanical solution....where the Q5 has the newer version of Quattro that is front wheel drive and only puts power to back wheels when it senses slippage - and relies on a computer. Personally I prefer the classic mechanical version of Quattro with the rear bias. Way better for performance handling/driving. All 4 wheels pulling all the time. The auto trans on the SQ5 is an 8 speed ZF that is super smooth and made to handle the much bigger torque of the SQ5, the Q5 is a 7 speed dual clutch that is not as smooth. And of course the power and the low growl of the twin scroll turbo V6....it makes me smile every time I start the SQ5 and hear it bark to life. But, let me tell you, the Q5 is a great vehicle and anyone should be pleased to have one, there is a reason why it’s Audi top seller. But I preferred the SQ5 and if I am going to keep it for the long haul I would rather have the more fun driving experience every day. And gas mileage...I am averaging 24 mpg overall in mixed driving. Way better than I thought I would get.

[@ACCELER8TV]

Great review! Your opinion is spot on. The Q5 has Quattro with ultra technology which basically makes it front wheel drive when the vehicle is sitting on the highway going straight... when your in sport or turn the wheel.. it kicks back in seamlessly! Thank you for you feed back and taking the time to write it. Much appreciated and don’t forget to sub, for some great vids coming!

[@guerro861]

For the reasons you mentioned above my wife also chose the SQ5. We drove both and the Q5 steering is dull and uninviting, on the other hand the SQ5 is versatile for everyday and spirited driving.

[@dimitrivasilev2905]

you would pay an extra $10000 for a 1L engine upgrade, be my guest

[@jancenj2218]

I'm interested in getting an SQ5. Have you encountered any major issues to date?

[@jakeblack5712]

No issues it’s been great. Almost 40,000 miles on it. Rock solid. I love it

[@Jarboe420]

S always, is that even a question, RS when ever possible.

[@Justiceone88]

Picked ‘21 sq5 ❤with real tailpipes has everything except head up display

[@qbania]

End of October (end of month on purpose) I walked into Audi Victoria and was ready to buy my first Audi... a 2019 Audi that I've had my eye on for a while. The 2019 Q5 Sline Black Package (Technik) in Daytona Grey. Thanks for all your videos @AudiSportMike It and the comments here helped me narrow down what I wanted for sure. I chose the Q5 over the SQ5 for 2 reasons. The main one being I saved myself $8000, AND the second one being if you've ever lived in Victoria you know driving here absolutely SUCKS, I couldn't justify to myself to need a car that does everything FASTER just to drive it in Victoria...where we don't even have a freeway. Anyways...I love it...I test drove an Acura RDX, A Lexus rx450, a couple Volvo's xc40 and xc60, also test drove a Hyundai Kona and Ionic just to see if Electric was where its at, I also drove a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and that new Ford Edge. Oh 1 other car... a Hybrid rav 4 (that my wife ended up loving, so we bought that across the street about a week earlier -- so long 2008 Nissan Pathfinder) she drives 30+ Km's to and from work each day w/ it so we really LOVE the hybrid. Anyways... my budget was $65 -> $75K, and I was trading up from a Platinum 2016 Nissan Murano. I'm so amped to be in the AUDI drivers club now, and something pretty special is going to have to come along to ever get me out of Audi ever again...

[@ACCELER8TV]

That’s awesome and important that you drove everything you could to narrow down the search, I have a few questions. 1) did you get the same attention at each dealership that you went to? 2) do you think the sales person would have affected your decision? 3) what vehicle was close to the Audi in terms of “I would buy that” That’s for your comments!

[@qbania]

@@ACCELER8TV Toyota & Audi in my opinion were the 2 best dealerships, of the ones we went to. All the salesman we had at the other dealerships rubbed me the wrong way...I'm not sure it made me like their cars less, but the salesman at Toyota, and the saleswoman at Audi made me like their cars more...if that makes sense. The Acura RDX A-Spec was my 2nd favorite car...I just didn't like the size of the front logo...it really bugged me...weird I know...but I preferred the Four Rings... :)

[@alexmair3613]

Love how the turbo is nestled inside the Hot V. Ive not seen the supercharged variant (its predecessor) surpass 500hp 550 hp if that... The turbo will bypass this limitation, and already Eurocode has a hybrid turbo that is 700hp capable!

[@ACCELER8TV]

You got it!!

[@kennyngo362]

Just got my 2021 sq5, absolutely love it

[@doriangray2020]

Waste of money.

[@Street-Savvy]

@@doriangray2020 why is that?

[@aidanl9535]

Sq5 is definitely the dream but I’d still love a Q5

[@ACCELER8TV]

Truth!

[@flash8051]

Front opening to "cool the rads"?? :) You think there are "rads" (radiators??) there? More likely to allow air flow to cool the front brake rotors I would think...

[@tommytempo1]

I prefer the shape of the pre - 2017 Q5.

[@videopyc]

Typically, the chrome exhaust tail pipes dont look good after just a few days of driving. Carbon build-up is normal on the exhaust tail pipes, but it is hard to remove the carbon build-up and keep the tail pipes chrome to look good. The car new rear end design is more efficient (reduces air drag), easier to clean and looks great.

[@ACCELER8TV]

Thanks for your comment! Much apprecited

[@x007x]

great review. thank you for highlighting the differences! well done. 👌🏾

[@deez3018]

Can I just make my q5 look like the 2018 sq5 by just switching the front and back bumpers ??

[@JA-ze6yb]

Wait.. which one has a HUD? Or do these not come with headsup displays?

[@jakeblack5712]

The HUD is an option you can get in either the Q5 or the SQ5. It’s not standard equipment though, you have to pay extra for it.

[@joanaowens598]

Which trim level is this on the SQ5

[@summerbreeze5758]

We want to know how it drives. Is the q5 steering softer? I driven the q5 and soft steering. I drive an S5 and stiffer steering so I’m hoping the sq5 have stiff steering like the s5

[@Pileits]

While I own an SQ5 I've driven the plain jane Q5 personally there is a WORLD of difference between the two. Performance is why I own my SQ5 but when I drove an ordinary Q5 I found it a total DAWG THE Q5 is a "mommy car. Glad I didn't make that mistake.

[@lou4nysq510]

Nice picture 👍,

[@jpizzledrizzle]

0.8 second difference in 0-60 and 1/4 miles times makes a car a dawg? Yours must be slightly doggy then.

[@PAULO-yu6jx]

*ACCELER8* *Pregunta: el AUDI Q5 y el AUDI SQ5, tienen VENTILADOR DE ASIENTOS DELANTEROS?* Saludos desde *Chile*

[@daveallsopp320]

Hi mike, I can’t see how this exhaust is an improvement, it makes it very generic to the rest of q5’s in my opinion Audi are going backwards with exterior styling

[@ACCELER8TV]

Dave Allsopp hey Dave, The sound under load is louder and more throaty than the previous Gen. not a fan of the fake exhaust, but I guess the black carbon tips were complaints so much have been a decision somewhere down the line to hide them.

[@jakeblack5712]

The fake exhaust is an Audi cost saving ploy and nothing else. Simplifies manufacturing and less cost. Mercedes is doing it now too on some models. It’s a sad trend. Any excuse that it’s eliminating some problem with standard exhaust is bull. Cars have had exhaust out the back for ages. Suddenly it’s a problem to be solved? I would rather they just have nothing back there rather than fake mock ups. It’s not a big enough reason to avoid this otherwise great car but it’s a disappointment.

[@daveallsopp320]

jake black totally agree, they have spoiled it for me and those wheels look awful

[@pesto12601]

Lol.. yeah.. because I want to SEE the exhaust coming out the pipe? WHY?

[@philipwan123]

How about the air suspension for sq5? Didn't mention it.

[@victorvandyke9898]

Spot on review. I ordered my 2018 SQ5 in April 2017, scheduled to be delivered around June 2017. Anyway, June came then July? I call my dealer? I see SQ5's on other dealer's lots, where's mine. Try to cancel sale, ordered one from another dealer, in stock right now! My dealer calls saying please, what can we do? Long story short I bought my original SQ5 for $1500 under dealer invoice! in Aug 2017. Got the Prestige with the 21 " wheels, loaded, sticker $63K, my cost $56,900. Car is not flawless, the delay when you floor it to get onto a road, or a lane change, just when you need it, the engine (computer) seems confused and stutters just for that moment where you say WTF! The same issue with my 2018 S3 and other VW products. Anoying enough for me to look elsewhere. Hope Audi is looking at this. Otherwise, a great commuter, average 19 MPG after 12,000 miles.

[@dinelalumiere7986]

Hey bro, i remember i subbed because u were in canada. Tell me please wth is going on with google maps and the 2019 models. I noticed a6/7/8 have it finally but the q5 in ur last video didnt. Thank you if u know anything about it and have a good 2019!

[@jimg4644]

I just picked up my new Daytona Gray SQ5 and the top view system stays on CAMERA. If they can fix my S5 to do that, I'd be super happy.

[@ACCELER8TV]

S5 sportbacks seem to be the biggest culprit of the screen going to sensor mode!

[@TheCenterLineAuto]

SQ5 sounds pretty good stock. Nice comparison between the two. What software are you using for your editing?

[@ianmcalpine]

ThatBlueS3 Adobe Premiere Pro 😎

[@monikayadav8714]

Thank you For all the information Keep going

[@ACCELER8TV]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@RJ-lk5pj]

We currently own a ‘16 q6 with tech & sport package-& s-line package Third Audi I’ve owned since 2005 where I was lucky enough to get a sky blue 2002 A6- absolutely never even thought about buying a domestic again! Our 16 is interactive enough not to be overwhelming for my wife and I. The q is her daily as she had a 2007 BMW X5 that she loved however she loves the Audi even more as I knew she would ! I had the opportunity during service was being done on our q5 to drive a newer body style q5 with 2.0 and a a7 with a 3.0t. The virtual cockpit option is without a doubt something you appreciate and observe regular tachometers as plain- The motors in the new 3.0t; improves the performance from our 3.0 T in our q5. Other then what I mentioned about only thing I wasn’t comfortable with- as simple as it maybe, the a7 had a brush trim where from my experience while in the sun can reflect and cause some trouble but other then that minute issues in my eyes- great design and improvements. The seats in this video, screams comfort and look very supportive. I love the extensions offered on sport package where I’m 6’ and have longer legs and need the extra support like we have in our q5- Which all our rentals didn’t have and it gave me trouble. I love the Audi brand and could chew the fat all day about them.. Great video 👍🏻

[@cbrinson2430904]

I wish mine had the heat and cool cup holders. Unfortunately no option for it lol.

[@ACCELER8TV]

Why which country are you in?

[@cbrinson2430904]

Georgia USA

[@eriknaparstek2807]

Informative comparison. I don't see too many reviews or discussions on the 2018 SQ5 w/o the optional S sport pkg. Have you personally driven both versions of the SQ5? (with and without the sport pkg) Interested on your take in regards to this option. thanks

[@ACCELER8TV]

Hi Eric, Here in Canada we dont have a "sport" pack for the SQ5, we do have options like 21' wheels, Air suspension, mag ride and rear sport diff as individual options. Are some of these options clumped together where you are from. The one that will make a real difference is air suspension VS Mag ride. IS that what you are referring to? if so, i can clarify.

[@eriknaparstek2807]

yup, you're absolutely right. the Sport pkg here in U.S. includes red brake calipers, sport diff, and air suspension. I opted for a premium plus model with some options, but w/o the sport pkg. Great car, but wondering what I'm missing. Thanks for reply.

[@ACCELER8TV]

Erik Naparstek I’m not a huge believer of the sport diff, the sir suspension is cool as I like the look of it slammed and GE adjustability but it’s not often sold with it.

[@jimg4644]

Audi needs to fix the glitch where it defaults to GRAPHIC even if you left it on CAMERA the last time you used it.

[@ACCELER8TV]

1000000000000% Except its very hit and miss between cars. Super annoying. So far about 10% of cars that go out the door do it, hard to put a real number because 25% of people barely use half the features. The back up/Top view camera you would expect everyone to notice. Great point! Thanks for your input.

[@jimg4644]

@@ACCELER8TV my sister has a Q7 that does the same thing. I am getting an SQ5 next week. I'm waiting to see if it's one that works right or not. My S5 Cabriolet does not work right.

[@jakeblack5712]

I have a 2018 SQ5 and mine has that issue with the 360 camera. At first I got lots of excuses and denials of an issue from Audi. then they finally admitted it and said it’s a software issue and a fix is coming. Waiting 8 months now and answer is still “a fix is coming but we cannot say when”. Tempted to file breach of warranty and maybe it will take enough people doing that where Audi has to settle with you or take car back as a lemon for them to finally fix it. Last update they told me a code fix in Germany is done but they are still testing it. That was a month ago. I work in IT, this code issue cannot be that hard to fix and if they have a fix how hard is it to test it? Very frustrating.

[@ACCELER8TV]

jake black news to me, it should be a software thing.. like personal profile tied to the key or something. Doesn’t happen in most, just a few cars.. so could be a 3rd party sourcing issue. I’m sure they will figure it out, just a matter of time. Audi is pretty good with that kinda stuff

[@jakeblack5712]

Audi Sport Mike no actually it’s a known problem with Audi software and it’s been very widespread. After over a year of complaints Audi finally released a software fix for this - came out in December of 2018. Thankfully mine now works properly.

[@axomofficial]

Great Work man keep em coming ;)

[@ACCELER8TV]

Thanks Axom Much appreciated!!!

[@qaching]

OK MAN I LIKE YOU SO I WILL SUB

[@ACCELER8TV]

Thanks man! check out all the other videos!

[@jans6252]

What a question?! Of course the same car with more power...THE SQ5

[@tomekwiraszka7312]

This is not as straightforward question as you might think. If class and refinement is what you want, Q5 makes better sense. For sexy exhausts you have your TT-RS and RS 4s.

[@jans6252]

Tomek Wiraszka the video is about about the same type of car...Its not comparing TT-RS and Q5

[@ACCELER8TV]

true, but i guess the better question is for people that say," i must get the SQ5"..what are the real differences

[@montetown8836]

@@ACCELER8TV I bought the SQ5 "because I can". Great video

[@videopyc]

@Audi Sport Mike I drove for 2 years a 2017 Q5 and now for a month the 2018 SQ5. And it is totally different driving experience. The 0-60 mph acceleration is amazing. The 2018 models have better seats. A and B pillars location and side mirrors location are noticeable improvements over 2017 models. Audi SQ5 and Q5 are fair competitors to Porsche lineup of SUVs.

[@HarryJVaughn3]

Nice review. I have. 2016 Q5 3.0. I feel like the 3.0 is a great compromise as you get both the power similar to the S plus better gas mileage. I’ve considered trading in my 3.0 for an SQ5 or investing in a stage II tune with the pulley upgrade. Hp hits around 450 I believe which is plenty for me. Anyone else have a tuned 3.0?

[@ACCELER8TV]

Nice man! Yes, the 3.0 is plenty and it’s smooth. They stopped making the regular 3.0, so people had no choice but to get the sq5 Yours is smoother than the Sq. I would keep the car and tune conservatively. If your not a speed demon, it will suffice without taking into account...that changing cars is not a cheap sport!

[@JeffWybo]

Great video buddy !!!

[@ACCELER8TV]

Thanks bro!!!!!

[@theengineer6213]

I wouldn’t waste money on an SUV sports. That kinda money can go to an S5 or and RS5. If I’m driving an SUV I don’t plan on racing.

[@merazgaahmeddjazil]

How much SQ5????

[@beefchuck]

Neither. Q5 plug in Hybrid will be the one.

[@pesto12601]

25 miles electric.... meh!

[@David-nu6kw]

SQ5 PILOT.

[@snuskenmaxi]

Fantastic video! Keep it up!

[@ACCELER8TV]

Thank you very much, this is one of the older videos ive shot..ive become better since then so thank you for your kind words!

[@daveallsopp320]

Great review, I think Audi have spoilt the sq5 with those stupid dummy exhausts and sad looking wheels, it is loosing its “S” pedigree and going very generic instead of being a TRUE “S” model

[@ACCELER8TV]

100% but most buyers arent enthusiasts, so they willl complain about the black around the exhausts tips..so hiding it solves that issue. The one thing they have improved besides the tech is the exhaust note!

[@daveallsopp320]

I think that Audi are getting away from the sport look what the “s” badge is about and going more towards executive styling, if so this will be a shame as I think the pedigree will die off, it will be interesting to see what the future styling plans are for the other “s” and “RS” models. Also where’s the diesel variant gone, petrol is so expensive in the U.K. for a vehicle with that sort of mpg even though they make the Q7 with the diesel variant😡

[@ACCELER8TV]

Diesel is done in North America, the next step is electric. That will be the next movement for Audi. So were sort of in that wierd middle ground!

[@henkka3931]

I find it kinda funny how my 2600kg e tron is as fast as the sq5

[@asheem]

You didn’t even mention the prices

[@ACCELER8TV]

Where are you located?

[@asheem]

NY

[@dimitrivasilev2905]

you can look it up yourself cant you

[@tiktokz-dx7he]

No google map interface on it?

[@yololol]

6:46 lol wtf happened?

[@peter210garage]

Any one want to join audi sq5/q5 group on Facebook,evryone is welcome AUDI NYC BUILD SQ5/Q5

[@fattony123082]

The Situation is reviewing cars now???

[@ACCELER8TV]

Yes! I’m done reviewing women. Too much work!

[@fattony123082]

Audi Sport Mike - Gym, Tan and Laundry. Back to the basics. Lol. Nice review by the way.

[@ToOpen6seven]

@@ACCELER8TV WOW, I thought you looked familiar, lol

[@jetech5986]

I picked the SQ5, the Q5, well optioned, is a super buy, the S badge and all it comes with may not be worth it to some, but that engine note in 'Dynamic', sigh, it's beautiful! I cross shopped Jag F-Pace S, RR Velar, Porsche Cayenne, blah, sorry no X5, def not a BMW fan boy. I didn't want to go to much over $100,000, once you add lux tax & all the other BS i.e. paint protection, ext warranty, winter package, etc. you're at $120,000 which I set as my total budget. I already own a 2015 RS5 cabriolet so I crossed off the Cayenne, besides Porsches approach to options pisses me off, way over budget once you add similar options. After test driving the SQ5 and Velar, the Jag F-Pace S was a disappointment, the interior is pretty bland with a lot of cheap looking bits and I wasn't comfortable with the drive. I really liked the Velar, but it being new and Range Rovers iffy reliability record and resale value just made me to nervous, the Audi SQ5 was the second best driver after the Cayenne, I purchased one with absolutely every option including the ext warranty, winter tire package, etc., AND, I could've bought a happy meal with the change I got back from the $100,000 bill :) A similarly optioned Velar is $120,000, the Jag would have been over as well. Audi SUVs are very good deal when comparing reliability, performance, build quality, options, with any of the other 'luxury' manufactures IMHO.

[@ACCELER8TV]

And im sure you are happy! The S4 was always the best "all round car" that Audi made..but now since most people buy SUV's the title goes to the SQ5. Glad you took the time to compare all the other vehicles in its class, and picked the one that worked best!

[@milevets]

Where are you based? Trying to compare price.

[@ACCELER8TV]

Stephen Lim jump on instagram, @audisportmike Maybe I can help you out. Send me a DM.

[@jakeblack5712]

I got my 2018 SQ5 with prestige package and almost every option. I got it well below invoice price. Depends on when you buy and how eager the dealer is to move the inventory. You can get these at some very good pricing if you shop around and know how to negotiate.

[@ACCELER8TV]

jake black totally! This time of year is where the deals are at! Welcome to the world of Audi!

[@GuvNick1]

SQ5 is supercharged. Not turbo

[@ACCELER8TV]

Older generation were supercharged. This one is turbo

[@ToOpen6seven]

@@ACCELER8TV What is the difference?

[@AncientAussie]

@@ToOpen6seven A "supercharged" engine has an "air pump" driven by a drive belt off the front of the engine to force more air into the cylinders when more power is asked for by the driver pushing down on the accelerator pedal. A "turbocharged" engine has its "air pump" driven by a turbine through which expanding exhaust gas passes as it leaves the engine. They achieve the same thing but their operating characteristics can be different. Earlier turbocharges had an inherent delay from when the accelerator pedal was pushed till the effects were felt by the driver - this has been improved significantly with more modern turbochargers. Superchargers did not have that inherent delay. Both significantly improve the horsepower produced by the engine.

[@bekabeka71]

Way too much money for sq5 plus all it's rivals can smoke it so I choose q5 for its decent price

[@ACCELER8TV]

Beka Machurishvili thanks for your view! And difference of opinion! Have a great day!

[@jakeblack5712]

Not sure what rivals “smoke it” - those that are faster are not faster by much. Porsche models that beat it are way more expensive. BMW and Mercedes comparable models don’t “smoke it”. Unless you call .2 seconds faster anything to shout about. Can you count to .2 seconds? Lol. The SQ5 however DOES smoke a standard Q5 and is way more fun to drive.

[@lou4nysq510]

And that's why you don't have one.enjoy life buddy 👍

[@jpizzledrizzle]

@@jakeblack5712 8 tenths of a second is weak for having a 2 more cylinders/100 hp, should beat the Q5 by more than that.

[@hraklisbakalopoulos269]

Niiceee

[@ACCELER8TV]

Thanks!! and thanks for watching, it means a lot! Dont forget to Sub!

[@ashley5130]

so basically no difference

[@wendya5887]

I like the VW Touareg better.

[@lou4nysq510]

I'll take my SQ5 over both of them cars!👍

[@ACCELER8TV]

Is it tuned?

[@lou4nysq510]

Not yet she only 3weeks old with me,but did 2up grades.RKX intake hose,AWE Sflo filter. Doing supercharger pulley down pipes in 2weeks.will be turned at the end when work is done...

[@theRealMarkieP]

*supercharged FTFY

[@ACCELER8TV]

Hey Marky, They are both turbo charged, for the newer generations. The older SQ5 was supercharged, but not this one!

[@theRealMarkieP]

Gothkkheeeeem...DNFTFY, haha...

[@ACCELER8TV]

you the acronym king!

[@theRealMarkieP]

@@ACCELER8TV HAHA!!

[@theRealMarkieP]

@@ACCELER8TV BTW, I have a 2017 SQ5 right now and was looking at maybe getting into a 2019. When are they gonna start hitting dealerships?