2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights, giving the Q5 a classy and modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a focus on technology and an uncluttered design. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite a facelift in 2018, showed its age, having been introduced in 2007. The subtle updates, like the lines connecting the grille to the headlights, were overshadowed by its imposing silhouette. Inside, the Sequoia's massive, multi-tiered center dash design felt dated, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that appeared small against the expansive dash. The front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers, especially with the optional sunroof. However, the second-row seats offered ample headroom and legroom, and all seats were comfortable and supportive. The Sequoia came in various trims, including the new Nightshade Special Edition, each offering unique features and styling touches. The TRD Pro trim was designed for off-road use, while the Platinum trim added luxury features like heated-and-ventilated front seats and a larger touchscreen.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and various driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 20 miles. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, regardless of trim, came with a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The Sequoia's acceleration was robust, despite its weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The driving experience was reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. The Sequoia could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance helped it settle in corners, despite some body roll.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out controls and storage options.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 66 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all rear seats folded, it offered an impressive 120 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sequoia featured a power-retractable rear window, providing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets, a massive center console, and multiple cupholders. The interior had plenty of storage options, though newer SUVs had improved space utilization.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a center-console touchpad and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three views and customizable options, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included a Navigation Package, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The system was user-friendly, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. The digital trip computer was small but functional, and the overall simplicity of the system was refreshing.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test but had not been rated in other crash tests.