Volkswagen Touareg vs Audi SQ5 Sportback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Touareg starts from $86,790 before on-road costs, while the Audi SQ5 Sportback opens at $109,900. That makes the Volkswagen Touareg the more affordable entry point by $23,110.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $95,469 and $120,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Touareg features a 15-inch touchscreen, while the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Touareg stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Audi SQ5 Sportback. The Audi SQ5 Sportback counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Touareg uses a Diesel producing 170kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback responds with a Petrol MHEV making 270kW and 550Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 170kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Touareg measures 4,889mm long on a 2,894mm wheelbase, 172mm longer than the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 4,717mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Touareg generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 810L in the Volkswagen Touareg and 470L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, giving the Volkswagen Touareg a 340L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Touareg leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Volkswagen Touareg and $2,166/year for the Audi SQ5 Sportback. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Touareg.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Volkswagen Touareg) vs $2,166 (Audi SQ5 Sportback). The Volkswagen Touareg saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Touareg) vs 5 years (Audi SQ5 Sportback). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Touareg if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi SQ5 Sportback if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Touareg takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Touareg will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Touareg has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Touareg and Audi SQ5 Sportback?
The Volkswagen Touareg is the cheapest at $86,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi SQ5 Sportback by $23,110.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Touareg uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen Touareg and Audi SQ5 Sportback carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Touareg has the largest boot at 810L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Touareg has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback makes the most power at 270kW. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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