Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 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. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show since its last redesign five years prior. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with AWD standard in Canada. The Highlander Hybrid's design was over-styled, with exaggerated forms and dramatic sculpting that some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with oversized elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. However, the interior quality was questionable, with controls that felt inexpensive and storage areas that were unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was notably quiet on the road, a testament to Toyota's focus on this aspect.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI quattro featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine 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, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 37 kilometres of electric-only range. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the transmission, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, plus a third for the rear wheels, creating standard AWD. It produced 243 combined horsepower, tasked with moving 2,060 kilograms in Limited trim. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque meant high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road work. Its Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km compared to the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was unengaging, with soft suspension and a CVT that contributed to a lack of excitement.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to offer a functional layout with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen positioned for minimal distraction. Traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls, and outward 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. Cargo space was generous, with up to 730 litres behind the rear seats, slightly reduced in the Sportback model.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to handle family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain’s chairs, with the third row best suited for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats in higher trims. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, with sunshades for added protection. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were not particularly comfortable. The Highlander offered a useful dashboard shelf and various storage areas, though some were unlined, potentially leading to noise. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with the second row folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and available SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 offered remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with Audi Connect Care service available for a limited time. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel known as the virtual cockpit.

For 2023, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 12.3-inch display in the Limited, both supporting over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Several connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access to various vehicle features. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could have been bolder.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings, with 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+ with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness tests. 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 features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and matrix-design LED headlights.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims gaining parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with certain road conditions. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and vehicle location services. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.