2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (car2) and the 2025 Audi Q5 (car1) is the 64 horsepower gap, with the Toyota producing 265 hp compared to the Audi's 201 hp. Conversely, the Audi commands a higher MSRP of $45,400 versus the Toyota's $41,360. Fuel economy slightly favors the Audi, achieving 26 combined MPG (23/29 city/highway) versus the Toyota's 24 combined MPG (21/28). In terms of physical footprint, the Grand Highlander is substantially larger at 201.4 inches long and 70.1 inches tall, while the Audi measures 184.3 inches in length and 65.5 inches in height. The Audi counters its smaller exterior with superior cargo utility, offering 25.9 cu ft versus the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft, despite using premium fuel while the Toyota accepts regular unleaded.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The 2025 Audi Q5's slightly better combined MPG of 26 and its AWD standard configuration offer better daily driving efficiency and traction.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander's significantly larger exterior dimensions (201.4 inches long) suggest superior potential for passenger volume, despite having less listed cargo volume.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander provides substantially more power with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Audi's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a $4,040 lower MSRP and utilizes regular unleaded fuel compared to the Audi's recommended premium requirement.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- Maximum dedicated cargo space (25.9 cu ft) is prioritized over raw passenger volume.
- All-wheel drive capability is required, as it is standard on the Audi Q5.
- A driving experience prioritizing handling and premium fuel efficiency (29 highway MPG) is desired.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum available engine output (265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque) is the primary performance metric.
- The vehicle needs to accommodate more occupants, suggested by the significantly larger overall exterior dimensions.
- Operating costs are lower due to a $4,040 lower MSRP and the ability to use regular unleaded fuel.
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 | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Audi Q5 achieves 26 combined MPG, beating the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. However, the Audi requires premium fuel, which may negate some of the savings over time compared to the Toyota's regular unleaded requirement.
Which vehicle offers better outright performance metrics?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is substantially more powerful, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi Q5's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Audi Q5 significantly smaller than the Grand Highlander?
Yes, the size difference is notable; the Toyota is 17.1 inches longer (201.4 in vs 184.3 in) and 4.6 inches taller (70.1 in vs 65.5 in). This extra length generally translates to more interior cabin space for the Toyota.
Which vehicle has the higher initial purchase price?
The 2025 Audi Q5 commands a starting MSRP of $45,400, which is $4,040 more than the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander's $41,360 MSRP.
How do the transmissions and drive types differ?
The Audi Q5 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual with standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Toyota Grand Highlander features a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission coupled with standard Front Wheel Drive.
Does the smaller Audi offer more usable cargo space?
Surprisingly, yes; the 2025 Audi Q5 lists 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is greater than the 20.6 cubic feet offered by the physically larger 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
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