2020 Audi SQ5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

There are many sub-categories when it comes to the car market these days. One that has grown in popularity over the years is the luxury sport SUV. For 2020, the Audi SQ5 represents a strong choice. Based on the Audi Q5, this vehicle adds more athletic elements. This sounds great, but does the 2020 Audi SQ5 have any flaws? Let's take a look at the pros and cons, as well as how it looks in comparison to the competition.

What's New for 2020?

Buyers will be happy to hear that there are new standard features for the 2020 Audi SQ5. All models now have the Convenience Plus package. This adds high beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, a phone signal booster, and wireless charging to the SUV. Available in 2020 for certain models is also a Driver Assistance package. It will give drivers both lane-keeping assist and an adaptive cruise control feature.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Audi SQ5 – The Pros

1. Standard Quattro All-Wheel-Drive

There is no paying extra for all-wheel-drive when it comes to the 2020 Audi SQ5. This standard advanced system helps maintain optimum traction in all conditions. The system can constantly monitor conditions and will send the correct amount of power to the correct wheel immediately. Audi customizes this feature to each model, making the Audi SQ5 a safe yet thrilling SUV to drive.

2. Surprisingly Fuel-Efficient

Powerful SUVs are not known for their fuel economy. This can be particularly true of sportier vehicles, but it is not the case for the 2020 Audi SQ5. Although the EPA estimates are around 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, which is around average, test drives have seen the SQ5 doing much better than that. In a world where gas prices seem to be always on their way up, any extra fuel efficiency is a huge bonus.

3. Long List of Standard Features

There are three trim levels when it comes to the 2020 Audi SQ5. All of them give consumers many highly sought-after tech and convenience features. Smartphone integration through both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. So are three 12-volt power outlets and two USB ports. Other tech features include Bluetooth and the HomeLink garage door opener. For comfort, there is tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and leather seating surfaces. Other standard interior features include LED ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

4. Available Virtual Cockpit

Both the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels of the 2020 Audi SQ5 come equipped with a virtual cockpit. This fully-digital screen is an impressive 12.3-inches and allows for a large amount of customization. It can show images from Google Earth, the next steps for the navigation, phone features, and more. There is a Classic, Infotainment, and Sport mode for this virtual cockpit. In Sport mode, it displays fun features like a lap timer, turbo boost gauge, and key performance stats.

5. Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Engine

All models of the Audi SQ5 are powered by a 3.0L V6 that will get them from zero to 60 in just 5.1 seconds in 2020. This engine produces 349-horsepower in addition to 369 lb-ft of torque. Paired with this engine is a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. These features, in combination with the standard all-wheel-drive, make the SQ5 and athletic and exhilarating SUV to drive.

6. Audi Pre-Sense City Safety

This driver assistance aid combines several things to help keep people safe. It will detect pedestrians or stationary vehicles when the SQ5 is traveling at speeds up to 52 MPH. When this happens, the vehicle attempts to alert the driver. If that does not work, automatic emergency braking is initiated. When this system kicks on at speeds of 25 MPH or less, it is capable of stopping the vehicle in time and avoiding a collision. Also available is Audi side assist with pre-sense rear radar sensors. These features help by detecting vehicles approaching a driver's blind spot at high speeds. It judges the risk based on the speed the SQ5 is traveling.

7. S-Sport Package Option

Available for the 2020 Audi SQ5 is an S-Sport package that adds performance-enhancing features. The main appeal is the sports-tuned adaptive air suspension. It can adjust both the ride height and suspension dampening, optimizing the performance of the SQ5 at every turn. This package also adds a sport rear differential and red brake calipers to help the SQ5 both look and drive more like a sports car.

8. Top-of-the-Line Prestige Trim

Although all three trims are nice, the Prestige trim really makes the 2020 Audi SQ5 luxurious. This trim comes standard with the convenient head's up display that gives driver vital information directly in their line of sight. It also has a 19-speaker audio system from Bang & Olufsen. Safety features added to this trim are active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with the traffic jam function. A park steering assist feature is also part of the standard equipment for this ultimate version of the SQ5. On the outside, drivers will find stylish 20-inch wheels, aluminum roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of LED lighting features.

9. Available Dynamic Steering

This available feature takes the performance of the SQ5 to amazing heights. This system adjusts based on the drive mode selected as well as the vehicle speed. By doing so, the cornering of the vehicle is more precise. It also helps when driving along the highway in a straight line. This feature works well with the available adaptive air suspension and standard drive mode select. Ultimately, the dynamic steering makes the SQ5 more fun to drive, something that Audi is known for.

10. Available MMI All-in-Touch Technology

Drivers who do not like fiddling with knobs or scrolling forever to find what they need will love the available MMI all-in-touch technology for the 2020 Audi SQ5. This feature will let someone "write" what they are looking for thanks to advanced hand-writing detection technology. The MMI technology also comes in handy when used with navigation because it allows drivers to use their fingers to move across the map. Not only do these features make drivers feel like they are living in the future, but they also make life a lot easier.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Audi SQ5 – The Cons

1. Small Cargo Space

The 2020 Audi SQ5 is a lot of things, but spacious is not one of them. It has only 27-cubic feet in its cargo area. On the bright side, the SQ5 has rear seats that will fold down for situations where hauling gear is more important than hauling passengers.

2. Somewhat Cramped Interior

Along those same lines, the interior passenger space is lacking for the SQ5. Although it has smaller numbers than competitors, many consumers may find it large enough to meet their needs. Drivers will want to sit inside the cabin of the SQ5 for themselves to see if this is going to be a drawback for them.

3. Not a Show-Stopper

One of the things buyers look for when shopping for a luxury vehicle is eye-catching style. This is not what they will find when looking at the Audi SQ5. That said, consumers may prefer the more understated look this SUV offers. Plus, the SQ5 is hardly unattractive.

4. Price Tag Climbs Quickly

Although the entry-level model of the SQ5 is priced competitive, the numbers climb quickly when heading up the trim level. Wanting all that the Prestige trim has to offer will cost a pretty penny. Audi thinks there are enough features to justify this price, and it is not hard to see why.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

There are other sporty SUVs available to consumers. One is the Mercedes-Benz GLC. This vehicle is jam-packed with features but not nearly as fun to drive as the SQ5, which has a pretty impressive list of equipment itself. Consumers in the market for a sporty SUV will likely prioritize the way it drives. The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is a similar vehicle in many ways. It also has a lot to offer but does not have some of the available features that the SQ5 does. These include a hands-free liftgate and auto-dimming night and day rearview mirror. Although much larger, some people may also consider the 2020 Ford Expedition. This vehicle has a lot to offer in the way of performance and safety features. At the same time, it comes standard with rear-wheel-drive rather than all-wheel. It also does not offer adaptive cruise control, an increasingly popular driver assistance feature.

Conclusion

Taking a good look at the 2020 Audi SQ5 reveals a well-rounded SUV that will be perfect for a wide range of people. While it may not be the roomiest vehicle on the road, it has more than enough space for smaller families or those looking for a commuter. The long list of standard convenience and performance features here more than make up for any shortcomings. Having a standard twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel-drive is just icing on the cake. Going with the Audi SQ5 in 2020 is a good call.