The Audi SQ5, based on the Q5 midsize crossover, offers family-friendly utility without sacrificing performance. The SQ5 was fully redesigned in 2018, pushing into its second generation with more power and plenty of style. The SQ5 carries over largely unchanged for 2019, except for some shuffling of trim levels and features.

A low roofline, large wheel wells, and bold sidelines give the SQ5 a sporty look reminiscent of Audi’s sports cars, along with the brand’s signature wide front grille and trapezoidal tailpipes. Special SQ5 features include aluminum trim and exclusive alloy-wheel designs. This year, the SQ5 also gets new standard exterior styling courtesy of the sportier S-line trim, LED headlights, and LED taillights.

Every SQ5 comes powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine connected to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. For 2019, Audi changed its horsepower metric, resulting in a slight decrease in the SQ5’s rating from 354 to 349 hp. Torque remains the same at 369 pound-feet, and fuel economy also remains the same, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The SQ5 features drive modes with settings for Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Individual. The available S Sport package adds a sport rear differential, an adaptive air suspension system, and two additional drive-mode settings to adjust the suspension.

The SQ5’s sports car attitude continues inside with the driver-oriented cockpit. The SQ5 is available in the new-for-2019 Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. The Premium trim features heated leather- and Alcantara-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, and 12-way power front seats, and optional features include driver’s seat memory, push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof.

The SQ5’s infotainment system includes a 7-inch display, a 9-speaker audio system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available options like an 8.3-inch display, Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, an upgraded infotainment system with handwriting recognition, Bluetooth, HD Radio, a head-up display (HUD), navigation, and a choice of upgraded audio systems are also available.

The Audi SQ5 has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since its redesign, which is not unusual for performance-oriented luxury SUVs. The 2019 Audi Q5, however, earned a 5-Star Overall rating from NHTSA and the 2018 Q5 earned a 2017 Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. A reversing camera comes standard in every SQ5, and options include adaptive cruise control, front-collision warning, traffic-jam assist, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, park assist, and a surround-view camera.

The competition is stiff in the premium midsize crossover segment, with the Jaguar F-Pace and BMW X4 as just a couple of the available options, but the new entry-level trim makes the SQ5 a little more accessible. Still, buyers should be prepared to spend a little more to get the SQ5’s most desirable tech features.