2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Audi Q5

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 Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights, giving it a classy, modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, such as standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern look, with technology integrated seamlessly into an uncluttered design. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery, ensuring a luxurious experience throughout.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, particularly in the Limited AWD trim, was priced at $45,341, which was considered steep for a RAV4. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger alloy wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid's styling was tough for a compact SUV, though it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish, functional, and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics typical of compact crossovers. The test vehicle had a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate, but overall, the interior was well-designed with clear instrumentation and easy-to-use controls. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the vehicle offered ample storage solutions, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding an extra 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque through a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV boasted fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD and offered various driving modes for optimal efficiency. Its handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing 219 horsepower. The front electric motor generated 149 lb-ft of torque, while the rear motor provided 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, with a whirring noise in EV mode to alert pedestrians. The vehicle's curb weight ranged from 1,680 kg to 1,720 kg, and it achieved a fuel efficiency of 6.0 litres per 100 km combined, with an average of 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable ride, though the all-season tires limited grip. The SUV handled well on various terrains, with a flat cornering stance and favourable driving dynamics.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced size, with smart packaging that allowed the battery pack to be stored 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 second row folded. The second row offered 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 practical storage solutions, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin, all designed with functionality in mind.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid prioritized comfort, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats provided decent legroom and foot space, with a reclining backrest for added comfort. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment controls. Storage options included dashboard shelves, a centre armrest with cupholders, and door panel bottle holders. The RAV4 Hybrid offered a spacious 1,059-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded, though the premium sound system's subwoofer and all-weather mat affected cargo space.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The customizable instrument panel offered three views and was enhanced by LED ambient interior lighting. The standard Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers provided excellent sound quality, and the vehicle included wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, both compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connectivity features. The test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline 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 such as Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The NHTSA gave the RAV4 Hybrid a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS rated it highly, except for its headlights. The safety systems were generally effective, though some functions behaved erratically in heavy traffic.