The 2021 Audi SQ5 sees a bit of an improvement over last year’s model. With a souped-up V6 engine, Audi‘s compact crossover handles better on the road and powerfully on the freeway. It boasts an upgraded interior with plenty of luxurious features and touches that you and your passengers will enjoy.

And the base model of the Audi SQ5 starts at $52,900. That’s a reasonable price when you consider everything the SQ5 offers.

The 2021 Audi SQ5’s base features

The base Audi SQ5 offers a smooth ride that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, MotorTrend reports. Its supercharged 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine with a max 349 hp will have you flying at a top speed of 155 mph. And with 369 lb-ft of torque, you’ll be able to handle whatever winding roads you encounter.

At 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, the Audi SQ5 has a respectable fuel economy for a luxury SUV. The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission makes gear-shifting seamless. And the Quattro all-wheel drive ensures smooth handling through the city or on the interstate. Indeed, few luxury SUVs handle nearly as well as the SQ5, which makes it such a bargain.

Standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a backup camera will ensure you arrive at your destination safely. The tech enhancements don’t end there. According to Audi, you’ll get a 10-inch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-compatible touchscreen infotainment system. Buttons on the steering wheel offer convenience. But voice commands can also control it — either through the driver or assistants BlackBerry, Cortana, Google Now, and Siri.

The SQ5 is also an enjoyable ride, MotorTrend reports. The front seats are roomier than those in the rear, which isn’t unexpected given this compact crossover’s size. But even though other Audi models, such as the Q7 and Q8, dwarf the SQ5, this vehicle is relatively spacious. The leather/Dinamica seats and upholstery, well-branded with numerous S logos, are firm and comfortable. And the interior design, though not as flashy as, say, that of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, is clean, uncluttered, and modern.

Audi SQ5 Premium and Prestige packages

Though the Audi SQ5’s base MSRP is $52,900, special packages tack on thousands more. The Premium Plus model, which starts at $57,900, includes extra safety features, a panoramic sunroof, and a top-view camera system. You’ll also get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Prestige Package, starting at $62,500, includes heated rear seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a navigation package, and other features. The navigation package uses Google Earth and Street View, but you can easily use Android or Apple apps that you prefer. Prestige Package buyers can also use Audi’s Virtual Cockpit feature, whose instrument cluster displays a wide range of customizable information — everything from navigation info to the next song about to be played. Images from Google Maps shown here are crisp and might prove distracting, but make navigation is incredibly smooth. 

With additional available options, you could wind up spending as much as $70,000 or more outfitting your Prestige SQ5. A Convenience package addition — including a keyless start, a Sirius XM subscription, and driver’s seat memory — runs an extra $1,100. The Audi Care package, which includes prepaid maintenance services at scheduled intervals, will cost an extra $1,200. And other options, such as rear passenger airbags, will also add to the final price.

Plenty of features for the price

However, despite those costs, the 2021 Audi SQ5’s price falls in line with other luxury compact crossovers. For example, the BMW 3 Series SUV starts around $40,000 and jumps to about $56,000 when outfitted with its most expensive trim. However, its engine isn’t as powerful as the SQ5’s. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with an engine a bit more powerful than the SQ5’s, tops out around $85,000.

So considering all of the 2021 Audi SQ5’s features and competitors’ pricing, you’ll see this little SUV offers plenty of value for a high-performance vehicle.