Audi SUV Options and What They Mean for You

Before you settle on your next Audi SUV, it's important to get a sound understanding of what Audi has to offer within the space and what each of its models represents for SUV shoppers. Whether you're looking for a luxurious subcompact, a sporty compact, a performance-driven midsize, or an opulent three-row, there is an Audi SUV designed to appeal to your tastes. With this quick overview, you can get a sound rundown of the features and general purpose of each of the main players in the brand's lineup, so when you visit us at Audi Roanoke, your Audi dealer, you'll know exactly what to shop for. We'll give you the basics and the trims available for the current Audi SUVs, as well as which segments they slot into, making it easy for you to pick out which SUV you're likely to buy once you're ready to take the plunge.

The Audi Q3 is a subcompact SUV steeped in luxury. It has been on the market for only two generations, making it one of Audi's more recent additions to its lineup. It came onto the scene in 2015, with the second generation starting with the 2019 model year. It has received modest refinements over the years, giving it more appeal to those looking for something small, sporty, stylish, and all-around functional for its price point.

This five-door subcompact seats up to five people across its two rows, featuring 23.7 cu.ft. of cargo capacity in the cargo area and up to 48 cu.ft. of cargo capacity with the second row folded down. The newer model years can be optioned with two different 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines, making up to 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. The Q3 features an 8.8-inch Audi MMI touchscreen, LED lighting array, and Audi's full suite of driver assistance technologies. You can get the Audi Q3 in two different trims––the Premium and the Premium Plus––both of which are available with multiple interior color options, various wheel styles, and several exotic exterior colors.

Audi's foray into the luxury compact SUV segment began with the introduction of the Q5 for the 2009 model year. The Q5 will be entering its third generation for 2025, thanks to having a head-start in the market over the Q3, so Audi has had a few more years to hone the Q5's design language and feature set to help it stand out among the competition. The Q5 is slightly larger than the Q3 but still seats five people across its two rows, giving you more legroom compared to the subcompact. You also have more cargo capacity to work with across those two rows, with the Q5 featuring up to 25.9 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the second row and up to 54.1 cu.ft. of cargo capacity with the second row folded down.

The Q5 really separates itself from its smaller sibling with its powertrain configurations. The second-generation Q5 also has two 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine options, but they offer up to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and a plug-in hybrid version is also available for those interested. You have lots of advanced interior features and driver aids, including Audi pre sense city, available heated leather seats, and Audi's adaptive cruise control with active lane assist. This is in addition to the full LED lighting array, roof rails, and robust infotainment suite featuring a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen with smartphone integration.

Part of Audi's SUV lineup consists of SQ performance variants. These include the SQ5, the SQ7, and the SQ8, each based on their respective standard SUV equivalent but with extra power and performance to boot. In this case, the SQ5 comes with everything that the Q5 features and in the same trim formats, but it replaces the four-cylinder powertrains with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which makes an impressive 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Like the Q5, you can also get the SQ5 in a Sportback configuration to highlight its performance. Combined with the Audi sports performance suspension tuning and the quattro all-wheel drive system, you have a nimble-handling compact crossover that takes all of the best parts of the Q5 and enhances them for those who want a compact that can really go.

The Audi Q7 is a midsize crossover SUV designed to seat up to seven people across three rows in a three-trim format, which includes the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. This luxury SUV prompts drivers to indulge in a combination of high-end cabin features and remarkable performance. Available since 2007, the Q7 has seen two generations, with multiple updates throughout its run on the market. You can get the current Q7 in two different powertrain configurations featuring Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the beefy 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder outputs an impressive 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The Q7 isn't just about performance––you also have an impressive amount of utility and interior convenience. When properly equipped, the Q7 can tow up to 7,700 lbs, and it is available with multiple interior options, including contour leather seating with unique color schemes. You have a matrix-design LED lighting array, the Audi virtual cockpit plus, and power-folding third-row seating. On the upper trims, features like a driver-side heads-up display, wireless phone charging, and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium surround sound system add a lot to the three-row crossover's appeal.

The Audi SQ7 is the performance variant of the Q7 midsize crossover. Much like how the SQ5 greatly improves on the performance capabilities of the Q5, the SQ7 greatly enhances the performance capabilities of the Q7. To start, it swaps the turbocharged six-cylinder for a very beefy twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, which makes a very impressive 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive air-ride suspension, and six-piston brake calipers, you have a very powerful three-row SUV that is wholly performance-driven. If you enjoy everything that the Q7 has to offer from a function and feature standpoint but want the benefit of utilizing the power of a V8, then the SQ7 is the way to go.

The flagship of the Audi SUV family is none other than the Q8. It's one of the more recent additions to the Audi lineup, having only made its debut for the 2019 model year. This midsize SUV boasts impressive cargo volume, excellent performance, and a striking interior for those who want something that's as luxurious as it is utilitarian. Available in three trims––the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige––the Q8 is a powerhouse performer with plenty of room to spare.

You have a standard 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and it comes bundled with an adaptive air ride suspension, quattro all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering, and multiple drive modes, including support for off-road travel. You can also comfortably tow up to 7,700 lbs with the Q8, and it comes with a quality slate of infotainment features, including a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster and MMI touch response haptic feedback for driver-centric commands.

Best yet is that you have a full suite of active driver assist features for improved safety. For comfort, there is a power panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and heated leather seats with a three-spoke multifunction power tilt steering wheel. The Q8 is the ultimate midsize SUV that marries lots of high-end tech and performance with comfort-driven luxury.

The Audi SQ8 arrived just a year after the initial release of the Q8, providing drivers with even more power and more capabilities than what the standard Q8 is capable of. The SQ8 retains the style and elegance of the Q8, including its virtual cockpit and inviting exterior lines, but combines that design philosophy with a 4.0-liter V8 that makes 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.

The SQ8 is available in two trim formats––the Premium Plus and Prestige––and comes equipped with 23-inch wheels and a number of high-end exterior color options. You also have multiple interior colors to choose from, featuring Valcona leather seats with contrast diamond stitching. Last but not least, the SQ8 features all of the safety and navigation features that help set the Q8 apart from its competitors.

There is an Audi SUV waiting for you with your name on it; you just have to claim it. Make your way to Audi Roanoke if you need an Audi dealer that has a fresh lineup of brand-new and used Audi SUVs. From the subcompact Q3 up to the three-row Q7, you can find something within the Audi SUV lineup that will appeal to your sense of luxury, performance, and style. If you need help shopping for your next Audi or would like to learn more about Audi's SUV lineup, do not hesitate to reach out and contact us so we can help pair you up with the right Audi SUV that enhances your life on the road.