2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the greenhouse resembled a protective shell. At the rear, bold, large taillights completed its classy, modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 sported S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern atmosphere, with technology seamlessly integrated into an uncluttered design. High-quality materials, such as real wood and metal, were used throughout, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row featured standard leather upholstery, ensuring a luxurious experience for all passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a polarizing design that, over time, became more familiar. Its blunt and bulbous nose gave it an aggressive look, with black windshield pillars creating a floating roof effect. Swollen haunches balanced the styling, but the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels could overwhelm the design, even with 20-inch alloy wheels. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing ranging from $45,950 to $56,450, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, evaluated in this review, included features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a surround-view camera system, and a cargo liner. While the Highlander Hybrid offered quality, some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The interior featured an upscale two-tone look with leather upholstery for Limited and Platinum trims. However, the asymmetrical dashboard design and reflections on the larger screen could be distracting.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding an extra 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup worked well with the crossover’s 4,665-lb curb weight, providing convincing acceleration (0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds) and impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5 PHEV's drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD and offered various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid modes. The speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and four-wheel independent suspension contributed to good handling, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieving a combined fuel efficiency rating of 6.7 L/100 km. The total output was 243 hp, a decrease from the previous generation's 306 hp. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. While the new Highlander Hybrid improved efficiency, it sacrificed driving enjoyment. The drivetrain sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs, and the steering felt lifeless. Regenerative brakes operated transparently, but the softly sprung suspension led to unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it became less composed. Around town, the electric motor torque and EV Mode were strengths, but overall, the SUV lacked driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out controls, cupholders, and storage compartments, reflecting its uncluttered design.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The test vehicle included a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The no-cost bench seat option increased seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, making it uncomfortable for three adults in the second row. The third-row seat was low and lacked support, with tight headroom and limited legroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres. Storage was plentiful but not as generous as the previous generation, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area below.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster with customizable views. The cabin offered colour/mood-adjustable LED ambient lighting, enhancing customization. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier was standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large volume and tuning knobs and main-menu shortcut buttons. The voice recognition system worked well but did not control climate settings. The JBL sound system offered 1,200 watts of power but varied in sound quality. Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver’s voice through the speakers, and a video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view of the rear.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline-only model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. New features included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with a surround-view camera system on the Platinum trim. The IIHS awarded the Highlander a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating.