Audi Q5 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a versatile SUV that offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid system achieving up to 36 mpg, and a robust Hybrid Max configuration with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. The Grand Highlander was available in several trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with prices spanning from $43,855 to $61,770. The top-tier Hybrid Max Platinum model, tested in a Storm Cloud hue, was reminiscent of a larger RAV4, providing ample seating for eight and substantial cargo space. Its interior, while functional, featured a mix of luxury and practicality, with logically arranged controls and decent material quality. However, the infotainment system's small volume knob and lack of a tuning knob were noted drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2026 Audi Q5 maintained a clean, classic design, though it diverged from Audi's traditional styling with a wider grille and deeper-set headlights. The District Green test model, enhanced by the S Line Black Optic Package, presented a striking appearance, though some design elements, like the honeycomb grille, appeared less refined up close. The Q5's interior combined tasteful elements with some less favorable features, such as an abundance of shiny black plastic and a disjointed screen layout. Despite these issues, the Q5 offered well-crafted seats, a nostalgic four-spoke steering wheel, and a solid build quality, though some controls and the gear selector were criticized for their complexity.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route and 26 mpg on a balanced city-highway drive. The powertrain provided confident acceleration, and the ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a modest point.

The 2026 Audi Q5 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with Audi's quattro AWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the dual-clutch design was more suited to performance vehicles, the Q5 exhibited some delay and lurching at low speeds. Despite this, the Q5 delivered a stable, quiet ride with light steering and a capable suspension. The Prestige trim's air springs offered adjustable ride height, though they didn't significantly enhance ride quality. The Q5's fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided ample interior space, with comfortable seating across three rows and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. The Platinum trim's Portobello interior featured a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which offered reasonable comfort for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row measured 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2026 Audi Q5 offered average headroom and legroom for its class, with 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The rear seats reclined manually and were split 40/20/40. The Q5's standard panoramic sunroof provided an expansive view without compromising headroom. Standard features included heated power front seats, leather upholstery, and a range of convenience features. However, the Q5's climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, causing delays in adjustments, and the instrument panel lacked customization options.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system, which exceeded expectations in sound quality.

The 2026 Audi Q5 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, with a third 10.9-inch touchscreen on Prestige trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Google built-in apps. The Bang & Olufsen stereo provided excellent sound quality. The Q5's technology included real-time road and traffic depictions, Park Assist Pro, and customizable lighting signatures. Audi Connect Care offered remote start and smartphone connectivity for 10 years.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist and Proactive Driving Assist. While the Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.

The 2026 Audi Q5 had not been crash-tested at the time of writing, but the 2025 model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Q5 also offered advanced features like forward cross-traffic alert and rear emergency braking on higher trims.