“The SQ5 is a terrific combination of sport, luxury, and utility. It looks great, the powertrain is fantastic, and the car always feels up to the task at hand, whether it is being driven easy or hard. Plenty of room for passengers and gear, and a nice panoramic sunroof to take in the view.”
2016 Audi SQ5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Audi SQ5 has no major changes from 2015. Its most notable update is that adaptive damping became a standalone option on Premium Plus, while the core powertrain, chassis, and two-trim lineup carried over.
About the 2016 Audi SQ5
1st-generation SQ5 for the U.S. market, based on the first-generation Q5 after its refresh; 2016 is the third U.S. model year for SQ5 and the second-to-last year before the all-new 2018 redesign.
Audi positioned the SQ5 as the high-performance version of the Q5: a compact luxury SUV that mixes everyday usefulness with the feel of a fast sport sedan. The brochure leans on strong acceleration, sharp handling, premium materials, and versatility, while reviewers point to the same mix of speed, upscale cabin quality, and usable rear-seat and cargo space. In simple terms, the SQ5 is for shoppers who wanted one vehicle to cover family duty, highway comfort, and genuinely quick driving.
The Premium Plus is the performance-focused version, with a 354-hp supercharged V6, quattro all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, larger brakes, sport seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The Prestige keeps that hardware and adds navigation, Bang & Olufsen audio, a rearview camera with parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive xenon headlights.
What changed, by category
Structural
Adaptive damping became a standalone option for Premium Plus rather than requiring a broader package.
Styling
New options included red brake calipers, diamond-stitched Fine Nappa leather, and additional wheel designs. Standard exterior styling did not change.
Tech
Bang & Olufsen audio joined the optional Premium Plus Technology package. Bluetooth also changed from standard to optional on Premium Plus.
2016 Audi SQ5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 354 hp | 354 hp |
| Torque | 346 lb-ft | 346 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4400 lb | 4400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi SQ5 significantly different from the 2015 model?
No. The 2016 SQ5 keeps the same 354-hp supercharged V6, eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, chassis, and Premium Plus and Prestige trim structure. The updates are limited mainly to optional equipment.
Did the 2016 Audi SQ5 get a new engine or more power?
No. The 2016 SQ5 carries over the 354-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6, eight-speed automatic transmission, and quattro all-wheel drive from 2015.
Does every 2016 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus have adaptive damping?
No. Adaptive damping was a standalone option on the 2016 Premium Plus, so shoppers need to check the equipment on the specific used vehicle.
Which 2016 Audi SQ5 trim has navigation and driver-assistance features?
The Prestige has navigation, blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, and parking sensors as standard equipment. On Premium Plus, the camera, sensors, and blind-spot monitoring were tied to the optional Technology package.
What optional appearance upgrades were new for the 2016 Audi SQ5?
The 2016 SQ5 added optional red brake calipers, diamond-stitched Fine Nappa leather, and additional wheel designs. Its standard styling otherwise carried over.
2016 Audi SQ5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Audi SQ5.
4.5
2016 Audi SQ5
(62 reviews)
“* For a $70k vehicle, it should have more than 354hp * Maybe time for an RSQ5? * Interior is dated compared to other Audi models. Customers should receive discount for dated interior vs other Audi models. I wish the SQ5 had another 50 horsepower and 3 inches in length.”
“The SQ5 is luxury and performance all in one. Beautiful interior with room for 5!Love the handling and performance of the supercharged engine.”