2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving the front end a commanding presence. The body sides were accentuated with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Although the exterior design was entirely new, it felt more like an evolution rather than a complete redesign, resembling a facelift. In Canada, the Q5 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the latter two offering matrix-design LED headlights and animated taillights. The Q5 came in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the cost of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance variant added more power, sport suspension, and distinctive styling elements, including matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's design was intricate, with a mix of high-quality materials, though the layout was somewhat discordant. Leather seating was standard, and the SQ5 offered a sportier interior option, albeit with some design drawbacks.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its second model year, was available in two trims: the base 1958 and the more upscale Cruiser. The 1958 trim paid homage to the model's North American debut year with a retro look, featuring round headlights and basic equipment. The Cruiser trim offered a modern, upscale appearance with more colour options and a nicer interior. It also included critical off-roading hardware and software, making it the preferred choice for many. The Cruiser trim test vehicle featured the Premium Package, adding leather, larger screens, and a roof rack. The Land Cruiser's design was traditional, maximizing off-road clearances and utility. The interior was utilitarian but nicer than the 1958 trim, with dual 12.3-inch digital screens and comfortable front seats. However, the second-row seats lacked comfort, and the rear window design was less than ideal. Cargo space was generous, though the high load floor required some effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The SQ5 variant boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. While the base model's output was competitive, the SQ5's performance was slightly less powerful than some rivals. Despite the impressive specs, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The Q5's suspension provided capable handling, with air suspension available on higher trims. However, the steering lacked engagement, and the Q5 was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, and its handling on twisty roads was less than ideal. The Land Cruiser was a capable daily driver and off-road adventurer, with a comfortable ride and impressive off-road features.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model. It offered adequate headroom and legroom, with a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat. The Q5 provided 757 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,710 litres with the seats folded, surpassing some rivals. Standard features included a power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Q5's towing capacity was 2,000 kilograms, making it a practical choice for towing needs.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded the interior with SofTex artificial leather, ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked support. The rear window design was less convenient, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 2,324 litres with the rear seats folded. The high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch passenger screen on the Technik trim. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 also offered a head-up display and Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light for additional driver cues.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless charger, and a head-up display. The Land Cruiser's voice recognition system performed well, providing accurate directions and responses.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. However, the Q5's safety ratings from the IIHS were not favourable, with too many Marginal or Acceptable ratings for a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating.