2022 Toyota Highlander 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 Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights, contributing to its classy and modern appearance. Inside, the Q5 was equally sophisticated, with a clean and uncluttered design. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access. The second row offered standard leather seating, adding to the luxurious feel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander had a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and the upward kick of the third-row window gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions. The XSE trim featured a bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander came in various trims, each adding more features, from the base L with its 8-inch touchscreen and three-zone climate control to the top-tier Platinum with a panoramic sunroof and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with its plug-in hybrid system, adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque to the standard gasoline engine. This resulted in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft 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 and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, with various driving modes for efficiency and performance. The handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It used an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered different drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, as well as AWD modes for various terrains. While the V6 provided good pickup at higher speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The Highlander excelled in handling, especially in the XSE trim with its sport-tuned suspension. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had a max payload of 1,685 pounds in certain trims.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a balanced interior space, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats 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 seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with heating and ventilation options. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out controls and storage options.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With the second row in use, it offered 48.4 cubic feet, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured easy-to-use quick-release latches for folding seats and a power liftgate in higher trims. The interior was practical, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders throughout. The XSE trim had second-row captain’s chairs, offering a center aisle to the third row, which was more suitable for children or short trips for adults.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, offering customizable views. The Prestige Package included navigation, which worked with the hybrid system for optimized fuel consumption. The Q5 also had an Integrated Toll Module and an optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, enhancing connectivity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available options, providing enhanced audio and display capabilities.

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, Audi Pre Sense, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist were active, sometimes overly so, but provided additional safety.