2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2025 Land Rover Defender often boils down to prioritizing agile performance over rugged capability. If your daily drive involves frequent city maneuvering and you value quicker acceleration, the Audi SQ5 is the clear frontrunner, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Defender's 296 hp. Conversely, the Defender’s slightly lower starting MSRP of $56,900 offers a different kind of value, though its thirstier nature shows in the 21 combined MPG compared to the SQ5's 19 combined MPG in this specific configuration. While the SQ5 is shorter at 184.3 inches, the Defender stands much taller at 77.5 inches, suggesting better off-road ground clearance, which impacts usability metrics like the SQ5's larger 25.9 cu ft cargo area versus the Defender's 15.6 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi SQ5
The Audi SQ5's superior combined MPG of 21 will save money and reduce fuel stops on regular commutes compared to the Defender's 19 MPG.
2025 Audi SQ5
With 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity available, the SQ5 offers significantly more practical space for family gear than the Defender's 15.6 cubic feet.
2025 Audi SQ5
The SQ5 pulls ahead easily thanks to its substantial advantage of 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender secures the value win with a slightly lower base MSRP of $56,900 compared to the SQ5's $58,400.
Choose the Audi SQ5 if...
- You prioritize highway efficiency, as the SQ5 achieves 24 MPG on the highway versus the Defender's 21 MPG.
- You need maximum easy-access cargo space, as the SQ5 offers 25.9 cubic feet versus 15.6 cu ft.
- You want the sharper acceleration provided by 349 horsepower.
Choose the Land Rover Defender if...
- You prefer a slightly lower entry cost, with the Defender starting at $56,900.
- You value height and rugged aesthetics, as the Defender stands significantly taller at 77.5 inches.
- You want all-wheel drive capabilities, although both vehicles feature it.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi SQ5 | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 180.5" |
| Width | 74.5" | - |
| Height | 65.5" | 77.5" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 101.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 349 hp | 296 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4WD System Type | — | Full Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/444.0 mi. | 428.4/499.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 23.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 400W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 11 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/45R | 255/65R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ5 and 2025 Land Rover Defender.
How much more powerful is the Audi SQ5 than the Defender?
The 2025 Audi SQ5 is considerably more potent, delivering 349 horsepower, which is 53 more horses than the Land Rover Defender's 296 hp output. This power difference translates directly to quicker road response.
Which crossover is better for hauling luggage, the SQ5 or the Defender?
The Audi SQ5 is the clear winner for sheer volume, offering 25.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Land Rover Defender provides substantially less room at only 15.6 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2025 Land Rover Defender recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. This is an important running cost consideration for both models.
Is the Land Rover Defender significantly shorter than the Audi SQ5?
The Defender is slightly shorter in length at 180.5 inches compared to the SQ5’s 184.3 inches, meaning the Audi is marginally longer overall. However, the Defender is much taller at 77.5 inches.
How do their fuel economy ratings compare for city driving?
The Audi SQ5 is slightly more efficient in stop-and-go traffic, achieving 19 MPG city, whereas the Land Rover Defender is rated lower at 18 MPG city. This small difference can add up over time.
Are these two crossovers similarly priced?
They are close, but the Land Rover Defender has a lower entry price at $56,900 MSRP, while the sportier Audi SQ5 starts at $58,400 MSRP.
More Premium SUVs ($50k-$80k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool