The Audi SQ5 is a compact luxury crossover that does battle with the BMW X3 M40i, Jaguar F-Pace P380, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, Porsche Macan S, and Volvo XC60 T6. Last redesigned in 2018, it gets some comprehensive updates for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 Audi SQ5 gets the latest evolution of Audi’s exterior design language. That encompasses a larger main grille with a distinctive honeycomb texture, resculpted front and rear bumpers, new expressive headlights and taillights, and redesigned wheel options. Inside, changes aren’t quite as drastic, but you’ll find new infotainment and instrument panel interfaces.

The sole powertrain in the SQ5 is Audi’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, making 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It’s backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). To spice things up, Audi also throws in standard adaptive dampers and performance brakes. All of this culminates in a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds—an improvement of 0.4 seconds from the 2020 SQ5—and a tow rating of 4,400 pounds.

As before, the SQ5 comes in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. The base Premium trim gets you 20-inch wheels, LED exterior lights, leather/Dinamica seats, and a new 10.1-inch infotainment system. Newly standard for 2021 is a power tilt-telescoping steering column. Premium Plus models add keyless access and start, driver’s memory, auto-dimming and folding exterior mirrors, satellite radio, a hands-free liftgate, heated steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof. Finally, the Prestige comes with matrix-design LED headlights, headlight washers, OLED taillights, heated rear seats, navigation, a heads-up display with traffic sign recognition, and a 3D Bang & Olufsen sound system. A Black Optic Package with black exterior trim, adaptive air suspension, a sport rear differential, cooled front seats, rear-window sunshades, Nappa leather with diamond stitching, and dynamic steering are extra-cost options.

On the safety front, the SQ5 is no slouch. It comes standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking front and rear, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a (federally-mandated) rearview camera. Optional features include adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, a top-view camera system, and rear side airbags. The related Audi Q5 scored perfect marks for crash safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2020.

The 2021 Audi SQ5 is a passionate, performance-oriented crossover with improved styling, performance, and features.