2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires. The short overhangs allowed it to tackle steep pitches and sharp declines, while the hood scoop, a non-functional element, added a visual cue to its off-road-focused TRD trim. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied across trims, with the TRD Pro sporting blacked-out accents and the Limited showcasing chrome. The Canadian lineup was based on the SR5 trim, with packages like TRD Off-Road, Venture, TRD Pro, Limited, and Nightshade special edition. The Limited package, aimed at comfort, included leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though the utilitarian DNA was evident with plastic elements and a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp, modern appearance, carrying the Audi design language with an expressive face featuring LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille. The body styling included crisp character lines, and the rear boasted bold taillights. The Q5 PHEV stood out with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern look, with technology integrated into an uncluttered design. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned for optimal driver visibility, and the second row offered leather upholstery. The material selection was high-quality, with real wood and metal, contributing to a cohesive and authentic interior design.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with consumption estimated at 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.5 on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. The full-time four-wheel drive system on the Limited model was better suited for maintaining progress, while the standard part-time system handled off-road challenges effectively.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the Q5 to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 5.3 seconds. The PHEV offered impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, and the vehicle could operate in various modes, including electric-only for up to 31 kilometres. The Q5's handling was enhanced by speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, providing a balance of comfort and road feel.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility, with a turning radius of 5.6 metres. Inside, the dashboard featured large, chunky knobs for controls, and the steering wheel housed an array of buttons, though they were not illuminated. The tall front seat position was a result of its body-on-frame construction, and power-retractable running boards aided entry and exit. The 4Runner provided an optional third row of seats, though they were best suited for short and occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to accommodate its battery pack without sacrificing cargo space, offering 710 litres behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom and ample headroom and shoulder room, allowing two adults to sit comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders and cubbies, contributing to a functional and organized cabin.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While the system was an improvement, it lagged behind competitors in terms of features and usability. The onboard navigation system was challenging to manage, and the vehicle included Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. The technological advancements were more evident in the powertrain, with features like crawl control for off-road situations.

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 customization options and was user-friendly. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It featured eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crash tests, except for a "Marginal" score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.