2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a rugged appearance with its aggressive styling, including angular body cladding and dual exhaust outlets. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $38,295 plus a $1,350 destination charge, featured off-road enhancements like a skid plate and all-terrain tires. While the RAV4's interior focused on practicality with utility-driven design elements, it lacked luxury. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex upholstery and optional features like heated and ventilated seats. The RAV4's cabin was comfortable, with good visibility and ample space for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The RAV4's interior was designed for utility, with easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, available exclusively with the Q5 Sportback. 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 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the transmission, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, power was adequate, and handling was sporty, with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet cabin that met luxury standards.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. The TRD Off-Road model featured exclusive off-road suspension tuning and all-terrain tires. Multi-Terrain Select offered various driving modes, but ground clearance and approach angles were similar to other RAV4 models. The RAV4's off-road suspension improved ride comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections. The engine, while powerful for its class, was loud and unrefined. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road model achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 26.6 mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered better fuel efficiency at 37 mpg.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a focus on practicality. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, and traditional controls were provided for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. Cargo space was competitive, with 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly reduced in the Sportback to 24.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated seats. The driver's seat was comfortable, with good visibility and a digital rearview mirror. The RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, with adequate rear legroom and amenities like air vents and USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though CarPlay took time to activate. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a limited-time subscription. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and various connected services. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect and Drive Connect were complimentary for one year. The system offered cloud-based navigation, a digital voice assistant, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle lacked the JBL premium audio system but had a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and matrix-design LED headlights.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring. The TSS 2.5 system was adequate, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist performing better on straighter highways. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for an updated design.