2021 Audi Q5 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a somewhat understated exterior design, with subtle changes from its predecessor. The tailgate glass was slightly more slanted, and the body panels featured more pronounced creases, creating wide arcs around the fenders. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout, rear bumper, headlights, grille, and lower front bumper. All trims came with projector-beam LED headlights, while the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasted prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Highlander was where it truly shone, with quality fit and finish. Silver-painted accents highlighted the curves and angles, and the 8-inch touchscreen and climate controls appeared to float above the multi-layered dash. The colour palettes were pleasing, with the Limited trim offering a three-tone interior. Padded surfaces and rich textures were prevalent, making the Highlander's cabin a standout in its class.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language with distinction. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body styling included crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large 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 appearance, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The materials were of high quality, with real wood, metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access, and the second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery. The Q5's interior was a testament to Audi's commitment to luxury and functionality.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration without the need for turbochargers. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, requiring adjustments at highway speeds, and the suspension was soft with too much rebound. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a smooth and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, while the AWD model achieved 11.7 L/100 km city and 8.6 highway.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to another level with its plug-in hybrid setup. It 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 allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered impressive fuel efficiency, with a rating of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, providing excellent handling and control. The Q5 PHEV's suspension was slightly stiff, balancing comfort with road feel, and body roll was minimal.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs on Platinum trims. The second row was versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were well-suited for families, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seating heights. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The Highlander featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash for added convenience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 710 litres of space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The Q5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with several storage options and a clutter-free layout.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. However, the Highlander offered a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, providing useful information. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The JBL audio system on Limited and Platinum trims was decent, and Safety Connect offered a one-year trial for emergency services.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was user-friendly and impressive. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The interior lighting was customizable, adding to the Q5's high-tech appeal.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

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. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.