2025 Audi Q5 Sportback Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
If the standard Audi Q5 is too conventional, check out the Q5 Sportback. This version has a sloping roofline that gives it a sleeker and more coupelike appearance, although that comes at the expense of cargo capacity and a higher starting price. The Q5 is Audi’s bestselling SUV and is likely to be fully redesigned in the next few years. For 2025, rivals to the Q5 Sportback include the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe and Infiniti QX55.
What’s New
- All models gain proximity unlocking and garage door opener buttons on the rearview mirror
- Multicolor interior ambient lighting and trial subscription to built-in navigation added to Premium Plus trim
- Driver seat memory, trial SiriusXM satellite radio subscription, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, panoramic sunroof, larger digital gauge display, and upgraded wheels included in Convenience Plus package
- Red brake calipers become standard on SQ5 Sportback
- Updated Black Optic and new Magnesium Gray styling packages offered on SQ5 Sportback
What We Think
Style and substance combine in the Audi Q5 Sportback. If you’re willing to accept its slightly compromised practicality and increased starting price relative to the standard Q5, the Sportback has plenty of appeal.
As is true with most new Audi models, the Q5 Sportback feels very well built and has no shortage of high-quality materials. Its digital displays aren’t on the cutting edge of today’s in-car tech but are still responsive and functional. Above the base trim, the Q5 Sportback offers nearly any amenity a luxury SUV shopper could ask for.
Good driving refinement makes the Q5 Sportback a comfortable and enjoyable way to get around. It rides nicely, with taut body control, and the turbocharged engine has no trouble getting the SUV up to speed. Audi’s renowned Quattro AWD does a great job of making traction in slick conditions. Yet even in the powerful SQ5 Sportback, the light, numb steering means there’s not much driver engagement.
Even if it looks sportier than it drives, the Q5 Sportback is a solid option among luxury fastback SUVs. We look forward to seeing how the upcoming next-generation Q5 improves on the 2025 model.
New Audi Q5 Sportback Arriving Soon?
This generation of Q5 went on sale for 2018, so in 2025 it’s on the older side relative to other small luxury SUVs. But that won’t be the case for long. Audi recently revealed the new 2026 A5, which could carry clues about what to expect in terms of design, performance, and features for a soon-to-be revealed future Q5. The next-generation Q5 will likely have more expressive styling, along with a screen-heavy interior and a potentially expanded selection of electrified powertrains. Expect the new SUV to arrive for 2026 or 2027, but it’s unclear whether a Sportback model will be available.
Audi Q5 vs. Q5 Sportback: What’s the Difference?
A few key factors differentiate the Q5 from the Q5 Sportback. Most obvious is the exterior design; the Q5 has a conventional crossover shape while the Sportback’s roof slopes down from above the rear door to give it a sleeker silhouette. Additionally, the Q5 Sportback is standard equipped with sporty-looking S Line body treatment, unlike the Q5.
Due to its sloping roof, the Q5 Sportback has reduced interior capacity compared to the Q5, resulting in less headroom and overall cargo capacity—but those measurements are still pretty close between the two SUVs.
The Q5’s base powertrain is the 40 TFSI turbocharged I-4, and it offers the more powerful 45 TFSI setup. The Sportback model comes equipped with the 45 TFSI powertrain and is not offered with the 40 TFSI engine. Nor can the Sportback be equipped with the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid system.
Take that into consideration for the Q5 Sportback’s base price. With the 45 TFSI powertrain, the Q5 Sportback starts at about $53,500 and the standard Q5 about $50,000. The standard Q5 starts lower at about $47,000 with the 40 TFSI engine.
Performance and MPGs
The Q5 Sportback is equipped with the 45 TFSI powertrain, which is centered around a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It’s connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which routes output to Audi’s Quattro AWD system. Expect a 0–60-mph time of about 5.7 seconds and fuel economy of 22/28 mpg city/highway.
Is the SQ5 Sportback Quicker Than the Q5 Sportback?
Drivers who want some actual sport to back up their Q5 Sportback should choose the SQ5 Sportback instead. With its turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, the SQ5 Sportback has 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque good for a launch to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds. Adaptive suspension dampers and larger brakes further increase the SQ5 Sportback’s sporty feel. The SQ5 Sportback looks great, but its fake quad exhaust tips are rather laughable.
Safety Ratings and Features
In its most recent round of crash safety testing, the Q5 Sportback earned the highest five-star overall score from NHTSA. Additionally, it got 2023 Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.
All 2025 Q5 Sportback models come equipped with front automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Lane keep assist is also standard and uses a handy capacitive sensor in the steering wheel to ensure the driver keeps their hands where they should.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Cargo space is less in the Q5 Sportback than the standard Q5, but not by much. The SUV remains decently practical despite its stylish shape.
Which Q5 Sportback Trim Level Is Best?
If you’re too eager to buy a Q5 Sportback to wait for the next-generation model to go on sale, we’d suggest choosing the Premium Plus trim. This midrange model includes upscale features such as a large digital gauge display, 360-degree camera, driver’s seat memory, power-adjustable steering column, and upgraded speakers. The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback Premium Plus starts at slightly less than $58,000.
