Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Audi Q5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a similar appearance to the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling cues with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it offered more luxurious features, including 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, and lumbar support, along with heated first- and second-row seats. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available. The interior also featured aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls placed high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes. The dashboard prominently displayed the "Grand Wagoneer" name, ensuring occupants knew they were in a premium model.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, creating a classy yet sporty exterior. Available in two body styles, the regular SUV and the sleeker Sportback, the Q5 stood 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 and simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard leather seating and heated front seats provided comfort, while a heated steering wheel and rear seats were optional. The 10-inch touchscreen atop the dash offered good technology integration, though the materials quality felt less special compared to newer non-luxury competitors.

The Q5's build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks over rough surfaces, embodying a solid German engineering feel. It was a strong contender among SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche, offering a balance of style and functionality. The interior space was well-utilized, with good visibility and ample room for passengers, even in the Sportback model. Storage options were varied, though some were oddly shaped, and the cargo space was competitive, albeit slightly less than some rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. Standard four-wheel drive included the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing traction. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, allowed for adjustable ride height, providing up to 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance.

Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace, as its ride became bouncy at higher speeds, and the steering was imprecise. Off-road capabilities were promising, though its size limited its trail performance. The vehicle's quiet cabin and air suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, but it lacked the agility of smaller SUVs.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. The base 40 TFSI quattro featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, available exclusively with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid combined an electric motor for a total of 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering an estimated 37 km of electric-only range. All engines were paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive.

The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the transmission, making initial acceleration sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate, and the Q5 handled well, instilling confidence on curvy roads. The ride balanced compliance and cornering, with well-managed bumps and minimal noise intrusion. The Q5 was a solid choice for those seeking a sporty yet comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, front-row space was more limited compared to the Escalade and Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind all three rows and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,667 litres, slightly less than some rivals. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, aided by its weight and robust construction.

Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage bins. Forward visibility was somewhat limited by the hood, but the standard 360-degree camera system improved maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to impress with its functionality. The infotainment touchscreen was strategically placed to minimize distraction, and traditional dials and buttons controlled climate settings. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar and a clear rear view. The Q5 offered ample space for passengers, with sufficient headroom and legroom even in the Sportback model. Storage options were varied, though some compartments were oddly shaped.

Cargo space was competitive, with 730 litres behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 700 litres in the Sportback. While some rivals offered more cargo capacity, the Q5's practicality and comfort made it a strong contender in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A McIntosh audio system, simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. Second-row passengers enjoyed a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with an Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air updates, though screen responsiveness was occasionally slow.

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 available, though activation took time. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5's infotainment system featured large, easy-to-read buttons, though Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included for a limited time.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of its release. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

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