Audi Q5 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a blend of practicality and subtle luxury. With its conservative design reminiscent of the popular RAV4, it offered a familiar yet grander aesthetic. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, priced at $69,060, featured a Storm Cloud paint that added a touch of elegance. Inside, the emphasis was on functionality, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. The interior materials were decent, though some hard plastics were evident. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had room for improvement, particularly with its small volume knob.

In contrast, the 2026 Audi Q5 maintained a classic yet evolving design. The Q5's exterior was marked by a distinctive front fascia with a wider grille and deeper-set headlights. The District Green paint with the S Line Black Package added a striking appearance, though some design elements like the honeycomb grille lost appeal up close. The interior was a mix of tasteful and less appealing elements, with well-crafted seats and a four-spoke steering wheel. However, the abundance of shiny black plastic and disjointed screens detracted from the overall experience. The Q5's proportions had shifted, affecting its traditional design balance.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was a powerhouse with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, delivering 362 horsepower. This setup provided impressive acceleration, making highway merging and city driving a breeze. The six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning typical of CVTs, enhancing the driving experience. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, it still managed a respectable 8.8 L/100 km combined. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves.

The 2026 Audi Q5, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, offered 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Audi's quattro AWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission were standard, though the transmission showed some delay and lurching at low speeds. The Q5 excelled in stability and ride comfort, with light steering and a capable suspension. Fuel economy was competitive, with a combined rating of 9.7 L/100 km. The Q5's dynamics were solid, though the air springs in the Technik trim didn't noticeably enhance ride quality.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating across three rows and over 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise. The second-row captain’s chairs provided easy access to the third row, which was spacious enough for adults and tall teens. Cargo space was generous, with 586 litres behind the third row and up to 2,761 litres with seats folded.

The Audi Q5 provided average headroom and legroom for its class, with cargo space at 780 litres behind the rear seats and 1,612 litres when folded. The panoramic sunroof was a standout feature, offering expansive views without compromising headroom. Standard features included heated power front seats, leather upholstery, and a three-zone climate system. However, the touchscreen-based climate controls could be inconvenient, and the instrument panel lacked customization. The Q5's towing capacity was impressive at 1,996 kilograms, rivaling many midsize crossovers.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously was a drawback. The digital voice assistant was responsive, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system.

The Audi Q5 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, with a third screen available on Technik trims. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bang & Olufsen stereo delivered excellent sound. The Q5's technology impressed with its real-time road and traffic depictions, though the lack of hands-free driving capability was noted.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection. The Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be more irritating than helpful in some situations.

The Audi Q5's 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Q5 also featured uncommon safety elements like a centre frontal airbag and rear side airbags.