2021 Audi Q5 vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, elevated rear roof, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, akin to a Burberry trench coat, offering a blend of functionality and style. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained its adventurous spirit, inviting owners to explore off-road terrains with confidence. The vehicle's exterior was customizable, with options for black fender flares, additional skid plates, and a variety of design themes, making it a versatile choice for both urban and rural settings.

Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with a focus on durability over luxury. The cabin featured cloth seats, an optional centre jump seat, and exposed aluminum and wood elements. While leather was available, many models opted for water-resistant synthetic materials. The interior layout was simple, with a touchscreen integrated into the dash and essential controls for climate and 4WD. Despite its high price tag, the Defender's interior lacked the luxury expected at its price point, feeling more like a commercial vehicle than a premium SUV. However, its rugged charm and off-road capabilities made it a unique offering in the market.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied Audi's design language while maintaining its unique character. Its expressive front end featured LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width and modernity. The Q5's body styling was marked by crisp character lines and a protective greenhouse, culminating in bold rear taillights. The overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish throughout. The plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 added S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, further elevating its aesthetic appeal with standard 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5's interior was equally classy and modern, with a focus on technology and an uncluttered design. The cabin featured high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row offered standard leather upholstery, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The Q5's interior was a testament to Audi's commitment to luxury and functionality, providing a seamless blend of style and practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance capabilities. It offered a quiet and plush ride, thanks to standard air springs that effectively absorbed bumps and ruts. The optional 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, with a mild hybrid system that eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission offered a sport mode for aggressive launches, while its off-road prowess was enhanced by Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. The Defender excelled in challenging terrains, with capabilities to tackle steep angles and deep water crossings, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the already enjoyable Q5 and enhanced it with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The combination of a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine and an electric motor produced a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, while also achieving impressive fuel efficiency. The Q5 PHEV's drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, with multiple driving modes for optimal efficiency. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking, making it a well-rounded performer on both city streets and highways.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a focus on off-road capabilities. Its interior was minimalist and functional, with options for a two-door 90 or four-door 110 configuration. The Defender 90 offered an optional jump seat, allowing for up to six passengers, while the 110 could accommodate up to seven with an optional third row. The cabin layout was practical, with generous headroom and legroom, and a panoramic moonroof on the 110. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 litres (8,200 pounds), further highlighting its rugged capabilities.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging and ample interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom and generous headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The Q5's interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin. The overall design was uncluttered and functional, reflecting Audi's commitment to luxury and practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It offered two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The interface was simplified with a grayscale theme, though some user interface issues persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras displaying the ground beneath the hood, and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. The vehicle came standard with a 12-inch digital instrument panel, optional head-up display, and wireless charging. Despite its rugged nature, the Defender offered a range of modern technology features.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and was paired with colour-adjustable LED ambient lighting. The Q5 featured a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The combination of advanced technology and high-quality audio made the Q5's cabin a tech-savvy and enjoyable environment.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags, offering a total of six airbags. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras. While the Defender offered a range of driver assistance technologies, its safety ratings remained unverified.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars, with expectations for similar ratings for the PHEV. Safety features included six airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and a range of driver-assistance features such as Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. The Q5's comprehensive safety suite provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.