2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Toyota Venza was a stylish SUV that drew comparisons to Lexus models, thanks to its sleek design and elongated profile. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, among other amenities. Higher trims added features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language with distinction. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, while the body showcased crisp character lines. The rear was marked by bold taillights, contributing to its classy and modern appearance. Inside, the Q5 maintained a clean and uncluttered look, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed for driver visibility, and the second row offered standard leather upholstery. The Q5 PHEV variant included S-Line trim enhancements and offered standard 19-inch wheels, with an option for 20-inch wheels.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. The Venza's handling was confident, with its all-wheel-drive system ensuring stability and predictability.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a more powerful performance with a total combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and 14.1-kWh battery. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV's fuel efficiency was impressive, with a rating of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for different conditions. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design, distinct from typical Toyota or Lexus models. The centre stack featured premium appointments, including piano black capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls. The deep centre console housed various controls and storage options, while the seating provided ample comfort for both front and rear passengers. The Venza's cargo space was 816 litres, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The quick-flip releases on the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks made arranging cargo space easy.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom and ample headroom and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured several storage options, including cupholders and cubbies, all laid out in a functional and uncluttered manner.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the XLE and Limited trims. While the system was responsive, it was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. The Venza included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard, providing various functionalities and data access.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted 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 customizable views and enhanced the cabin's futuristic feel. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, providing excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included features like a pre-collision warning system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also had eight airbags, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the gasoline model received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline model five stars, and similar ratings were expected for the PHEV. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.