2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation model, featuring a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights that gave it an imposing front-end look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling felt 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 features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. 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 expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance variant stood out with matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, along with sportier suspension and wheel options. Inside, the Q5's design was a mix of top-notch materials and a somewhat discordant layout, with a focus on creating a distinctive look. Leather seating was standard, and the SQ5 offered a sportier interior option, though some design choices, like the piano-black plastic around the cupholders, were less practical.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid took a more conservative approach to styling, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. This resulted in a design that felt like a larger RAV4, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior emphasized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. However, the use of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces detracted from the overall quality. The climate system was user-friendly, with large knobs for temperature adjustment, but the infotainment interface had its drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, tested in Storm Cloud paint, featured a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The second-row captain’s chairs provided flexibility, and the third row offered reasonable comfort for adults and tall teens. Cargo space was generous, with up to 97.5 cubic feet available when the second row was folded, making it suitable for family road trips.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, offering a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the base model. The SQ5 variant featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. While the base model's output was competitive, the SQ5's performance was slightly less powerful than some rivals. The dual-clutch transmission exhibited some turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. 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 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate quickly, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoiding the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max traded some fuel efficiency for power, achieving 27 mpg compared to the regular hybrid's 36 mpg. It also offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The powertrain provided rewarding acceleration, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though undulations in the road could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure but not sporty, with early tire scrub and squeal when pushed hard. Visibility was excellent, aided by front, rear, and top-down cameras, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

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 was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5 also offered a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, exceeding some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale feel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided flexibility, and the third row was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, some storage locations were unlined, potentially contributing to noise and vibration. The rear doors were long and could be cumbersome for parents with small children, and the sharp corners posed a risk of dents to neighboring vehicles.

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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, though the digital instrument cluster had limited functionality. A head-up display and Dynamic Interaction Light were available, along with digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was easy to use, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously was a drawback. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system, providing a comprehensive tech package.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. 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 review, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a range of standard safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was also standard, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.