2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Audi Q5

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 sleeker Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section, unlike some competitors with awkward rear ends. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was noticeable since its last redesign five years prior. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was smaller than some rivals, but materials quality remained good, even as non-luxury brands improved their offerings.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a throwback to earlier SUV designs, with its last major redesign in 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling was evident, with analog instruments and an eight-inch touchscreen that felt outdated. The interior featured hard plastics, but cushioned panels provided some comfort. Despite its nostalgic appeal, the 4Runner's interior lacked the modern touches found in competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. The base 40 TFSI quattro had 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, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an electric-only range of 37 kilometres. All models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback's 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration, but once moving, it provided adequate power. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The cabin remained quiet, meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While comparable to the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model included standard 4WD and a two-speed transfer case. On-road, the 4Runner felt slow, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The engine was loud, and the sportier exhaust added to the noise. Handling suffered from body roll and floatiness, though the soft suspension absorbed larger road imperfections. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, but on highways, it required more effort to maintain speed.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by narrow front roof pillars. The cabin offered ample space for taller passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options were varied, though some were oddly shaped. Cargo space reached 730 litres, slightly reduced in the Sportback. The Q5's door pockets accommodated larger bottles, and keyless entry was standard.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior appeared dated, but its layout was user-friendly, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. Visibility was excellent, with forward-positioned roof pillars. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, though taller drivers found the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to elevated seating. Cargo capacity reached 1,337 litres, expandable to 2,540 litres with rear seats stowed. The 4Runner lacked remote seat releases and powered liftgate options, but featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver with a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses, though Apple CarPlay activation was slow. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel, enhancing information accessibility.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often obscured sound quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual for optimal use. Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities, with differential controls for improved traction.

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

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner earned four stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars in rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were mixed, with "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system. Some alerts were oversensitive, but adjustments were possible.