“This crossover sized SUV is sporty and stylish, comfortable and has great technology features.”
2021 Audi SQ5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Audi SQ5 is a mid-cycle refresh that brings updated exterior styling and a newer 10.1-inch touchscreen system. The SQ5 Sportback also joins the U.S. lineup, and more driver-assistance features become standard.
About the 2021 Audi SQ5
2nd generation SQ5 (2018-2024), mid-cycle refresh year; first U.S. model year for the SQ5 Sportback.
Audi positions the SQ5 as the high-performance version of the Q5: a compact luxury SUV that blends quick V6 power and standard quattro all-wheel drive with everyday comfort, upscale cabin materials, and strong technology. Its appeal is not just straight-line speed, but the way it mixes family-friendly usefulness with a more athletic feel than a regular Q5. Against rivals, it leans toward all-around daily usability instead of a harsh, track-focused personality.
The 2021 SQ5 combines a 349-hp turbocharged V6, an eight-speed automatic, standard all-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension. Premium covers the performance and comfort essentials, while Premium Plus adds features such as a digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras, and more advanced driving assistance. Prestige is the most feature-rich version, with OLED taillights, a head-up display, premium audio, heated rear seats, and quieter front windows.
What changed, by category
Styling
Audi refreshed the front and rear with a revised grille, bumpers, lighting details, and wheel designs. Prestige also gained OLED taillights.
Tech
A newer 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system replaced the previous setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, while navigation changed from standard to optional on Premium Plus.
Safety
Driver-assistance coverage expanded. Blind-spot monitoring became standard on Premium, while Premium Plus made adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and active lane support standard. Front and rear parking sensors also became standard across the lineup.
Structural
The SQ5 Sportback joined the U.S. range for the first time, adding a sleeker roofline alongside the regular SQ5 body style.
2021 Audi SQ5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 349 hp | 349 hp | 349 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Top View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Audi SQ5?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh with revised front and rear styling and a newer 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Audi also expanded standard driver-assistance coverage.
Was the Audi SQ5 Sportback new for 2021?
Yes. The 2021 model year was the first time the SQ5 Sportback joined the U.S. lineup, adding a sleeker-roofed body style without replacing the regular SQ5.
Did the 2021 Audi SQ5 get a new engine?
No. The 2021 SQ5 kept its 349-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. The major updates were to the styling, cabin technology, body-style lineup, and driver-assistance equipment.
Which driver-assistance features became standard on the 2021 Audi SQ5?
The 2021 SQ5 gained broader standard driver assistance, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors across the lineup. Premium Plus also made adaptive cruise control and active lane support standard.
What did the 2021 Audi SQ5 Prestige add?
The 2021 SQ5 Prestige added OLED taillights as its headline upgrade. It also has a head-up display, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation, heated rear seats, park assist, and quieter dual-pane front windows.
2021 Audi SQ5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Audi SQ5.
4.2
2021 Audi SQ5
(116 reviews)
“Get ready for fun driving! Aside from a poorly performing wireless car charger that interferes with the cup holders, this car has great function with phenomenal form and power and performance to spare.”
“This vehicle has great responsive acceleration and the suspension is superior to other cars in its class. It definitely stands out in a crowd. A very fun driving experience!”