Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Volkswagen Tayron

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Audi SQ5 Sportback and Volkswagen Tayron hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volkswagen Tayron, 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 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron.

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.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tayron gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Tayron. The Volkswagen Tayron counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Tayron offers cloth.

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 Volkswagen Tayron responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 110kW. 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, 75mm shorter than the Volkswagen Tayron at 4,792mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 170L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg 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 Audi SQ5 Sportback's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.1 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 fuel for the Volkswagen Tayron about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volkswagen Tayron).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 110kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 345L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg).

The Volkswagen Tayron: the lower starting price ($48,290 against $109,900).

The Verdict

Level at 73: here's what splits them

The Audi SQ5 Sportback and Volkswagen Tayron are level on the CarSorted Score at 73 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 42 points), value (Volkswagen Tayron ahead by 19 points), technology (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 15 points). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron.

Common questions