2021 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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. The Q5's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, evolved from its origins as a "cute ute" to become a sales leader. Its exterior design, while fitting in with current crossover trends, featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasting with organic body shapes. The RAV4's expressive headlights and grille created a playful yet aggressive face. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by an uncomplicated centre stack. The interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, tying various cabin elements together. The RAV4's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample room for passengers and cargo.

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, and offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 L/100 km combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD and multiple driving modes, allowing for electric-only driving up to 31 km. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, including a gasoline-only model with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor for 217 hp, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 hp with a larger battery pack. The RAV4 Prime could run up to 68 km on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and AWD models featuring Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring. The RAV4's fuel efficiency and performance made it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for passengers. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a range of adjustments and available heating and ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders and cubbies.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided up to 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models offering varying towing limits. The RAV4's interior was roomy and comfortable, with plenty of space for passengers and storage options throughout the cabin. The front seats offered ample legroom and comfort, with additional features like dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel on higher trims.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, along with customizable LED ambient lighting.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and additional technology like a bird’s-eye view camera system and a head-up display. The RAV4 Prime included multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and ambient illumination.

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

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the RAV4 Prime received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five stars.