2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium polish and practical power often boils down to your budget and space needs. The 2025 Audi Q5 starts at $45,400, offering a more refined driving experience, while the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander undercuts it significantly at $40,860. Although the Q5 only makes 201 hp, its smaller footprint (184.3 inches long) aids city maneuvering compared to the massive 201.4-inch Grand Highlander. However, the Toyota compensates with a robust 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily surpassing the Audi's output. While the Audi prioritizes efficiency with 26 MPG combined (using premium fuel), the Grand Highlander offers more passenger space despite having slightly less maximum cargo capacity at 20.6 cu ft versus the Q5's 25.9 cu ft with the rear seats folded, showing its focus on size over every single cargo metric.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 achieves slightly better combined fuel economy at 26 MPG and its smaller dimensions make it easier to navigate and park daily.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander’s significantly larger body and height of 70.1 inches offer superior space for growing families.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander provides a decisive performance advantage with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Q5's 201 hp.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander saves buyers $4,540 upfront and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- You prioritize efficiency and can manage with 26 MPG combined (City/Highway: 23/29 MPG).
- You prefer the lower starting MSRP of $45,400 for a luxury brand experience.
- You need the slightly larger dedicated cargo area of 25.9 cu ft for your typical hauling needs.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You need the extra power, boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You are sensitive to fuel costs and prefer using regular unleaded instead of premium fuel.
- You require the added interior volume provided by the much larger vehicle dimensions (201.4 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.5" | 78.3" |
| Height | 65.5" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/536.5 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which vehicle is better for maximizing highway driving range?
The Audi Q5 (car1) has a slight edge here, netting 29 MPG on the highway compared to the Grand Highlander's 28 MPG. Since the Q5 also has a smaller engine drawing less overall, it should reach the pump less frequently, assuming similar tank sizes.
Does the extra cost of the Audi Q5 buy me more usable power?
No, the Audi Q5 costs $4,540 more but produces significantly less power, featuring only 201 horsepower. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers 64 more horsepower for less money.
How do these two crossovers differ in size for parking?
The difference is substantial; the Audi Q5 is 184.3 inches long and 74.5 inches wide, making it the trimmer option for tight city parking spots. The Grand Highlander is considerably larger at 201.4 inches in length and 78.3 inches in width.
What is the primary drawback of the Audi Q5's drivetrain?
The Audi Q5 requires premium unleaded fuel, which adds to long-term running costs compared to the Grand Highlander that runs on regular unleaded.
If I only need to carry cargo, not people, which is superior?
Surprisingly, the smaller Audi Q5 offers more outright space when the rear seats are folded, boasting 25.9 cubic feet compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet.
Are the transmissions a major factor in the driving experience?
Yes, the Q5 uses a 7-speed automated manual, which can sometimes feel less smooth than the Grand Highlander's traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, which often provides more conventional shifts.
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