2021 Audi Q5 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander had a design that was functional but not particularly exciting. Its exterior featured a trapezoidal theme, with slanted tailgate glass and exaggerated body panel creases. The higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasted projector-beam LED headlights, fog lights, and new 20-inch wheels. The interior, however, was where the Highlander shined. It had a well-crafted cabin with quality fit and finish, highlighted by silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, had a sharp and modern appearance that carried the Audi design language well. It featured LED headlights, a big Singleframe grille, and crisp character lines. The plug-in hybrid version had additional S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 was equally impressive with a clean, uncluttered design. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal accents. The 10.1-inch touchscreen and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster added a futuristic touch to the cabin.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot to initiate a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it offered a calm and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. The AWD models on the Limited and Platinum trims included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to another level with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a 14.1-kWh battery. This combination delivered a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Q5 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered impressive fuel economy, with 65 MPGe combined in hybrid mode 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 featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and multiple driving modes. Handling was good, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander could seat eight or seven with the second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, offering generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander had three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, and a large panoramic moonroof on the Platinum trim. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash. The controls were simple and legible, although the infotainment system could use an update.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It had 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. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured several cubbies and nooks for storage, and the layout was smart and functional.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured an outdated infotainment system with low-resolution screens and a convoluted process for using connected apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was not fully utilized, and the maps lacked detail. However, it came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Highlander also had a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the optional JBL audio system was decent. Standard features included SiriusXM, HD radio, WiFi, and four USB-A ports.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV came with Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was impressive and easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views. The Q5 also featured color/mood-adjustable LED ambient interior lights. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was a convenient addition. The 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 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander had a driver's knee airbag and a special cushion airbag for the front passenger. The IIHS awarded it a 2020 Top Safety Pick, and it scored top ratings in all six crash tests.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in every category except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 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 electronic stability control. 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.