ND40oz

The interesting thing is the 21" tires are XL rated which would require higher pressures. The 20" tires appear to be the same between the 3.0T and SQ5 and are only SL rated. I haven't looked it up, but does the GVWR differ between the Q5 and SQ5?

Yoshimura

Good point. I will compare GVWR.

uberwgn

ToyZ

I just picked up a new 2015 SQ5 with the 21 inch wheels and am in a quandary as to which tire pressure to run in the back. Both the sticker and the manual say 41psi in the front but the manual gives optional pressures in the back (36 or 42) while the sticker shows only 42. My question is: have you tried both and which do you find you prefer? I live in AZ and it is quite hot here so I tend to favor higher pressures but I would like to hear some real world experiences. Thank you.

Yoshimura

Sticker only shows Full Load Condition.

ToyZ

Thank you. However, my question is: what is everyone's real world experience with the different pressures. I upped the rears from 36 to 42 and the car seems to handle better but I only have 100 miles on the car. Where do most people run the rear pressure? Six psi is quite a difference.

S W

It’s 2021 and I’m now dealing with the same issue. I was hoping to see that someone chimed in with an answer or suggestion! Newer sq5s have more of a 36/39 setup so I don’t understand why the 2014-15 models use 41/36-42. I presume there is a bit of subjectivity with all of this and that it really comes down to individual preference and a bit of experimentation?

S4'ed

I run 35 PSI front and rear on my 2017 SQ5 with 21 inch tires.
This rides rough enough even with 35 PSI.

gk1

FWIW the "normal load" setting for the 21" tires on a 2021 SQ5 is 33/33 directly from Audi and the NHTSA whether is is on steel springs or air suspension.
For 2014-2015, you are right, it is quite a bit higher at 41/36 but to be honest I don't know what changed between MKI & MKII in this regard.
I also find 41/36 to be quite harsh on my MKI SQ5 when it had 255's. I switched to 265's and load equalized down to 37/33 but is still a bit harsh even with the larger sidewall.
Handling I never reflected over because it is an SUV and IMO has always handled great fro an SUV, but it is no sports car so if it is not perfect I don't really care.
Many say to just "play with the pressure" to find what suits you best. I doubt I'd want to go lower than normal load rating, but surely trying something higher in front or back to chase better handling would be ok at perhaps the expense of maybe comfort or center wear?

S W

I don’t know what changed either from those first generation models in regards to the pressure rating, but I’m about to go on a long trip with the kids, dog, Thule etc so figured I’d set my Michelin Pilot Sport AS 255s to 41/41 and call it a day. Max load setting is 41/42 but my kids only total 200 lbs and the Thule won’t be that heavy. We’ll see how it goes and will adjust as needed!