DecodedCars2018 Audi SQ5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,398 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
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.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Audi SQ5 is a small SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,398 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 9% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2018
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 21
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 SQ5 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 183.9 in | 74.4 in | 65.4 in | 111 in | 63.8 / 63.4 in | 4,398 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ5 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -9% | $3,900 | 434 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi SQ5 SUV AWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 16.3% |
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi SQ5 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2018 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (5)
Structure › Body · Dec 8, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V947000 · 288,991 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
- Risk
- A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Structure › Body · Oct 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V737000 · 174,278 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
Wheels › Hub · Jun 5, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V416000 · 126,161 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Apr 8, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V277000 · 12,645 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
- Risk
- A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 1, 2018 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 18V369000 · 10,225 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Not every 2018 Audi SQ5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Audi SQ5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Audi SQ5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SQ5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 SQ5 | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 SQ5 | 23 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 SQ5 | 22 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2024 SQ5 | 21 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2023 SQ5 | 21 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 SQ5 | 21 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2021 SQ5 | 20 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 13 |
| 2020 SQ5 | 20 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 8 |
| 2019 SQ5 | 21 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 20 |
| 2017 SQ5 | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2016 SQ5 | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 SQ5 | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →