2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate. Land Rover cleverly integrated the charging port into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek design without any unnecessary styling changes. This approach was appreciated by those who valued aesthetics, as it kept the vehicle's appearance clean and appealing. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV showcased a sharp, modern design that carried the Audi design language well. The expressive front end featured LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, while the body had crisp character lines and a protective greenhouse. The rear boasted bold taillights, and the plug-in hybrid model included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, such as standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 PHEV maintained a classy and modern appearance with smartly grouped buttons, switches, and knobs. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the cabin featured authentic materials like real wood and metal, providing a high level of fit and finish.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode, often switching to the gasoline engine. This could have been due to factors like climate control usage or hilly terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over a 28.4-mile stretch in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, which included mountain driving. The Range Rover Sport PHEV featured an 8-speed automatic transmission, permanent 4WD, and adaptive air suspension, providing quick acceleration and a comfortable ride. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops difficult. Off-road capabilities remained strong, with the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. Recharging the battery took 14 hours using a standard household outlet, but the battery often failed to reach full capacity.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV, on the other hand, offered a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and 14.1-kWh battery. This setup provided impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and a fuel economy rating of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, the Q5 PHEV achieved 27 mpg combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with a Level 2 charger. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, with modes for electric-only driving, battery power reservation, and hybrid operation. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful, predictable braking.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a higher price tag and less cargo space due to the battery placement under the raised cargo floor, reducing the available space to 27.5 cubic feet. The cargo area was also prone to items falling out when the tailgate was opened. The SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The test vehicle included 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing the interior experience. However, practical storage was limited, especially with the optional refrigerated center console bin.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV, benefiting from smart packaging, managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor without sacrificing cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches), accommodating two adults comfortably and a third for shorter rides. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation available on the Prestige trim. The front row also featured cupholders, cubbies, and a small storage bin under the center-console armrest, maintaining an uncluttered design.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system could be frustrating to use, even for tech-savvy drivers. Despite spending time setting up the system, it often behaved unpredictably, with delayed reactions and a lack of haptic feedback. While the SUV's technology was designed to manage its complexity, it could still cause occasional confusion and frustration.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was user-friendly and easy to master. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage based on route data. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was a convenient addition, and the available Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included and worked seamlessly.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV came with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which were essential given the potential for driver distraction from the onboard technology. The SUV's heavy battery and electric motor helped lower its center of gravity, but it still suffered from head-toss over uneven pavement. The new steering-assist system and lane-keeping assist were too aggressive, leading to a less comfortable driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, but the 2020 gasoline-only model received top ratings in most categories. 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, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.