Audi Q5 vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation model, emphasizing toughness through a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights. The body featured well-defined lines that added a muscular look, although the design changes appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with advanced lighting options like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights. The model was available in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the cost of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance variant stood out with increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements such as matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's interior was detailed and luxurious, with top-notch materials and standard leather seating surfaces, although the design was somewhat discordant. The SQ5 offered sportier front seats with Alcantara trim, but lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, available in XLE and Limited trims, offered a choice between single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), with two battery sizes. The larger battery provided more power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus. The bZ's exterior design improved with body-color trim, enhancing its appeal compared to previous models. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner appearance, with a focus on quality and organization. The XLE's fabric seats featured an upscale pattern, and the center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control with user-friendly features. However, the digital driver display remained a point of contention due to its placement and visibility issues. Overall, the bZ offered a more refined and appealing design compared to its predecessor.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the Q5 and SQ5 did not feel as quick as expected, with noticeable turbo lag and rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission. The air suspension, standard on the SQ5 and available on the Q5 Prestige, provided capable handling but lacked sportiness. The Q5 offered various driving modes, including Off-Road and Off-Road Plus, but was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered different powertrain options depending on the trim and battery size. The XLE with FWD and a 57.7-kWh battery delivered 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor AWD models produced 338 hp, with varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's recharging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter for versatile charging options. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. The bZ's performance was agreeable for city driving, but the FWD model struggled with traction and handling on winding roads.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat provided flexibility, and the Q5 offered more cargo space than some rivals, with 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with additional amenities available on higher trims. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available on both trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, although foot space was limited. The bZ provided 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with an underfloor storage well for additional room. Folding the back seats increased cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen available on the Prestige trim. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The Premium Plus trim added USB-C ports and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 also included a voice assistant for vehicle functions and a head-up display for essential information. Additional tech features included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was user-friendly, although it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The Drive Connect feature powered the navigation system and voice assistant, which performed well during testing.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2026 Toyota bZ included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety measures, and the Limited trim offered advanced features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but the headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash tests earned Acceptable ratings.