2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a sophisticated blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, characterized by subtle curves and angular accents. Available in two body styles, the regular SUV and the sleeker Sportback, the Q5 managed to stand out with its 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 leather seating and heated front seats added to its appeal, while the 10-inch touchscreen provided a good amount of technology without overwhelming the dashboard. Despite its sturdy German build quality, the Q5's interior materials felt less special compared to newer non-luxury competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver colour, appeared somewhat dated. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dash layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across all trims. However, the third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, compromised headroom and legroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices, 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 of torque, while the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 37 kilometres of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering and a good balance between compliance and cornering.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. Standard 4WD in Canada included a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, with TRD Pro models featuring a skid plate. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate for its class. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with several towing-related upgrades available.

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. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided up to 730 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Sportback model.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter passengers. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid battery, compromised headroom and legroom. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering. The Sequoia's interior space was generous, but it lagged behind some rivals in legroom.

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 standard, though the system took time to boot up. The Q5 featured a customizable digital instrument panel and Audi Connect Care service, including a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch centre touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver information display was standard, along with a Panoramic View monitor on higher trims. The Sequoia offered a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on select trims.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced driver assistance features and matrix-design LED headlights.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were also standard. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its mechanically similar sibling, the Tundra, earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.