2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, more handsome than the Land Rover Discovery, which had mimicked Ford's style years after the previous-generation Explorer debuted in 2011. The 2020 model refined its upscale, utilitarian design by slimming down the body panels, especially at the rear, giving it a lower and more athletic appearance. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge created a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl masquerading as leather and an abundance of rough-grained plastic. The overall feel was not up to par with the luxury price point, making it seem either too expensive or not nice enough.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character. It featured an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear boasted bold, large taillights. The Q5 had a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, it was similarly classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The materials were authentic, with real wood, metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces throughout.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, providing more even weight distribution than the previous front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform. The ST trim, tuned by Ford Performance, featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST delivered smooth, uninterrupted power and impressive handling, with a crisp steering response and flat cornering. The 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, was also a strong performer. A gas-electric hybrid option was available, combining a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a net 318 hp. However, the hybrid's fuel economy did not justify the $4,150 upcharge. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine. Seven drive modes tailored the vehicle's performance to various conditions.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the already fun-to-drive Q5 and made it better with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery. The total combined output was 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved an impressive 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and multiple driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 20 miles. The Q5's handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel. Body roll was minimal, and braking was powerful and predictable.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, making it a comfortable choice for long trips. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, a center console, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was more spacious than the previous model, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. However, the bench was too flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space behind the third row was 18 cubic feet, behind the second row was 48 cubic feet, and with all seats folded, it was 88 cubic feet. The Explorer featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, but the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, comfortably seating two adults. The front seats were super-comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The front row featured cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin. The interior was well-designed and functional.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Factory navigation was standard on all models except the base XLT. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models included a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. However, the instrument panel lacked customization options, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was not as effective as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, offering three customizable views. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. A passenger front knee airbag was standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Explorer "Acceptable" in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top "good" ratings in every category except headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist.