2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan functionality. Its design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a third-row bench that could easily be stowed away, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Audi Q5, on the other hand, combined elegance with sportiness in its design. Available in both SUV and Sportback body styles, the Q5 featured a sleek silhouette with a distinctive spoiler-like element above the taillights. Inside, the Q5 maintained a refined and straightforward layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard leather seating and heated front seats added to its luxury appeal, while the infotainment system, though not as large as some competitors, was functional and easy to use. The Q5's build quality was robust, providing a quiet and comfortable ride, although the rear seats were surrounded by more durable materials, making it practical for families with children and pets.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup was a first for a Toyota minivan and aligned with the brand's reputation for hybrid technology. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, and it boasted impressive fuel consumption figures, with the FWD model achieving 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 offered a choice of three engines. The base 40 TFSI quattro featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower, while the midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp. The top-tier 55 TFSI e was a plug-in hybrid with 362 hp and an electric-only range of 37 kilometres. All Q5 models came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5's handling was sporty and precise, though the transmission's delay in power delivery affected initial acceleration. Despite this, the Q5 provided a confident driving experience, with a balance between comfort and cornering prowess.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with cargo capacities of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also offered a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, along with ample storage and cupholders, made it a practical family vehicle.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to impress with its functionality. The infotainment touchscreen was well-placed for easy access, and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions reduced distractions. The Q5 offered good visibility and ample space for passengers, with the Sportback model sacrificing only a small amount of headroom. Storage options were somewhat limited, but the door pockets were accommodating. The Q5 provided up to 730 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Sportback model.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna offered various telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless charging. Higher trims boasted a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A digital rearview mirror was available on select models, enhancing visibility when the cabin was full.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's boot-up time was a drawback, but the interface was user-friendly. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot was included. Higher trims offered a customizable digital instrument panel, enhancing the driving experience with detailed information.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a suite of standard driver aids including adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured 10 airbags, child-seat connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. The Sienna's safety features were comprehensive, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2023 Audi Q5 also earned high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and matrix-design LED headlights. The Q5's safety offerings were robust, providing peace of mind for drivers.