DecodedCarsAudi SQ5
14 model years from 2014 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2014–2027
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Latest engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 19–23 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 14 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2018 (25)
- Fewest problems
- 2023
The 2026 SQ5 in brief
The 2026 Audi SQ5 is a small SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,663 lb (4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 11% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
The Audi SQ5 has 14 model years in our data, from 2014 to 2027.
Its most efficient year was 2027 at 23 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 19 to 23 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the engine (24), electrical system (22), steering (13).
Buying used? 2023 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2018 is the year to avoid.
2021 has the most recalls (5); all years together count 14 campaigns and 124 owner complaints.
How the 2014 SQ5 compares
The 2014 Audi SQ5 is a small SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,409 lb.
2026 SQ5 pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2023 SQ5
3 owner complaints · 0 recalls
Year to avoid2018 SQ5
25 owner complaints · 5 recalls · 1 crash report
Most reported: Electrical System
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 10 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
SQ5 changes by model year
- 2026
- Lightest version 397 lb heavier
- 2018
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 21
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 14 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 23 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 23 MPG | 185.8 in | 4,663 lb | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 22 MPG | 184.3 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2024 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 184.3 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2023 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 184.3 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 184.3 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2021 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 184.3 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 5 | 13 |
| 2020 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 183.9 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 4 | 8 |
| 2019 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 183.9 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 5 | 20 |
| 2018 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 183.9 in | 4,398 lb | Not rated | 5 | 25 |
| 2017 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 182.3 in | 4,409 lb | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2016 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 182.3 in | 4,409 lb | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 182.3 in | 4,409 lb | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2014 | 3.0L 6-cyl | 19 MPG | 182.3 in | 4,409 lb | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
Alternatives to the 2026 SQ5
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model Y | 357 mi | Not rated | 8 |
| 2026 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Land Rover Defender | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 BMW X3 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →