2023 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, offering a robust and off-road-capable experience. Toyota strategically positioned the 4Runner as a niche vehicle, catering to those who ventured off the beaten path, while the Highlander handled family-hauling duties. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its adventurous spirit. Inside, the design was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In Canada, the 4Runner was available in Trail and SR5 models, with various TRD and Limited package configurations. Standard features on the Trail included push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering a suite of driver assistance features. The Trail model featured 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels, a unique monotone paint scheme, and a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket. In Canada, all trims came with standard four-wheel drive, while rear-wheel drive was not offered.

The 2023 Audi Q5 showcased a blend of classy and sporty exterior styling, with subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the regular Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined and simple layout, though its age was beginning to show since its last redesign in 2018. Leather seating and heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats available. The Q5's infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen, and materials quality was good for the class, though it no longer felt as special as it once did.

The Q5 boasted sturdy build quality, with no squeaks or creaks when driving over rough surfaces. It was a solid choice among competing SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche. The Q5's handling and driving experience were sporty, with precise steering and confidence-inspiring performance on curvy roads. The Q5 struck a balance between compliance and cornering, with well-managed bumps and road noise for a calm cabin that met luxury SUV standards.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a single engine option, a 4.0-litre V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While the engine was dated, it was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the standard four-wheel drive with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll and jostling over bumps. Despite these critiques, the 4Runner excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rocks, bumps, and root beds effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing off-road capabilities. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI quattro featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro turbo increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and it was the only engine available with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e was a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 37 kilometres of electric-only range. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, likely due to the slow-to-react transmission. However, once underway, power was adequate, and the Q5's handling was sporty, with precise steering and confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering, with well-managed bumps and road noise for a calm cabin.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, providing slightly more space than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space. The three-row 4Runner had a maximum cargo space of 2,514 litres, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was available only on the Limited package, increasing seating capacity from five to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making stowing items in the back convenient. While the 4Runner's cabin packaging was not as efficient as newer SUVs, it offered ample space for gear.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since its 2018 redesign, but it had aged well. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrowly profiled front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers in the front and rear seats, with the Sportback model reducing headroom by only 0.6 cm. The Q5 provided several storage spaces for personal items, though some were oddly sized. The wireless phone charger was on a sliding tray covering the cupholders, which were heated and cooled in the top trim. The Q5 offered 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with the Sportback slightly reducing it to 700 litres.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a straightforward layout with hard buttons and dials. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the infotainment system was not as advanced as others on the market, it covered the tech basics and relied on tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially when driving with gloves. Navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and relatively quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on all trims, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5's infotainment system included large on-screen buttons for easy operation, though Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel called the virtual cockpit.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with three stars for rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five out of five stars for overall, frontal, and side protection in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars in rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Q5 its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. The Q5 included advanced safety features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist.