2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. Controls were smartly grouped, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, added authenticity. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy driver access. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather seating surfaces throughout.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover, once a rugged tool, had evolved into a luxurious SUV. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains, upgrades, and personalization options, with the long-wheelbase version reaching up to $250,000. Our test vehicle, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim. Despite its modest equipment load, the Range Rover looked stunning in Byron Blue with silver 21-inch wheels. Its timeless design drew from its heritage, much like a Porsche 911.

Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system wasn't as advanced as newer models, it was manageable. The cabin offered a high-contrast design, and the overall feel was one of opulence and sophistication.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque, thanks to a 14.1-kWh battery. The total combined output was 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, complementing the crossover's 4,665-lb curb weight. The electric motor worked with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, providing impressive acceleration (0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds) and fuel economy (65 MPGe combined). The Q5 PHEV's battery could be recharged overnight or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for efficiency and performance. Handling was good, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered numerous powertrain choices, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road capability. The Range Rover provided a commanding view and smooth power delivery, with near-total cabin silence. An adaptive air suspension offered a classic wafting ride, while a tight turning radius and surround-view camera system made city maneuvering easy. However, the steering was slow, and the suspension struggled with the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity. The EPA rated the Range Rover at 20 mpg combined, with our test averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with the battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and ample headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments. The interior featured smartly laid-out controls and storage options.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather. However, the second row lacked comfort, with inadequate thigh support and a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet available, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured 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 and customizable options, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included navigation, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage. The Integrated Toll Module was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's instrumentation and infotainment were fully digital, with three displays offering numerous programming options. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup for personal preferences. The system's two 10-inch touchscreens posed a distraction while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance options like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Optional packages offered adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous parking. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, with effective safety features, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.