2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models added unique styling elements, such as an Ice Edge roof, matte black wheels, and red interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured large rubberized knobs and door handles, adding to its rugged aesthetic. Material quality was decent on lower trims but did not improve significantly on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather but not as luxurious. Overall, the interior design aimed to distinguish the RAV4 from other Toyota models, though it lacked the premium feel of some competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, showcased a sharp and modern design, carrying the Audi design language with an expressive face, LED headlights, and a prominent Singleframe grille. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold taillights, giving it a classy appearance. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version added S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its look.

Inside, the Q5's cabin was equally classy and modern, with a focus on technology and an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped, and the material selection was top-notch, featuring real wood, metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the second row offered comfortable leather seating. The overall design and material quality of the Q5's interior were impressive, providing a premium feel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and high revs, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing performance.

On the highway, the RAV4 provided a quieter cabin and a comfortable ride, but its off-road capabilities were more notable. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, the RAV4's off-road performance was limited by its lack of suspension articulation and shallow approach angles.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieve 65 MPGe combined. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV offered multiple driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid, providing flexibility for different driving conditions.

The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive. Its handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking. The speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering had a wider-than-expected turning radius, but this became a non-issue with familiarity. The Q5's suspension setup provided a balanced ride, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 had a 60/40 split-folding rear seat but lacked the sliding feature found in some rivals. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, which was above average but still behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were user-friendly, but the center console lacked large cupholders and storage space.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided 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, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The front row also featured cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin, reflecting the Q5's smart and functional design.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited model had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, and the gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, anti-lock brakes, Audi Pre Sense, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.