The Audi SQ5 is redesigned for 2018. Highlights include a new body structure, updated styling, a more powerful V6 engine, and new tech and driver-assistance features.The 2018 Audi SQ5 comes in either Premium Plus or Prestige trims. This means every SQ5 comes very well-equipped. But there are still plenty of upgrades to be had in terms of luxury, technology and performance.
PROS All-new chassis should improve ride and handling Increased torque for even livelier performance Major upgrades to driving and infotainment technology Luxurious but restrained interior design
CONS Reduced cargo space behind rear seats
The SQ5 strikes a careful balance between sporty and comfortable, making a strong showing in a tough class.The SQ5 enters a new generation this year, with top-to-bottom changes that include an all-new 354-hp turbocharged V-6 engine in place of last year’s supercharged V-6, an all-new chassis, standard adaptive dampers, and available air springs. Updated interior packaging means there’s a little more space for both passengers and cargo than in previous SQ5s, and exterior design tweaks including a revised front grille and a character line running the length of the car serve as differentiators between new and not-so-new models.
Pros Comfortable ride, surprisingly fuel efficient, abundance of standard interior features.
Cons Disappointing real-world cargo capacity, ho-hum exterior design, top competitors have better dynamics.
Pros Comfortable, adjustable backseat Visibility Power liftgate standard Aggressive engine note Responsive transmission
Cons Multimedia functionality Control ergonomics Price premium over Q5 Mild styling for a sport model Requires premium fuel
The 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid ranks 1 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid emulates everything you expect from Porsche: affluence, elegance, and performance. It's both sporty and posh, but there's isn't much room for your belongings in the back, and its fuel economy is lower than what you might expect from a plug-in hybrid.
Pros Stylish and comfortable interior Agile handling Quick acceleration Feature-rich infotainment system
Cons Small cargo space Poor fuel economy for a hybrid
The 2017 Cayenne gets Porsche's latest (PCM 4.0) touchscreen infotainment system on every trim level, improving functionality. Limited Edition Cayenne and Cayenne S E-Hybrid Platinum models also join the range, bringing the trim level count up to eight. The Cayenne Diesel has been discontinued due to the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal.
Pros Truly impressive handling for a crossover SUV Wide selection of strong engines available Exquisite interior and build quality Plenty of customization options
Cons Relatively small cargo capacity for the segment Quite a few optional features should be standard given the price tag
The Cayenne is a spicy-hot mix of luxury, off-road ability, and sports-car performance—just what you’d expect in a Porsche SUV. The base model has a 300-hp V-6; the S makes 420 hp and the GTS makes 440 hp, both from a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6. There's also the S E-Hybrid. All have an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A leather-lined cabin and infotainment with navigation make it a comfortable road tripper. The Cayenne is easy to hustle around curves and equally ready for family duty. The EPA rates the Cayenne S E-Hybrid at 46 MPGe in combined driving while depleting the battery charge and using the electric motor. As a more conventional hybrid, the Porsche is rated at 22 mpg combined. That won’t rattle the worldview of many Tesla owners, but it’s substantially better than other Cayenne models.
