2025 Audi SQ5

The Q5 SUV is Audi's bread and butter, and the higher-performance SQ5 is a pretty strong seller. So when it came time to overhaul this compact crossover, the directive was clear: Don't screw it up. That's why the 2025 Audi Q5, which is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime next spring, is all about evolution, not revolution. It's not a mega overhaul, but it really doesn't need to be.

New design

The new SQ5's styling is inoffensive, to say the least, wearing Audi's latest design language well. Visually, this crossover is more closely related to the S5 sedan than it is to the SQ6 crossover, which is a good thing; the SQ6's split headlight design is still a bit fussy, and this look is much cleaner overall. We dig the tidy clamshell hood and simple streamlined taillight design around back. We also like that Audi will let you customize the daytime running light signatures of its LED lighting. It's just a shame we don't get the many awesome dynamic lighting options available to customers in Europe and other markets. Remember: It's not Audi's fault; it's our dumb federal hurdles.

Anyway, other neat details for the 2025 SQ5 include real, legit exhaust tips — Audi's been burned by that before — as well as a neat center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) that projects onto the rear window.

Tech-forward cabin

Much like the S5 sedan (err, hatchback), open the door to the SQ5 and you're immediately struck by screens. Every SQ5 comes with an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster and a 14.5-inch central infotainment screen, and there's the option to add in a 10.9-inch passenger display, so whoever's riding shotgun doesn't feel left out.

This mess of screens runs Audi's latest MMI software interface, which also includes a natural-speech AI assistant powered by ChatGPT. Don't worry — Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still along for the ride if you'd prefer to keep it simple. And there are a number of built-in and downloadable apps so you can make the whole infotainment interface your own.

The rest of the cabin? It's typical SQ5 stuff. You'll find USB-C ports up front to keep devices charged, a large panel on the driver's door to control the windows and mirrors, a weird gear shifter, and rear seats that can easily accommodate kids of all sizes or average adults. The back seats fold flat, too; this is a crossover after all.

Turbo power and all-wheel drive

While the U.S.-spec base Q5 will use a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 256 horsepower, the SQ5 will step up to a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Expect a stiffer suspension tune between the Q5 and SQ5, and Audi says there'll be a greater difference between the Comfort and Sport damper settings — a good thing since our one complaint about past SQ5s was that they could've used a bit more somethin' somethin'.

We'll know more about how the SQ5 drives next spring. We'll also have all the final details, like specs, fuel economy and pricing, around that same time.