2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front fascia and angular body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's performance did not match its looks, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle actually delivered. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and advanced technology packages. While the RAV4's interior was utilitarian, offering easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions, higher trim levels provided a more upscale feel with contrast-color interiors.

In contrast, the 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a more evolutionary design, with a large grille and high-mounted headlights that gave it a commanding presence. The Q5's trim levels included Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with features like LED headlights and OLED taillights enhancing its modern look. The Q5 was available in both standard SUV and Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile. The SQ5 variant added sporty elements like matte chrome trim and larger wheels. Inside, the Q5's design was intricate, with high-quality materials and a mix of silver and black trim. The SQ5 offered a red interior with Alcantara trim, though it lacked adequate seat bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain required high revs to access its full potential, and the eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels unless the optional AWD system was selected. The TRD Off-Road model came standard with AWD, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, the RAV4's ground clearance and approach angles were not significantly improved. The RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 26.6 mpg.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine delivered 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 produced 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite these figures, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts. The Q5's suspension offered capable handling, with air suspension available on higher trims. The Q5's off-road modes were more suited to dirt roads than technical trails, and its towing capacity was 4,400 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with a roomy cargo area offering 37.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with adequate headroom and legroom. The Q5's cargo space increased to 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 higher trims adding a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. The Q5's towing capacity was 4,400 pounds, surpassing some rivals.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Service Connect and Safety Connect for ten years, with additional features like Remote Connect and Drive Connect available for a limited time. 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 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a third screen available on the Prestige trim. The MMI system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and a head-up display. The Q5 also featured digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the digital instrument cluster had limited functionality.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety ratings had declined, with a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, 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.