Compare the2023 Aston Martin DBXVS 2023 Audi SQ5

The Aston Martin DBX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The SQ5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the DBX and the SQ5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Aston Martin DBX weighs 652 to 850 pounds more than the Audi SQ5. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The DBX comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The SQ5’s 50,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The DBX’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 193 more horsepower (542 vs. 349) and 147 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 369) than the SQ5’s 3.0 turbo V6. The DBX707’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 348 more horsepower (697 vs. 349) and 294 lbs.-ft. more torque (663 vs. 369) than the SQ5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Aston Martin DBX is faster than the Audi SQ5:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the DBX’s fuel efficiency. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The DBX has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the SQ5 (22.5 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The DBX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The SQ5 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Aston Martin DBX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the SQ5.

For better stopping power the DBX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the SQ5:

The DBX 707 has standard heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The SQ5 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The DBX stops shorter than the SQ5:

For better traction, the DBX has larger tires than the SQ5 (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 255/45R20).

The DBX’s standard 285/40R22 front and 325/35R22 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SQ5’s standard 45 series tires. The DBX’s optional 285/35R23 front and 325/30R23 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the SQ5’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the DBX has standard 22-inch wheels. Smaller 20-inch wheels are standard on the SQ5. The DBX’s optional 23-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the SQ5.

The DBX has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The SQ5 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The front and rear suspension of the DBX uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the SQ5, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The DBX offers an available active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Audi doesn’t offer an active suspension on the SQ5.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the DBX’s wheelbase is 9.5 inches longer than on the SQ5 (120.5 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the DBX is 3.3 inches wider in the front and 2.2 inches wider in the rear than on the SQ5.

The DBX707 handles at .97 G’s, while the SQ5 Prestige pulls only .93 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The DBX executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the SQ5 Prestige (24.4 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 25.7 seconds @ .73 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the DBX has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the SQ5 (9.3 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the DBX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The DBX has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom and 2.9 inches more rear legroom than the SQ5.

Flexibility is maximized at the game, campground or a drive-in theatre in the DBX when its optional tailgating rear seats are deployed, allowing people to sit facing out of the liftgate. (Do not use while vehicle is in motion.) The SQ5 doesn’t offer tailgating seats.

The DBX’s cargo area is larger than the SQ5’s in almost every dimension:

The DBX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the SQ5’s (5940 vs. 4400 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stability Control on the DBX uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The SQ5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The DBX’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the SQ5.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the DBX has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The SQ5 doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Optional air conditioned front and rear seats keep the DBX’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in summer. The SQ5 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.