2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 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 showcased bold, large taillights. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The materials were high-quality, with real wood, metal, and honed surfaces, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was perfectly positioned for the driver.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a more rugged and utilitarian design. Buyers had to choose between a two-door or four-door model and various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. Our test vehicle, the High Tide special edition, featured a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and a host of other off-road enhancements. The interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials, reflecting its rugged nature.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took an already fun crossover and made it better. It combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and achieve impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes to optimize battery usage and performance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was great for slippery conditions. However, the Wrangler's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin, and touchy brakes, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience that many Jeep enthusiasts loved.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row had reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and plenty of headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior was well-designed, with smartly laid-out controls and ample storage.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, but the tailgate and rear window required careful handling.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured 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, elevating the cabin's tech feel. 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, and the available Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but our test vehicle didn't have these features. However, it did include remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

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, which were rated "marginal." 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, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, 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.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included both the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive. The NHTSA gave it a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the IIHS rated it "marginal" in several tests, including the small overlap crash test and side-impact test. Headlight performance was rated "poor" for standard lights and "marginal" for LED upgrades.