2021 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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 rear was adorned with bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, boasting standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The smartly grouped buttons, switches, and knobs, along with high-quality materials like real wood and metal, contributed to a pleasing design. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for the driver's line of sight, and the second row featured standard leather upholstery, ensuring a comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, showcasing a mature design. Despite its age, the Sequoia's exterior maintained a timeless appeal with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. It appeared substantial in person, with dimensions of 1,956 mm in height, 2,030 mm in width, and 5,210 mm in length, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The optional running boards were practical, given its 32 cm ground clearance. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern trends, with a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place among competitors' larger screens. However, the interior was typical Toyota, with tight seams, high-quality materials, and a durable build. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a glimpse of modernity amidst its classic design.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding 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, 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 pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was commendable, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort and road feel, while the braking system was powerful and predictable.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, was known for its durability and reliability. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kg, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride on the highway, with a sure-footed performance on curvy roads. Its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, especially in the TRD Pro model with Fox shocks. The Sequoia's turning circle was a respectable 12.5 metres, making it manageable in suburban settings, though its height required caution in low spaces.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with its battery pack cleverly positioned 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), ample 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 storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious and comfortable seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard, with heated rear seats available on the Platinum grade. The centre console and glove compartment provided ample storage, complemented by door pockets and rear passenger storage options. The cargo compartment included a 12-volt outlet, accommodating 535 litres of luggage behind the third row. With the third row power-folded, the cargo space expanded to 1,886 litres, and folding both the second and third rows provided a generous 3,401 litres of space.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV was equipped with Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. This setup offered a customizable and futuristic cabin experience, enhanced by adjustable LED ambient lighting. The Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers provided excellent sound quality, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto ensured seamless connectivity.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. Despite its technological shortcomings, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

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, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking-assist sonar.