2023 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, continued to embody a mature design that had stood the test of time. Its exterior maintained a balance between elegance and robustness, with a modestly sized grille and straight, unadorned body lines. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, measuring 1,956 mm in height, 2,030 mm in width, and 5,210 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,099 mm. Its ground clearance of 32 cm made the optional running boards a practical addition. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV. However, the interior was built with typical Toyota quality, featuring tight seams and high-quality materials, ensuring durability for family use.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of class and sportiness with its exterior styling, available in both regular SUV and Sportback body styles. The Q5's interior, though showing signs of age since its last redesign in 2018, remained refined with a simple layout. Standard leather seating and heated front seats added to its appeal, while the 10-inch touchscreen provided a modern touch. The Q5's build quality was solid, with no squeaks or creaks, and it offered a quiet cabin experience. Despite the advancements in non-luxury competitors, the Q5 maintained its luxury feel, though it no longer stood out as it once did.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms resulted in less favourable fuel consumption ratings of 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options, starting with the base 40 TFSI quattro, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, while the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft with an electric motor. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5's handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. However, the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration. The Q5 provided a quiet cabin, with well-managed road and wind noise.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. Three-zone climate control and a standard power moonroof enhanced the interior experience. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. Storage options were plentiful, with a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to offer a well-thought-out layout. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, and traditional controls were provided for climate settings. The Q5 offered good outward visibility, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. Front and rear passengers enjoyed ample space, with the Sportback model sacrificing only 0.6 cm of headroom. Storage options were varied, though some were oddly shaped. The Q5 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 700 litres in the Sportback.

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. Higher trims added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain advancements like turbocharging or electrification. However, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and available SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5's infotainment system was user-friendly, though Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included. Mid-range trims benefited from a customizable digital instrument panel known as the virtual cockpit.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, along with Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags and child safety features.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Technik trim included matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated park assist system.