2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 stood out as a sharp-looking crossover SUV that effortlessly embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character within the lineup. Its front fascia, particularly expressive, featured LED headlights that squinted beside the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, all accentuated by horizontal elements emphasizing width. The body showcased crisp character lines, presenting a greenhouse that resembled a protective shell. The rear of the vehicle was marked by bold, large taillights, contributing to its classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, dubbed the Q5 PHEV, featured S-Line trim pieces and enhancements that set it apart from its gasoline-only counterpart, with standard 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch wheels adding to its refined look.

Inside, the Q5 continued its classy, modern theme. Despite being packed with technology, it maintained an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped by function, with a design unity that was highly pleasing. Material selection was of high quality, featuring authentic materials such as real wood, real metal, and honed surfaces. A 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, positioned perfectly in the driver’s line of sight. The second row also boasted standard leather seating surfaces, continuing the theme of luxury and comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to blend minivan practicality with SUV style. While it couldn’t entirely conceal its minivan identity due to its sliding side doors, its macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and tucked sliding channels below the rear side window frame aimed to give it an assertive profile. The rear doors integrated seamlessly with the rear fender well, giving the overall profile a nice stance. Wheel options ranged from standard 17-inch wheels on base models to 18-inch and even 20-inch wheels on higher trims.

Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered front cabin design. The interior was well-suited for a family hauler, offering clever storage solutions across all three rows, including an under-console open storage area and numerous cup holders (15 or 16, depending on the model). The second-row captain’s chairs with ottomans or a bench seat option, and a spacious third-row 60/40-split bench that tucked away into the floor, ensured versatility and comfort for passengers.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the standard gasoline-only model and elevated it with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque thanks to a 14.1-kWh battery. This hybrid powertrain produced a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, well-matched to the crossover’s 4,665-lb curb weight. The hybrid system paired an electric motor with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, providing impressive acceleration (0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds) and fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, the Q5 PHEV achieved 27 mpg combined.

The Q5 PHEV’s battery could be recharged overnight with household current (Level 1, 120-volts) or in 2.4 hours with Level 2, 240-volt service. The vehicle used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered multiple driving modes, including a pure electric mode for up to 20 miles, a reserve battery mode, and a hybrid mode for maximizing efficiency.

The speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and the four-wheel independent suspension, with five-link setups front and rear, provided good handling with a balance of sportiness and comfort. While the turning radius of 38.4 feet could be surprising initially, it became non-issue with familiarity. The braking was powerful and predictable, contributing to a sporty and controlled driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid powertrain from the previous year, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, but an all-wheel drive option was available on all trim levels, adding a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels.

The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which delivered power smoothly and efficiently. Drivers had the option to choose from four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport.

Handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform’s suspension setup. Body roll was minimal, and the Sienna Hybrid offered a comfortable and composed ride on highways. Its standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, with the EPA rating the FWD models at 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined, and AWD models at 35 mpg city/35 mpg highway/35 mpg combined.

Toyota’s design included a 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack tucked under the front seats, offering a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 benefited from smart packaging, with its battery pack situated under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. The Q5 offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The second-row legroom measured 37.8 inches, with ample headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches), allowing two adults to sit comfortably, and a third one to squeeze in for shorter trips. The front seats were notably comfortable and supportive, offering a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on higher trims.

Practical storage solutions were found throughout the cabin, with cupholders, nooks for phones and chargers, and a center-console storage bin, all contributing to the Q5’s uncluttered and well-thought-out design.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in terms of cargo capacity, demonstrating its family-oriented design. It could convey a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, thanks to its sliding second row that provided flexibility for loading.

Cargo space measurements varied with seating configurations: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. This minivan also boasted a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

The interior of the Sienna included a standard 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away into the floor. Storage cubbies, numerous cup holders, and bottle holders in all four side doors were designed to meet family needs. Convenience was further enhanced by power-operated sliding side doors and rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers, allowing for hands-free access.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured the latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a user-friendly center-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, offered three customizable views: classic, sport, and dynamic.

The Prestige Package bundled in the Navigation Package, with options available for the Premium Plus trim. The navigation system, in hybrid mode, optimized fuel consumption and battery usage based on route data, a useful feature for maximizing efficiency.

All Q5 models came standard with the Integrated Toll Module (ITM), a built-in transponder for most U.S. toll roads. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier, provided an immersive audio experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included, reinforcing the Q5’s reputation for advanced technology.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with an array of standard and available technology features. A 9-inch touchscreen was standard across all trims, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notably absent.

Telematics services included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect (on XLE and above), a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect with up to 2 gigabytes of data. Qi wireless phone charging was standard on higher trims and optional on others, and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt AC outlet was available on the XLE and above.

The audio system started with six speakers on the LE trim, scaling to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was available on XLE and above, featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display, remote, two wireless headphones, and HDMI input.

Instrument panel displays varied between trims, with higher trims featuring a 10-inch color head-up display, providing speed, navigation, and hybrid system information. The Limited and Platinum trims offered a digital rearview mirror for an unobstructed view, regardless of passenger load. Remote keyless entry was standard, with push-button start and Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS at the time, but the 2020 Q5 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in all but the headlights category, where it was rated as "marginal." NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars, and the PHEV model was expected to match these ratings.

Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, anti-theft alarm, interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, LATCH connectors, rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Available driver-assistance features encompassed Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and the nearly identical 2022 model was expected to retain this rating. It also held a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Star Safety System offered stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution.

The Sienna featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, and a standard rear-seat reminder system. A tire-pressure monitoring system and an inflator kit were standard, with an option for a spare tire mounted safely in the cargo space instead of underneath the vehicle.