2023 Audi SQ5 Safety and Reliability

While the NHTSA hasn't performed a full review of the Audi SQ5, the organization has awarded the performance SUV four stars in the rollover test. It has, however, fully tested the regular Audi Q5 SUV, with the 2023 model receiving an overall score of five stars. This gives a strong indication of how the SQ5 would perform in a collision.

The regular Q5 has also gained honors from the IIHS, receiving a 2022 Top Safety Pick + award and a spread of maximum Good ratings for crashworthiness for the 2023 model. Only the standard headlights and front crash prevention systems failing to attain top marks.

As standard, the Audi SQ5 receives six airbags; dual front, curtain (in the front and rear), and side-impact airbags. For an additional $350, the carmaker will add two side thoracic airbags in the rear. All trims have impressive levels of safety features, receiving automated emergency braking (front and rear), high-beam assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The base model features Audi pre sense city and Audi side assist, lane departure warning, and Audi's parking system plus. As of 2023, adaptive cruise control is standard across the lineup.

Premium Plus models gain active lane keep assist, a hands-on detection steering wheel, and a top-view camera system. Additionally, the Prestige derivative also gets traffic sign recognition, park assist, and a head-up display. Naturally, all models receive the mandatory reverse camera.

At the time of writing, no recalls had affected the 2023 SQ5. For 2022 models, there are two recalls: an improperly manufactured rear lid that could affect crash performance, and a control module shutdown that can reduce engine power. This control module issue affected 2021 models too, and these were recalled a further four times for an inoperative rearview camera display, a rear axle that could be misaligned, rear axle lock nuts that could break, and a seat belt locking retractor malfunction.

Audi offers SQ5 customers peace of mind with a limited warranty and powertrain warranty. Both cover four years/50,000 miles and should assuage any reliability concerns. No complimentary scheduled maintenance is offered.