The 2026 Audi SQ5 Finds the Sweet Spot Between Comfort and Performance

[Source: Motor Trend]

There was a time when a performance SUV simply needed to be faster and handle better than its mainstream sibling. Today, we’re living in an era of 600-horsepower family haulers capable of embarrassing sports cars. Against that backdrop, the 2026 Audi SQ5’s 362 horsepower might not sound particularly outrageous. But perhaps that’s exactly the point.

MotorTrend recently put the new SQ5 through its instrumented testing, and the results suggest Audi has created something that fits perfectly with the traditional S-model philosophy. It offers plenty of performance without sacrificing the qualities that make you want to drive it every day.

Under the hood is Audi’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. MotorTrend recorded a 4.8-second sprint to 60 mph and a 13.4-second quarter-mile at 102.8 mph. Those aren’t class-leading numbers, but nobody is going to accuse the SQ5 of being slow. More importantly, straight-line speed isn’t the SQ5’s only trick.

The standard adaptive air suspension helps give the Audi impressive composure when the road gets twisty, while Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires provide plenty of grip. The SQ5 also stopped from 60 mph in just 111 feet, matching the BMW X3 M50 tested by MotorTrend. Then you can switch into Comfort mode and remember this is still an Audi luxury SUV.

MotorTrend praised the SQ5’s smooth ride and remarkably quiet cabin, even at freeway speeds. Peak torque arrives at just 1,700 rpm, so there’s plenty of effortless shove during everyday driving. The Prestige test vehicle was also loaded with Nappa leather, carbon fiber, microsuede, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, head-up display, and Audi’s full suite of driver-assistance technology.

It’s not perfect. MotorTrend found the transmission too eager to upshift and frustratingly reluctant to downshift, even when the driver selected manual mode. That’s unfortunate because the chassis and V6 apparently encourage you to have some fun. But perhaps the SQ5 shouldn’t be judged solely by lap times or drag-strip numbers. That’s what makes Audi’s S models appealing in the first place.

The 2026 SQ5 is fast without being ridiculous, sporty without being punishing, and luxurious without forgetting that there’s an S badge on the back. For an everyday performance SUV, that sounds like a pretty good sweet spot. If you demand even more performance, hang tight, there are rumors that the RS Q5 is on the way.