DecodedCarsAudi SQ5 vs Porsche Cayenne
2026 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 Porsche Cayenne — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi SQ5 is more fuel-efficient: 23 vs 19 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $800 a year less in fuel for the Audi SQ5 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Porsche Cayenne is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Audi SQ5 has had fewer recall campaigns (14 vs 28).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi SQ5 is a small SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,663 lb (4dr SUV).
The 2026 Porsche Cayenne is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,376 lb (Base / S 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2023 SQ5 and the 2018 Cayenne have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 SQ5 and the 2019 Cayenne.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi SQ5 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (23 vs 19 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (14 vs 28 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Porsche Cayenne if…
- You want more room (8 in longer)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi SQ5
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Porsche Cayenne
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Audi SQ5 specs →Full 2026 Porsche Cayenne specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →