2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between luxury refinement and outright practicality in a family hauler? The 2025 Audi Q5 ($45,400 MSRP) offers a premium, compact package ideal for city living, while the 2025 Toyota Highlander ($40,320 MSRP) gives you substantially more size and power for less money. The Highlander boasts a potent 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Q5's 201 hp output. However, the Audi is more efficient, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 25 MPG combined, though both require different fuel types—premium for the Audi versus regular for the Toyota. The Highlander is significantly longer at 194.9 inches compared to the Q5's 184.3 inches. Conversely, the Q5 offers superior usable space with 25.9 cubic feet of cargo room compared to the Highlander's smaller 16 cu ft, despite the Highlander's larger exterior dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The smaller dimensions (184.3 inches long) and slightly better combined MPG of 26 make the Audi Q5 nimbler and more efficient for daily driving.
2025 Toyota Highlander
Despite the smaller listed cargo capacity of 16 cu ft, the Highlander's larger overall size and superior horsepower are better suited for moving more people comfortably.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander wins clearly here, offering 64 more horsepower (265 hp) and 74 lb-ft more torque (310 lb-ft) than the Audi Q5.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander undercuts the Audi Q5's MSRP by $5,080 while providing significantly more base engine power.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- You prioritize an AWD system standard, whereas the Highlander requires it as an upgrade from standard FWD.
- You prefer the European driving dynamics offered by the 7-speed automated manual transmission.
- You need a slightly more manageable vehicle size (184.3 inches long) for tight urban parking situations.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Highlander saves you $5,080 with an MSRP of $40,320.
- You need the robust acceleration provided by its 265 horsepower engine.
- You plan to use regular unleaded fuel instead of the Audi's recommended premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 194.9" |
| Width | 74.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 65.5" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 112.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| 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 shiftable 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 | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/536.5 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.9 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 | 8.0 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. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 59.0 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 | — | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 58.7 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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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 Highlander.
Why does the smaller 2025 Audi Q5 have less cargo capacity than the larger 2025 Toyota Highlander?
This difference is due to vehicle design priorities. While the Highlander is significantly longer at 194.9 inches, its 16 cu ft cargo capacity likely reflects the inclusion of a standard third row which reduces primary storage volume compared to the Q5's 25.9 cu ft.
Is the performance difference between the Q5 and Highlander noticeable on the road?
Yes, the Highlander has a considerable advantage with 265 hp versus the Q5's 201 hp, translating to noticeably stronger acceleration and merging power in the Toyota.
Does the Audi Q5's premium fuel requirement offset its better MPG?
While the Q5 gets 26 MPG combined versus the Highlander’s 25 MPG, you must factor in the higher cost of premium fuel, which could negate the single MPG advantage over the long term.
Which vehicle is better equipped for snowy or slick conditions right out of the box?
The Audi Q5 is the clear choice here, as it comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the 2025 Toyota Highlander's base model operates with front-wheel drive.
How big is the difference in size between these two crossovers?
The Highlander is much larger overall, standing 68.1 inches tall and 194.9 inches long, compared to the Q5 which is 65.5 inches high and 184.3 inches long.
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