Audi A6 vs Toyota Corolla

The 2025 Toyota Corolla retained its familiar design, having not undergone a redesign since 2020. Despite its age, the Corolla continued to appeal with regular updates, including the introduction of a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system available in the XSE trim in Canada. The Corolla's exterior was generally inoffensive, though its insect-like front end was a point of contention. Inside, the simplicity of the design was evident, with the new touchscreen lacking traditional volume and tuning knobs, requiring drivers to adapt to using steering wheel controls. While the interior featured some inexpensive materials, elements like the soft dashboard pad and leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of sophistication.

The 2026 Audi A6, meanwhile, presented a handsome yet understated design, with its signature "singleframe" grille positioned lower and more prominently. The A6's exterior featured fender flares and a pronounced rib along the sides, drawing inspiration from the iconic Quattro rally car. The LED headlights offered a pixelated effect with programmable signatures, while the taillights incorporated programmable lights for various icons. The A6 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the Technik trim offering an S Line Black package for a sportier appearance. Despite its stylish exterior, the interior materials were disappointingly bland, detracting from the overall premium feel.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 151 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. While not class-leading, this power was sufficient for everyday driving. The Corolla's Dynamic Shift CVT, featuring a gearset for quick acceleration, contributed to a responsive and quieter driving experience. The Corolla's ride and handling were commendable, with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform enhancing its driving dynamics. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with ratings of 6.7–6.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined for the gas-only model, and even better figures for the hybrid variant.

In contrast, the 2026 Audi A6 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro AWD. This powertrain made the A6 feel energetic, though there was a noticeable hesitation from the transmission under heavy throttle. The A6's handling was enhanced by brake-based torque vectoring and an optional Sport Plus package, which included a sport rear differential and rear-axle steering. Despite these enhancements, the A6 was better suited for highway driving than spirited cornering, with tire noise detracting from the premium experience.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla offered a comfortable driving position with good visibility, thanks to its manual driver’s seat height adjuster and fabric upholstery. Rear seat passengers enjoyed a firm cushion with decent leg support, though headroom was limited. The Corolla's trunk provided 371 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat for added versatility. However, practical storage space throughout the cabin was limited, particularly in the centre console.

The 2026 Audi A6, while six centimetres longer than its predecessor, did not offer increased passenger space due to the unchanged wheelbase. Front-seat headroom improved slightly with the new panoramic glass roof, but rear seat headroom and legroom remained similar. The A6 provided comparable space to a BMW 5 Series, with rear-seat climate controls and USB-C ports. The trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, slightly less than the previous generation but more than some competitors. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats added flexibility for carrying longer items.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla featured a new 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the XSE trim, though its placement could obstruct visibility for some drivers. The system lacked traditional knobs, requiring reliance on steering wheel controls or voice commands. Toyota's connected services technology included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with complimentary trial subscriptions to various plans. Safety Connect was standard, offering up to 10 years of service, while Drive Connect and Remote Connect were available with trial periods in higher trims.

The 2026 Audi A6 introduced the Digital Stage setup, with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen. An optional 10.9-inch front-passenger touchscreen addressed the main screen's driver-oriented tilt. Despite larger screens, the MMI infotainment system was criticized for its oversimplified layouts. Audi planned a mid-year interface update, including an integrated dashcam and a new steering wheel design. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system featured headrest speakers for navigation directions, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. While blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not standard, they were available from the LE trim. The Corolla received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a 2024 "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS, though updated ratings for 2025 were pending.

The 2026 Audi A6 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitors. However, the lane centring feature allowed for some lane wobble. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, as is typical for a new model year.