2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look popular among midsized SUVs. However, its side profile introduced a softer character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna. This design choice added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander's unconventional asymmetrical dash was less jarring, with a metallic styling element spanning the passenger side and enveloping the infotainment pod. The high-mounted infotainment touchscreen reduced driver distraction, while the Bronze Edition featured unique 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, which, although visually interesting, attracted dirt and stains easily.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, achieving a classy yet sporty appearance. Available in both regular SUV and Sportback styles, the Q5 Sportback featured a sloping rear roofline and a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5's refined and simple layout began to show its age since its last redesign five years prior. Standard leather seating and heated front seats added comfort, while a heated steering wheel and rear seats were optional. The 10-inch touchscreen atop the dash maintained a traditional feel, and materials quality remained good for the class. The Q5's sturdy build quality ensured a quiet ride over rough surfaces, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. Toyota estimated a 0-100 km/h time of just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in an uninspired drone during acceleration, particularly when climbing hills. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, contributing to a quieter midsize SUV experience.

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 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, available exclusively with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 37 km of electric-only range. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, likely due to the slow-reacting transmission, making it feel slower than its 6.1-second 0-100 km/h estimate. Once underway, power was adequate, but passing required planning. The Q5's handling was sporty, with precise steering and confidence on curvy roads. The ride balanced compliance and cornering, with well-managed bumps and minimal noise intrusion.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample adjustments for drivers of varying heights. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned, leaving the elbow unsupported. Storage options were plentiful, with a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats offered generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for added comfort. A second-row bench was available as a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children or smaller adults. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to impress. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for reduced distraction, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar and better-than-average rear visibility. The front seats provided ample space for taller passengers, while the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably. Storage options included a shallow pocket under the climate controls, a fist-sized pocket, and a wireless phone charger on a sliding tray. The Q5 offered 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 700 litres in the Sportback model.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for ease of use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Satellite radio and remote vehicle monitoring were included with limited trial periods, while navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on higher trims.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the system took time to boot up. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5's native infotainment system featured large on-screen buttons, while Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and feature control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included for a limited-time subscription. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel called the virtual cockpit.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal collision and rollover protection. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, with "Good" scores across the board. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround-view camera and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required some fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel.

The 2023 Audi Q5 also earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, traffic jam assist, matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, semi-automated park assist, and a traffic sign reader. Rear-seat side impact airbags were optional on all trims.