If there’s one model where it’s crucial for Audi to get it right, or at least not get it wrong, it’s the Q5 and SQ5 SUVs. The compact, premium little cars (and their sporty offshoot, the SQ5) form the core of the automaker’s SUV lineup and are among the automaker’s most popular models, selling more than 74,000 units last year. Based on first impressions of the newly introduced third-generation 2026 Q5 and SQ5, it looks like Audi has hit the nail on the head with its first over-the-top redesign of its SUVs since the 2018 model year.
Changes to the appearance of the new Q5
Under the new sheetmetal, the 2026 Audi Q5 will feature a premium platform combustion architecture shared with the new A5 liftback. The new styling is reminiscent of the larger Q7’s sloping silhouette, albeit in a more compact package. Notable styling cues include a specific visual proportion between the greenhouse and the rest of the body, giving the Q5 a distinct SUV shoulder with a clean beltline from front to rear. At the front, the hood stretches to almost touch the grille, lending it a premium feel. The headlights, shoulders and rear have been raised by more than 1.5 inches to enhance the SUV-like character of the design. All models will get new Audi badging, and in S-Line or SQ5 looks, the grille will get a 3D honeycomb treatment along with the surrounding frame.
Known for its lighting innovation and looking to maintain that reputation, Audi is outfitting the Q5 series with a new headlight design; the upper portion acts as the signature running lamp, while the lower portion houses the high and low beams. The daytime running lamps (DRLs) can be configured into eight patterns, a feature shared with other models introduced as part of Audi’s latest new product offensive. Not available in the U.S. are the adaptive matrix LED headlights, Audi’s taillight warning and communication technology, or the animated digital lighting signature.
Audi has taken great care to ensure form follows function on the Q5’s exterior. One notable example is the functional side air intakes on either side of the lower bumper. Fake exhaust tips are also a thing of the past, with Audi opting to equip the SUV with functional, all-metal exhaust tips on both the Q5 and SQ5 models. The Q5 gets two rectangular exhaust tips, while the SQ5 sports the automaker’s famous four-exit design.
On the sides of the SUVs, the bodywork is less sculpted, with larger surfaces for a more understated, sleeker look. Still, the Q5 and SQ5 utilize Audi’s signature “quattro bulge,” the name the automaker gave to the powerful sculpting of each fender. Underneath the car, the Audi Q5 rides on 18- to 20-inch wheels, while the SQ5 rides on 20- or 21-inch wheels.
The Q5 and SQ5 are easily identifiable at night thanks to their new taillight treatment; sculpted housings are connected via a light bar that stretches across the entire back of the SUV. Following the headlights, the rear lamps match one of eight available lighting signatures. Located below the spoiler are the brake lights, and the Quattro logo is reflected on the rear glass for a bold design accent.
What engines will the 2026 Audi Q5 have?
The version of Audi’s compact SUV sold in the U.S. will be offered with two engines. The base model Q5 will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 268 horsepower, which is an improvement of 7 horsepower over the previous-generation model’s upgraded 45 TFSI powertrain. All-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard. The existing model hits 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, so the new model is expected to match or slightly beat that time.
Step up to the SQ5 and you’ll get a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine making 368 horsepower, up from the old SQ5’s 349 horsepower. Like the regular Q5, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic are standard. The new SQ5 should beat the old model’s 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds by about a tenth of a second. Mild-hybrid versions of the Q5 and SQ5 are sold overseas, but Audi has no plans to bring that technology to the U.S. A plug-in hybrid may also be offered in the future.
In terms of suspension, the Q5 employs passive frequency-selective adaptive dampers while the SQ5 gets a standard sport suspension, which is also available as an upgrade for the regular Q5. An optional air suspension setup features active adaptive dampers and is configurable via the Audi Drive Select modes. Audi says that the suspension’s sport and comfort modes have been tuned to increase the differential between the two settings. All Q5 models feature an enhanced version of Audi’s progressive steering.
Interior of the 2026 Audi Q5
Audi emphasizes its “soft wrap” design philosophy in the Q5’s interior. There’s a layer of luxurious material that stretches from one door across the dashboard to the other, giving the cabin a cozy feel. Then there’s the “digital stage,” which supports an 11.9-inch version of the Audi digital cockpit and a 14.5-inch touchscreen. A third 10.9-inch passenger display provides entertainment and supports friends and family sitting in the passenger seat. From this display, the passenger can enter new navigation for the driver to review or change the music. If you choose to watch a video or play a game, a dynamic privacy mode digitally blacks out the screen from the driver’s view. Instead, the driver can use the optional head-up display, which is configurable and provides information such as speed, navigation, and media. Audi’s infotainment utility supports Android Automotive OS, allowing you to download and install apps such as YouTube. The technology supports AI-powered voice commands, allowing for more conversational input.
There’s also a wireless phone tray and a total of four USB-C ports in the cabin. The pair of rear ports can provide 100 watts of power, enough to power a laptop or handheld gaming console. The armrest storage compartment is larger than the previous model, with room for sunglasses, keys and other small items. Audi is equipping the 2026 Q5 with an optional Bang & Olufsen audio system with 16 speakers and noise-canceling technology. The interior lighting design is another focus for the Q5. Audi’s dynamic interaction lights span the width of the cabin and display welcome, lock and unlock animations. They also flash along with the turn indicators and hazard lights.
How safe is the 2026 Audi Q5?
Audi is offering the third-generation Q5 with all the expected active safety features. Standard equipment has yet to be finalized, but the automaker has hinted that global models will come with standard rear parking sensors, cruise control, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring. Some of the features that will be optional in other markets may also be available in the U.S. This includes Adaptive Driving Plus, which uses semi-autonomous swarm data and traffic notifications in the Q5 to help with acceleration, speed maintenance, following distance, and lane keeping. Audi is also offering Active Front Assist, which bundles front emergency braking, evasion assist, turn assist, and front cross-traffic assist.
How much does the 2026 Audi Q5 or SQ5 cost?
If Audi’s third-generation Q5 or SQ5 appeals to you, you’ll have to wait until this premium compact SUV hits the market in mid-2025. Pricing is expected to start at around $50,000, a little higher than the current-generation Q5 Premium 45 TFSI. At the moment, Audi has no plans to launch a lower-powered model equivalent to the 40 TFSI model, which will be about $3,000 cheaper. Stepping up to the SQ5 should see prices rise to around $60,000. Audi seems to have considered every detail when redesigning the Q5 and SQ5, which makes it even more exciting to get behind the wheel next year.