2023 Audi Q5 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, offering a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 maintained a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as exclusive as it once did.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance and modernized D-pillar taillights featuring three L shapes. The CR-V Hybrid Touring trim, tested in Canyon River Blue, included black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design cues of the Civic and HR-V, with a honeycomb grille across the dash and high-quality materials. The cabin exuded a premium feel, with contrast stitching adding a touch of elegance. The interior design was consistent with Honda's trend towards a more upscale experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI quattro featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 37 kilometres. 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 delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid powertrain was responsive, particularly for highway merging, and the CR-V Hybrid was rated for towing up to 450 kilograms. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid also introduced a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. It was estimated to consume 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional dials for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers, with rear seats accommodating six-footers comfortably. The Sportback model had slightly reduced headroom. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 730 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced to 700 litres in the Sportback.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from a larger exterior, translating to more interior volume. It offered 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 millimetres, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V Hybrid's interior included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a console with best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, and mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and seats. The Hybrid Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. 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, and traffic jam assist. The top Technik trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated park assist system.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. A blind-spot monitoring system and cross-traffic monitor were standard, along with a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. It featured new airbags, dashboard patches, and a stiffer structure for added protection.