2023 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This decision wasn't due to stubbornness but rather a strategic choice by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all designed for tackling obstacles, while the interior, though functional, showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 offered a blend of classy and sporty aesthetics, with subtle curves and angular accents. Available in both the regular SUV and the sleeker Sportback body styles, the Q5's design was enhanced by a spoiler-like element above the taillights, giving it a more defined rear transition. Inside, the Q5's refined layout, though showing signs of age since its last redesign in 2018, featured leather seating and heated front seats as standard. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system was complemented by traditional dials and buttons for climate control, maintaining a balance between modern technology and user-friendly design.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this dated engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and available 4WD. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the 4Runner outperformed most car-based crossovers in this regard.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower, while the midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 23 miles. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, but once underway, it provided adequate power. Handling was sporty, with precise steering, and the Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, maintaining a quiet cabin.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third row, available on select trims, reduced cargo space to 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate, it featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious as more modern SUVs.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to impress with its well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar, and the rear view was better than average. The Q5 accommodated taller passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and headroom, even in the Sportback model. Storage options were plentiful, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 offered up to 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less in the Sportback, but still competitive within its class.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While not the most advanced system on the market, it was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially for those wearing gloves. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The system covered the tech basics but lacked features like a head-up display.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims had a customizable digital instrument panel, providing ample information when needed.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact tests and three stars in rollover testing.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five out of five stars from NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.