2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi Q5 captivates with its refined German precision, boasting superior fuel efficiency at 26 MPG combined, slightly edging out the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 24 MPG combined rating. However, the Highlander delivers a thrilling jolt of performance, generating a substantial 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. While the Q5 is smaller at 184.3 inches long, it offers a more manageable footprint. Conversely, the Highlander provides significantly more overall passenger and cargo space, evidenced by its 16 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Audi's 25.9 cu ft if you prioritize hauling capability. The Audi requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Highlander accepts regular unleaded, impacting long-term running costs, making this a contest between efficiency and brute force in the compact crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior combined MPG of 26 versus the Highlander's 24.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the superior family hauler due to its larger dimensions (194.9 inches long) and likely more usable interior space.
2026 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the Highlander for its commanding performance lead, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander wins on sheer power output for a slightly lower MSRP of $45,270 compared to the Audi's $45,400.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the Audi Q5 achieves 29 MPG highway.
- You prefer a slightly smaller, more nimble vehicle, measuring 184.3 inches in length.
- You desire the unique driving dynamics of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You need maximum pulling power, leveraging the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You are budget-conscious regarding fuel, as the Highlander runs on regular unleaded.
- You require the extra interior space offered by the Highlander's larger overall dimensions.
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 | 2 |
| 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 | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | 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. | 375.9/501.2 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.6 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 | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
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. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| 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 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody 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 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Which vehicle is significantly faster in a straight line?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is significantly faster, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is 64 horsepower more than the 201 hp generated by the 2025 Audi Q5.
How do the running costs compare regarding fuel?
The Audi Q5 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its powertrain, while the Toyota Highlander runs on regular unleaded, which typically results in lower long-term refueling expenses for the Highlander.
Is the Audi Q5 much smaller than the Highlander?
Yes, the Audi Q5 is noticeably more compact; it measures 184.3 inches long compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches, making the Audi easier to maneuver in tight urban environments.
Does the difference in cargo space favor one vehicle heavily?
The cargo capacity favors the Audi Q5 substantially, offering 25.9 cu ft versus the Highlander’s 16 cu ft, which suggests the Q5 offers better utility for weekend trips despite the Highlander being a physically larger SUV.
Which transmission offers more involvement for the driver?
The Audi Q5 uses a 7-speed automated manual, potentially offering quicker shifts for an enthusiast feel, whereas the Highlander uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Are the starting prices comparable between the two models?
The starting MSRPs are extremely close, with the 2026 Toyota Highlander beginning at $45,270 and the 2025 Audi Q5 starting slightly higher at $45,400.
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