Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Nissan ARIYA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025) and the Nissan ARIYA at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 86% for the Nissan ARIYA, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan ARIYA, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 7 in the Nissan ARIYA.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Nissan ARIYA gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Nissan ARIYA offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Nissan ARIYA.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

The Nissan ARIYA responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 122mm longer than the Nissan ARIYA at 4,595mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 49L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Nissan ARIYA's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.5 m against 11.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and electricity for the Nissan ARIYA about $888 a year (18.5 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Nissan ARIYA). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi SQ5 Sportback), 5 years (Nissan ARIYA).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 466L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 750kg).

The Nissan ARIYA: the lower starting price ($55,840 against $109,900).

The Verdict

Level at 73: here's what splits them

The Audi SQ5 Sportback and Nissan ARIYA are level on the CarSorted Score at 73 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 37 points), value (Nissan ARIYA ahead by 23 points), practicality (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 7 points). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 466L in the Nissan ARIYA.

Common questions