2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the robust Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with strong 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering various trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied Audi's design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, complemented by crisp body lines and bold taillights. The Q5's interior was equally modern and classy, with a focus on technology and an uncluttered appearance. High-quality materials like real wood and metal were used throughout, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for driver convenience. The Q5 PHEV variant added S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, offering standard 19-inch wheels with an option for 20-inch wheels.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response System.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the standard gasoline-only Q5 and enhanced it with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a 14.1-kWh battery. The 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 PHEV's 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, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was characterized by speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, providing a balance of comfort and road feel.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: LWB and SWB, with standard seating for five. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating capacity to four but enhanced comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, facilitating easy loading and tailgating. The center-console compartment was convenient, and both front and rear doors had decently sized cargo compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV capitalized on its compact crossover design, offering 25.1 cubic feet of cargo 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, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front row featured Audi’s comfortable and supportive seats with a wide range of adjustments. The Q5's interior was designed for functionality, with smartly laid-out storage options and an uncluttered design.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the lower screen controlled climate settings, seat controls, and Terrain Response settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. The Range Rover also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three views: classic, sport, and dynamic, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Q5 also featured an Integrated Toll Module and an optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some were optional rather than standard.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.