The age old question! Q5 or SQ5 (2018+)

[IKE20VA4]

Greetings ziners! Been awhile since I've been around the Audi scene. Looking at trying to find a used 2018 Q5 or SQ5. If Q5 probably the Prestige, if SQ5, probably the premium plus.

If you all had to make the decision (again), which route would you go and why?

Curious to hear of any nuances of either that would sway you either way.

I know the obvious "go drive both and decide for yourself" lol but also looking for possible issues with each to look out for, even though they are practically new.

TIA

edit: I guess I'm more fond of the 2018+ styling if any were wondering why that. This was just a face lift, right? Shouldn't be any major mechanical differences other than super to turbo on the SQ5?

[MK2SQ]

I wanted the DAP with the amount i travel i would go with the q5 with DAP vs SQ5 without, so it all depends what is important to you. Performance vs comfort vs cost.

If Cost then its the used Q5
If Comfort its the Used Q5 prestige with supported options
If Performance stock to stock SQ5 premium plus

I waited and got the deal i wanted for SQ5 with DAP and all other options i wanted, and would do that again if i was in the market.

the answer with this "Age old question" is always the same what is important to you, how much can you spend?

Good luck both cars are awesome and you will love them both

[IkeM]

I’m in a tuned 2.7TT Ford Fusion Sport right now, so I’m currently used to some juice, . But primary use will be driving for work around 30k miles per year. So yes to comfort and the DAP is very appealing.

Money isn’t growing on trees, but could afford either. Just don’t know if the difference would be justified since the Q is still sub 6 seconds stock...

Dream world would be SQ with DAP and S Sport package. That would mean Prestige and that combo doesn’t exist in my area at the moment at least.


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[MSq5]

Isn't the 2018+ Q5 the 2.0T and the SQ the 3.0T turbo?

That's quite a disparity now. Before with '17 and earlier, we could get the 3.0 TFSI in the Q5 if optioned properly (see below). Unless they have done something dramatic to the 2.0T engine, it will be "adequate" in stock form, but nothing thrilling on a vehicle this heavy. It is lighter than the six cylinder, though, so you might get a little help there.

When I drove a '17 Q5 with 2.0T, I found it lacking in power, but that's just me.

[IkeM]

Isn't the 2018+ Q5 the 2.0T and the SQ the 3.0T turbo?

Yes, you have to go SQ to get the 3.0T with 2018 +...I guess I just have to drive them both!


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[StingX71]

Really like our 18 SQ5 P+. This is our first Germany AWD engineered car, I get why folks tend to gravitate towards German cars now. Q5 is fine, but the engineering behind the car really comes alive with the SQ5. Fun factor jumps up considerably even if you're not one to get on it. Also, if you anything like me, if you do get the Q5, you'll quickly regret not getting the SQ5. I already sort of regret no spending the extra money on the Prestige.

[IKE20VA4]

Really like our 18 SQ5 P+. This is our first Germany AWD engineered car, I get why folks tend to gravitate towards German cars now. Q5 is fine, but the engineering behind the car really comes alive with the SQ5. Fun factor jumps up considerably even if you're not one to get on it. Also, if you anything like me, if you do get the Q5, you'll quickly regret not getting the SQ5. I already sort of regret no spending the extra money on the Prestige.

Haha! Appreciate your feedback. I'm sure i would envy every SQ5 out there should I end up with a Q5... I'm now going back on my word and considering 2017 MY's as well...

[MSq5]

Haha! Appreciate your feedback. I'm sure i would envy every SQ5 out there should I end up with a Q5... I'm now going back on my word and considering 2017 MY's as well...

You can get the 3.0TFSI supercharged engine in a '17 Q5 S-Line.

[IkeM]

You can get the 3.0TFSI supercharged engine in a '17 Q5 S-Line.

I saw that. But now looking at the interior and tech in the 2017, I was less than impressed. They look really outdated. Might wait until Fall when more 2018’s are on lots.


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[stapan]

I saw that. But now looking at the interior and tech in the 2017, I was less than impressed. They look really outdated. Might wait until Fall when more 2018’s are on lots.


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Just add RSNAV to a 2017. I think of it this way:
- updating previous gen head unit to one arguably better than a 2018+ would cost ~$800
- making a 2018+ Q5 as fast as a tuned previous gen 3.0T would cost $50k+ (and won't pass smog in many states)

[SQive]

Yeah. . .if you've got a line on a nice '17 SQ5, don't sell it short. It's a helluva lot more fun right out of the box, and the mods are plentiful if that's you're route. The '16 & '17 S/Q5's reliability is extraordinary, which is in another thread in this forum. The B9's. . .not so much, but they're still too new to tell.

[DiscoDan]

If I had to make the decision again I'd stick with the SQ5.

[BlackSVT]

Just throwing it out there and hoping like hell I don't offend anyone, but if the difference on paper between the 2.0T and either variant of 3.0T isn't enough to convince you, from reading these forums alone, then I DO think you have to drive both to decide.

Personally... is the 2.0T an adequate engine? Sure, I suppose, but it sounds, feels, and idles like the 4 cylinder it is. Even if I never step on the throttle, it's just a lower-end, less refined experience, to me, for what these things cost. That trade-off is one only you can evaluate tho

Now, in reality, I'm going to tune and mod anything I buy so the 3.0T is the way to go IMO (just a much better starting point with more upside), but even if it was my daughter buying it, if she's happy with the 2.0T, I'm likely telling her to save her money and get a less expensive car

[JD S4]

I'm very surprised by Audizine's general propensity to recommend the Q5 compared to the SQ5.
Seems like most of us actually drive SQ5s but the Q5 guys are always very active in these threads reiterating the value (compensating?)

Opinion of 1. It's not even close. SQ5 has a ton of value - suspension, wheels, seats, carbon, engine (tune), wheel options, etc..

If you are a *true* DIY'er - then you can usually create a "better" vehicle for less money by getting a Q5 (or A4/A5) and "getting it back or above par" than an S/SQ.. So the reality is probably this - is payin for the OEM quality and paying for the work to already be done "worth it"? or do you not mind spending the time/money to recreate or improve the SQ on a Q.

No wrong answer. I pay for the convenience. Lots of guys love the build - if your'e that guy or you're on a budget, go Q.. If you like to buy it, set it and maybe improve it - an SQ is the play. Win/win. I love my SQ and never doubt the value of what I paid for.

[Salty Mope]

I'm very surprised by Audizine's general propensity to recommend the Q5 compared to the SQ5.
Seems like most of us actually drive SQ5s but the Q5 guys are always very active in these threads reiterating the value (compensating?)

Opinion of 1. It's not even close. SQ5 has a ton of value - suspension, wheels, seats, carbon, engine (tune), wheel options

lol @ compensating

stock Q5 vs stock SQ5 there's no debate, but if you plan on going with aftermarket upgrades to all of the bolded, then you're basically paying an extra $10k for badges and seats... not that there's anything wrong with that.

edit: referring to B8/8.5. B9 is a different discussion imo

[choppstixxx]

It's hard to do the same comparison of a B8 Q5/SQ5 vs. B9 Q5/SQ5 since the B9 Q5 does not have an option for a V6.
I mean IMO the B8 Q5 3.0T packs quite a value for a sporty SUV. Yeah you lose some hp/tq from the SQ5 variant, but for the most part everything else is the same. For just $1k more you can get a Stage 1 tune and regain some extra juice in the engine.
When I was looking for my Q5 I honestly considered buying a SQ5, but to be able to buy essentially the same vehicle with lower miles is a no brainer if your gonna keep it for awhile. I rather have my Q5 with 30k less miles, than a SQ5 with +30k miles. Not to mention I'd assume more SQ5 owners are more "spirited" drivers than even someone buying a Q5 3.0T. Therefore less wear and tear on parts etc.

[BlackSVT]

The 2018 is B9, where Q5= 2.0T only, and SQ5 = turbo 3.0T only, correct?

That was my assumption when I answered. If we are talking the B8.5 where you could get a Q5 w/3.0T, then all bets are off. I'd buy that every time given same engine... and I'm going to mod the pieces that make it an SQ5 anyway

[choppstixxx]

The 2018 is B9, where Q5= 2.0T only, and SQ5 = turbo 3.0T only, correct?

That was my assumption when I answered. If we are talking the B8.5 where you could get a Q5 w/3.0T, then all bets are off. I'd buy that every time given same engine... and I'm going to mod the pieces that make it an SQ5 anyway

Exactly!

[2DR Vette]

I'm very surprised by Audizine's general propensity to recommend the Q5 compared to the SQ5.
Seems like most of us actually drive SQ5s but the Q5 guys are always very active in these threads reiterating the value (compensating?)

Opinion of 1. It's not even close. SQ5 has a ton of value - suspension, wheels, seats, carbon, engine (tune), wheel options, etc..

If you are a *true* DIY'er - then you can usually create a "better" vehicle for less money by getting a Q5 (or A4/A5) and "getting it back or above par" than an S/SQ.. So the reality is probably this - is payin for the OEM quality and paying for the work to already be done "worth it"? or do you not mind spending the time/money to recreate or improve the SQ on a Q.

No wrong answer. I pay for the convenience. Lots of guys love the build - if your'e that guy or you're on a budget, go Q.. If you like to buy it, set it and maybe improve it - an SQ is the play. Win/win. I love my SQ and never doubt the value of what I paid for.

Not to mention full warranty.

I've had owned and modded enough cars to know how this game works. You can make a Civic faster than a Ferrari if you slap a big enough turbo on a built motor, add in a full suspension, big brakes, sticky tires, etc. But we're not really talking apples to apples at that point, are we?

For me, the SQ5 was the right choice. I've got a dedicated race car/toy to monkey with, and something fun, fast and reliable to get to work in. When something breaks, I take it to Audi, they give me a nice Q7 loaner and I pick it up a couple of days later- no worries, no TD1 bullshit.

Others may enjoy modding a Q5 and dealing with all that comes with that.

There is no single right answer to this question. Pretending there is, is a fools errand.

[JD S4]

lol @ compensating

stock Q5 vs stock SQ5 there's no debate, but if you plan on going with aftermarket upgrades to all of the bolded, then you're basically paying an extra $10k for badges and seats... not that there's anything wrong with that.

edit: referring to B8/8.5. B9 is a different discussion imo

What color is your Q5?

[Salty Mope]

What color is your Q5?

its custom wrapped in gucci print. you'd love it

[MK2SQ]

lol @ compensating

stock Q5 vs stock SQ5 there's no debate, but if you plan on going with aftermarket upgrades to all of the bolded, then you're basically paying an extra $10k for badges and seats... not that there's anything wrong with that.

edit: referring to B8/8.5. B9 is a different discussion imo

Correct with the B9 you would have to invest a lot to meet the sQ5 performance with a Q5

[JD S4]

its custom wrapped in gucci print. you'd love it

Damn. Sounds legit! You got that fendi headliner? #Q5stylin


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[stapan]

I'm very surprised by Audizine's general propensity to recommend the Q5 compared to the SQ5.
Seems like most of us actually drive SQ5s but the Q5 guys are always very active in these threads reiterating the value (compensating?)

Opinion of 1. It's not even close. SQ5 has a ton of value - suspension, wheels, seats, carbon, engine (tune), wheel options, etc..

If you are a *true* DIY'er - then you can usually create a "better" vehicle for less money by getting a Q5 (or A4/A5) and "getting it back or above par" than an S/SQ.. So the reality is probably this - is payin for the OEM quality and paying for the work to already be done "worth it"? or do you not mind spending the time/money to recreate or improve the SQ on a Q.

No wrong answer. I pay for the convenience. Lots of guys love the build - if your'e that guy or you're on a budget, go Q.. If you like to buy it, set it and maybe improve it - an SQ is the play. Win/win. I love my SQ and never doubt the value of what I paid for.

Lol @ compensating. I think the flip side is more likely (needing the badge). And a modified Q is BETTER than a SQ (because of adaptive suspension is amazing and not available on the SQ, and the Milano perforated ventilated leather w/luxury and sport seat packages you can get on a a Q is much better than any seats in the SQ as well IMO - after test driving a number of SQs with the various interiors). A Q with the right options and some basic mods is better than any SQ money can buy for thousands less (I dont know anyone who has retrofitted the adaptive suspension and perf vented sport seats, do you?), costs less to insure as well.

As for inconvenience, I thought it was super easy. Find top rated Audi tuner shop nearby, order parts, make appointment for them to do it. This stuff is really basic mods not rocket science. Audi messed up big time by making the drivetrain the same and the options better. They fixed it in the B9. In the meantime, a great opportunity exists for those who do their research. Guess I will "compensate" by using the extra thousands of dollars for my family and to enjoy life.

[stapan]

Not to mention full warranty.

I've had owned and modded enough cars to know how this game works. You can make a Civic faster than a Ferrari if you slap a big enough turbo on a built motor, add in a full suspension, big brakes, sticky tires, etc. But we're not really talking apples to apples at that point, are we?

For me, the SQ5 was the right choice. I've got a dedicated race car/toy to monkey with, and something fun, fast and reliable to get to work in. When something breaks, I take it to Audi, they give me a nice Q7 loaner and I pick it up a couple of days later- no worries, no TD1 bullshit.

Others may enjoy modding a Q5 and dealing with all that comes with that.

There is no single right answer to this question. Pretending there is, is a fools errand.

Modified Civic vs. Ferrari? Wow. Thats a great analogy. Because they also have the same exact drivetrain, and body, and tech, and frame, and trim panels, and the Civic surely can be made faster than the Ferrari for $1k and the Civic surely is available with a better factory suspension and seats. Thank you for the perfect analogy and adding to the discussion. Enjoy your Ferrari SQ ;)

[MSq5]

Correct with the B9 you would have to invest a lot to meet the sQ5 performance with a Q5

What does the SQ B9 do 0-60, and quarter ET and trap? Even with piggyback? Curious.

[IKE20VA4]

What does the SQ B9 do 0-60, and quarter ET and trap? Even with piggyback? Curious.

Car and Driver says:
(which appear to be very similar with what Audi claimed for the 3.0 supercharged)

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.0 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 20.2 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 102 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 127 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 148 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/sq5

[MK2SQ]

What does the SQ B9 do 0-60, and quarter ET and trap? Even with piggyback? Curious.

With piggyback it’s 4.69 0-60 for my B9

Stock B8 is 5.1 and B9 is 5.0

[JD S4]

Lol @ compensating. I think the flip side is more likely (needing the badge). And a modified Q is BETTER than a SQ (because of adaptive suspension is amazing and not available on the SQ, and the Milano perforated ventilated leather w/luxury and sport seat packages you can get on a a Q is much better than any seats in the SQ as well IMO - after test driving a number of SQs with the various interiors). A Q with the right options and some basic mods is better than any SQ money can buy for thousands less (I dont know anyone who has retrofitted the adaptive suspension and perf vented sport seats, do you?), costs less to insure as well.

As for inconvenience, I thought it was super easy. Find top rated Audi tuner shop nearby, order parts, make appointment for them to do it. This stuff is really basic mods not rocket science. Audi messed up big time by making the drivetrain the same and the options better. They fixed it in the B9. In the meantime, a great opportunity exists for those who do their research. Guess I will "compensate" by using the extra thousands of dollars for my family and to enjoy life.

Lol.


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[DiscoDan]

Lol @ compensating. I think the flip side is more likely (needing the badge). And a modified Q is BETTER than a SQ (because of adaptive suspension is amazing and not available on the SQ, and the Milano perforated ventilated leather w/luxury and sport seat packages you can get on a a Q is much better than any seats in the SQ as well IMO - after test driving a number of SQs with the various interiors). A Q with the right options and some basic mods is better than any SQ money can buy for thousands less (I dont know anyone who has retrofitted the adaptive suspension and perf vented sport seats, do you?), costs less to insure as well.

As for inconvenience, I thought it was super easy. Find top rated Audi tuner shop nearby, order parts, make appointment for them to do it. This stuff is really basic mods not rocket science. Audi messed up big time by making the drivetrain the same and the options better. They fixed it in the B9. In the meantime, a great opportunity exists for those who do their research. Guess I will "compensate" by using the extra thousands of dollars for my family and to enjoy life.

I have adaptive air suspension in my SQ

...and you can't enjoy life. You live in CA so the shit government there will steal your money through graft (read: taxes)

[spindlewood]

If we're talking 2018 only,
The Q5 is Quattro Ultra (more efficient but FWD most of the time) vs. the SQ5's standard Quattro (continuously AWD - varying torque between the front and rear axles).
The Q5 is s-tronic 7 speed dual-clutch vs the SQ5 tiptronic 8 Speed

Options available for SQ5 but not available on the Q5 - differences which upgrades will not change.
SQ5 can have the Sport Package with the torque-vectoring differential (Sport Differential).
SQ5 can have adaptive air suspension
SQ5 can have dynamic steering

It looks like there is an APR tune for the 2.0 which can add 60-70hp and 100-110 ft lbs.
I've got the JB4 piggy back which (unofficially) gets both HP and torque above 400.
So you can mod the 2018 Q5 for power, but the SQ5, even without an ECU chip tune, still has the advantage.

Yes, the SQ5 costs more.

[2DR Vette]

Modified Civic vs. Ferrari? Wow. Thats a great analogy. Because they also have the same exact drivetrain, and body, and tech, and frame, and trim panels, and the Civic surely can be made faster than the Ferrari for $1k and the Civic surely is available with a better factory suspension and seats. Thank you for the perfect analogy and adding to the discussion. Enjoy your Ferrari SQ ;)

Ok, cool? You'll notice I mentioned that there is no absolute right choice here. It's in the eye of the beholder. You made your decision, I made mine.

I'm sorry you feel you have to come in here repeatdly bleating and beating your chest about it. Seems a pretty sad way to live. Maybe that what the previous poster meant by compensating.

[IKE20VA4]

Anyone know why they didn't put a DSG in the SQ5's?

[SQive]

Same reason they put the Tip-Tronic in the RS5, 6, & 7. . .they're more reliable under continued, high-torque applications.

[IKE20VA4]

Just got done test driving a 2018 SQ5 Prestige w/ DAP & S Sport. The power deliver is so smooth compared to my current car that it almost felt, dare I say slow? Had it in dynamic "drive" mode but not sport mode. Maybe had something to do with it.

One thing that weirded me out a few times is that when Pre-sense city kicked in when making a left hand turn and brought me to a stop. Apparently I start my turn before the oncoming traffic is completely passed me and it did NOT like that. BEEP and STOP. I was like WTF? There was no way I was going to hit that car even if I floored it.

Virtual cockpit, kind of busy, but I could see it coming in handy.

[MSq5]

With piggyback it’s 4.69 0-60 for my B9

Stock B8 is 5.1 and B9 is 5.0

A .4 second improvement is an eternity in 0-60. That is a substantial gain, but nowhere close to what can be done with the s/c engine and simple currenly tuning options.

Maybe in time more tuning options will show up for the six cylinder turbo. In theory it ought to be even more tunable that the s/c engine.

Is that 4.69 with one foot roll-out or absolute time?

[MK2SQ]

A .4 second improvement is an eternity in 0-60. That is a substantial gain, but nowhere close to what can be done with the s/c engine and simple currenly tuning options.

Maybe in time more tuning options will show up for the six cylinder turbo. In theory it ought to be even more tunable that the s/c engine.

Is that 4.69 with one foot roll-out or absolute time?

Measurement was performed with dragy. Gains are on pump gas with way more to come from e85 mix or ethanol this is done without any hardware change.

No expert and not sure what engine is capable of more power from factory. As you stated tuners had a lot of time to perfect the tunes for the old engine.

[coolmanex]

Imo, if you have the budget, get a sq5. If not, q5 it is… It all comes down to how much money you can/willing to spend, q5 will still named "q5" no matter how much you mod it. :)

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[stapan]

Imo, if you have the budget, get a sq5. If not, q5 it is… It all comes down to how much money you can/willing to spend, q5 will still named "q5" no matter how much you mod it. :)

Imo if you have the budget, get a Porsche Macan Turbo. If you don't, just get a Macan GTS with the $1k sport chrono package which is faster than any tuned B9 SQ5 and has better resale value. If you're below the poverty line, or just prefer something way faster than the Macan Turbo and more comparable to typical $200k+ SUVs level of performance, get a B8.5 Q5 and do some minor mods to it.

[DiscoDan]

A .4 second improvement is an eternity in 0-60. That is a substantial gain, but nowhere close to what can be done with the s/c engine and simple currenly tuning options.

Maybe in time more tuning options will show up for the six cylinder turbo. In theory it ought to be even more tunable that the s/c engine.

Is that 4.69 with one foot roll-out or absolute time?

B9 S4 dudes are experimenting as well. It's only a matter of time before true tunes hit the market for this engine. It's conjecture, but folks on this forum and other places keep hinting that this new turbo engine has a lot of potential.