Every parent knows that kids, especially toddlers, have a way of helping you see the world through fresh eyes. It keeps you young, helps you reconnect with the simple pleasures we become numb to as we get older and jaded. And if your kids are anything like mine, their lack of shame and embarrassment is downright hilarious. But it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
Some days, it feels like you’re just wagging your finger in their face, and you’re swamped with tantrums, fits, and crying spells. My husband and I like to put our critters in the car on those days. There’s more to distract them, there are more fun things to look at, and the constant, steady motion helps calm them down. Therefore, having a car that feels the same way for us—that we enjoy driving—is important.
The Audi SQ5 Prestige was that car for us the week we had it. The Black Optic and Prestige Package (adding up to $74,740) was one of the most fun SUVs I’ve driven in a long while. I’m not a fan of huge SUVs, so having something fast, fun, attractive as hell, and functional was so refreshing for me as a car reviewer.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Exterior is, Naturally, What First Caught my Eye—and I Underestimated It
The 2025 Audi SQ5 makes a strong first impression, especially in Glacier White Metallic (an extra $595) paired with the Black Optic Package ($1,650). The darker trim, mirror housings, roof rails, and dark chrome exhaust tips give the SQ5 a more assertive, almost stealth‑luxury vibe that stands out without shouting—kind of like wearing an obscure pop culture shirt that only insiders truly understand.
Audi’s digital OLED taillights and customizable DRL signatures add a layer of tech‑forward personality you can actually see, which is a fun detail for buyers who like their cars to feel a little futuristic. My favorite part was the “quattro” light under the spoiler that spanned across the back window. It looked a lot nicer than the puddle lights I’ve seen before.
Up front, the headlights keep the SQ5 looking crisp and modern, and the overall design still leans toward understated elegance rather than the aggressive angles you see on some of its competitors. It’s the kind of design that works equally well for school drop‑off and a night out, which is exactly the balance most families want (I know I do, that’s why we never got rid of our WRX).
With the SQ5, I liked that from a distance, it looked like a normal SUV that wouldn’t surprise anyone in the school pickup line. But once they were seated in it, or behind the wheel of one, someone’s whole perception of it could change. There aren’t many SUVs out there like it.
But How Much Does it Cost? Well, a Lot—But it’s Fair
With a base price of $64,800 and a Prestige Package that adds $6,400, the SQ5 lands very firmly in premium territory. Add the Black Optic Package and destination, and the total MSRP of $74,740 reflects a fully loaded luxury performance SUV. The good news is that the Prestige Package genuinely transforms the SQ5, adding meaningful tech, comfort, and safety upgrades rather than just cosmetic touches. For buyers who want the full Audi experience, it’s the trim that makes the most sense.
Value, when it comes to performance luxury, is always relative. Compared to the BMW X3 M50, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43, and Porsche Macan S, the SQ5 positions itself as the more comfortable, more refined option rather than the most aggressive—at least in my opinion. It’s a luxury‑leaning performance SUV that prioritizes livability, and for many families, that’s exactly the right formula. The fuel costs are higher than average, but the overall package feels cohesive and well‑executed.
The Interior is Where the Magic Happens, and Magical She Is
Inside, the red leather (what Audi calls ‘Arras Red’) interior is the star of the show. It’s bold without being garish because it’s a deeper, softer red compared to something you’d see in an Acura Type S or Lexus F Sport. It instantly elevates the cabin from a “nice luxury-sport SUV” to something with a fun, vibrant personality. The Nappa leather seating surfaces included in the Prestige Package (an extra $6,400—but worth every penny) feel appropriately premium, and the front sport seats strike that sweet spot between supportive and comfortable. They kept me nice and planted during spirited drives, but were insanely comfortable any other time.
Add in the optional ventilation and massage functions, and you’ve got a cabin that feels genuinely special on long drives or during the daily grind. The panoramic sunroof brightens everything up, making the red leather feel even richer. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either. Heated rear seats and manual rear sunshades—both part of the Prestige Package—make the SQ5 feel more family‑friendly than its performance branding suggests.
Three‑zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable, and the acoustic front door glass helps maintain a quiet, calm cabin even at highway speeds. It’s the kind of interior that feels thoughtfully designed for both adults and kids, which isn’t always the case in performance‑leaning SUVs. The tinted and panoramic sunroof opened everything up, too, and the sun shining through made it so much easier to appreciate Audi’s angular design language beautifully. It was an interior I was not keen to step out of.
The Technology is Just Right—Potent, but Not Overwhelming. And No Distracted Drivers!
Audi leans hard into screens this year, and the SQ5’s tech suite is both impressive and not at all overwhelming. The 14.5‑inch multimedia touch display and 11.9‑inch driver information display are crisp, fast, and easy to read, and the head‑up display in the Prestige Package adds another layer of convenience.
The standout, though, is the 10.9‑inch, fully-functional screen for the front passenger. It’s not just a gimmick—it has a privacy mode so the driver can’t see what the passenger is watching, which is a thoughtful safety touch in an era when screens are everywhere. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained without tempting the driver to glance over. If you weren’t playing games or streaming, the screen can be used to manipulate the navigation screen, change the roadtrip playlist, and more. But not without the driver’s permission, of course.
The Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system is another highlight, delivering rich audio that makes everything sound fantastic. Wireless phone charging and Audi smartphone interface are standard, so daily tech integration is seamless. The top‑view camera system is especially helpful in tight parking lots or garages—My husband couldn’t contain himself when he noticed that the front cameras tell you how far away you are from the obstacle in front, too.
Speaking of Technology, There’s a Laundry List of Driver Assistance Features
The Audi SQ5 comes loaded with safety features that matter for families (and otherwise, of course). Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic assist, and exit warning. These are the kinds of features that quietly reduce stress in everyday driving, especially in busy parking lots or chaotic school pickup lines. Park Assist Plus and the rearview camera make maneuvering easier, and the acoustic glass (yes, I’m mentioning it again) helps keep the cabin calm, which indirectly contributes to safer driving.
The Prestige Package adds adaptive cruise assist, which blends adaptive cruise control with lane guidance for smoother highway travel. It’s not hands‑off driving, but it does reduce fatigue on long trips and helps make it easier to retrieve dropped water bottles or shoes without worrying too much. Combined with the SQ5’s inherently stable frame and quattro all‑wheel drive, the safety tech makes the SUV feel secure and predictable in a wide range of conditions. It’s a performance SUV that still prioritizes family safety, which is exactly the balance most buyers in this class want.
The Performance is Where the SUV Truly Finds Its Stride
Under the hood, the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivers the kind of power that makes the Audi SQ5 feel alive. The power is balanced beautifully, with enough power to keep things relatively efficient, without feeling unruly or wild. This part is nerdy, but my husband noted that the 7‑speed S tronic dual‑clutch transmission made the SUV feel quicker and more responsive than other performance SUVs we’ve tested.
Shifts are crisp and well‑timed, especially in Dynamic or Sport mode, where the SQ5 takes on a more playful personality. Quattro all‑wheel drive keeps everything planted, and the sport adaptive air suspension smooths out rough pavement while still giving you the confidence to push a little harder on twisty roads.
What stands out most is how well the SQ5 balances performance with everyday comfort. It’s sporty enough to be fun, but not so stiff that you’ll regret it on long drives or with kids in the back (there’s a comfort driving mode that literally softens things up). The drive select system lets you tailor the experience, and the new balanced mode is a great middle ground for daily driving. It’s not the most aggressive SUV in its class, but it’s one of the easiest to live with—and that’s a strength for families who want something quick but not punishing.
Mileage Isn’t the Best, but It’s Impressive for What It Is
Fuel economy for me wasn’t the greatest (and it wouldn’t be, because it’s performance-oriented). With mostly city driving, I saw a combined mileage of around 22 mpg. Audi says it’s also rated for 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, which is about what you’d expect.
It’s not going to win any efficiency awards, but it’s also not wildly out of step with competitors. One thing you’ll have to keep in mind, though, is the fact that it’s engineered to only use premium-grade (or 91 octane) fuel. So, it’ll definitely cost a bit more than an SUV that doesn’t require premium. But that extra expense certainly won’t scare off performance buyers, but that tidbit can be helpful context for readers comparing the SQ5 to more efficiency‑focused options.
For Something Meant for Driving Quickly, It’s Surprisingly Spacious and Practical
The Audi SQ5 offers solid cargo space for a performance SUV, with enough room for strollers, sports gear, or a week’s worth of groceries. The wide‑opening rear doors make loading car seats easier, and the LATCH anchors are accessible without contorting yourself into the back seat. The power tailgate (typical for the SQ5, even if not explicitly listed) adds convenience, especially when your hands are full. The only practical downside is the tire mobility kit—there’s no spare tire, which some families may find limiting on long road trips.
The rear seats are surprisingly usable, too. I was able to fit my toddlers’ car seats without any issues, and there was plenty of space before they were installed for adults to sit comfortably. Still, the combination of heated rear seats, sunshades, charging ports, cupholders, and a quiet cabin makes the Audi SQ5 feel more family‑friendly than its sporty branding suggests. It’s a vehicle that can handle daily life without feeling like a compromise, which is a big part of its appeal.
I know I’ve mentioned it a few times now, but the confidence from all-wheel drive is another major plus, especially for those who travel in winter or head to the mountains for ski season. The Audi SQ5 feels stable no matter how you’re driving, and it would be predictable in bad weather. It’s not the roomiest SUV on the market, but it’s one of the most well‑rounded for families who want something fun without sacrificing practicality.
