2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 Refreshed With Style, Power, and Smarter Tech

Audi’s best-selling compact SUV duo—the Q5 and the sportier SQ5—enters 2025 with a well-judged update. While the changes aren’t revolutionary, they bring just enough new flair, power, and digital upgrades to keep these premium crossovers at the top of their game, even as Audi ramps up its electric lineup.

Subtle But Striking Exterior Updates

The 2025 Q5 lineup embraces a bolder look, featuring sharper body lines and aggressive lighting upgrades that mirror recent Audi design trends. Slimmer, more focused headlights and full-width rear taillights give both models a fresh, modern edge.

Upper trims, including the SQ5, come equipped with animated LED headlights and OLED taillights. Prestige versions even allow drivers to choose from eight different lighting signatures. As a clever touch, the SQ5 features a unique brake light that projects the word “quattro” onto the rear glass—part safety feature, part design flex.

A More Intuitive, Tech-Forward Cabin

Inside, the 2025 Q5 and SQ5 have adopted Audi’s new “Digital Stage” layout. It includes a crisp 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a sizable 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by the latest MMI software. The curved edge on the screen isn’t just for looks—it makes the display easier to reach without stretching awkwardly from the driver’s seat.

Higher trims offer an optional passenger-side display, which supports media and navigation while using a privacy filter to prevent driver distraction. Despite a minor reduction in headroom, interior space is largely unchanged. However, the new Q5 is 1.4 inches longer, allowing for a roomier cargo area—up to 27.6 cubic feet with seats up and 56.9 cubic feet when folded flat.

More Muscle Under the Hood

Performance-wise, both models retain the familiar engine configurations but with noticeable enhancements. The 2025 Q5’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque—modest gains over the previous version. The SQ5’s 3.0-liter V6 now delivers 362 hp and 406 lb-ft, adding a sportier punch.

Replacing the outgoing eight-speed automatic transmission is a new seven-speed dual-clutch setup. Surprisingly smooth and responsive, this transmission helps the Q5 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the SQ5 hits the mark in just 4.6 seconds—figures that slightly underplay their real-world quickness.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality

Chassis tuning has been fine-tuned as well. The steering rack is now more tightly integrated into the body, improving precision. However, feedback through corners is still on the subtle side. The ride comfort remains impressive, especially with the adaptive air suspension standard on the SQ5 and optional on the Q5.

A new “Balanced” driving mode joins the existing Comfort, Dynamic, and Individual settings, striking a sweet spot between responsiveness and ease. For adventurous drivers, the SQ5 includes an “Offroad Plus” mode that offers more freedom from traction and stability controls—ideal for light off-roading.

Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts

The updated Q5 and SQ5 are now available at dealerships, sitting alongside older versions also labeled as 2025 models. Starting prices are $53,495 for the Q5 and $66,095 for the SQ5, representing only a slight increase over previous versions. Audi is also offering tariff-free pricing for a limited time.

If you’re exploring the luxury compact SUV market, these refreshed models offer sharper design, better tech, and more compelling performance. The 2025 Q5 and SQ5 may not reinvent the wheel, but they’ve refined it impressively.