2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a focus on technology and an uncluttered design. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out in the midsize SUV crowd with its distinctive design. It featured wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the rear taillights had a Lexus-like appearance. The Highlander appeared longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The XSE trim added a more aggressive front end and suspension tuning, while the Limited trim offered an upscale look with chrome accents. Inside, the Highlander leaned towards luxury with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details. It prioritized comfort and convenience, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only rating of 8.8 litres per 100 km. The battery could be recharged overnight or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD and multiple driving modes. Handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power. The Highlander’s suspension was soft and comfortable, with the XSE trim offering a slightly sportier setup. Overall, the Highlander prioritized reliability and comfort over sporty performance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom (960 mm) and ample headroom (958 mm) and shoulder room (1,435 mm). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured well-organized storage spaces and a clean design.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in passenger comfort and cargo capacity. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could slide to optimize space. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down. The Highlander’s interior was practical, though rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s 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 LED ambient lighting for a personalized experience. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though navigation was only available from the Limited grade. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, as was Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system on higher trims provided good sound quality, though the larger screen didn’t fully utilize its size for all apps.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded it five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.