Audi Q5 VS Toyota Kluger
Audi Q5
Likes
- Exterior design
- Modern cabin
- Driving dynamics in SQ5
Dislikes
- Noisy diesel
- Annoying safety systems
- Screens a little large
Toyota Kluger
Likes
- Still looks good inside and out
- Decent features round out comfort
- Practical and easy to drive
Dislikes
- Lacking some newer charging options
- No child anchor points in third row
- Adaptive cruise control not well-tuned
Summary
Audi Q5
So EV evangelist Audi is still making a range of Q5s with engines in them? New ones?
Yes, it is confusing, isn’t it? When Audi said they’d like us to fly to Spain to drive its new Q5, I was still digesting the fact that its sexier sister brand - Porsche’s Macan - had gone all-in on electricity. And wasn’t Audi one of the early adopter, all-EV trailblazer brands? Surely the new Q6 EV was the car they were talking about?
But no, all of these new Q5s would have engines - a 2.0-litre petrol, a 2.0-litre TDI diesel and, praise be, a howling, growling 3.0-litre V6 petrol one in the SQ5 - and none of them are even PHEVs (the initial launch phase are all mild hybrid electric vehicles or MHEVs, the PHEV variants will launch in the second half of 2025).
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Furthermore, this new and yet old-school Q5 was built on an all-new PPC platform (Premium Platform Combustion), which will be shared by the whole Volkswagen group and which, very strong rumour has it, Porsche is now desperately trying to get its hands on to reverse engineer a Macan variant that more people might like to buy.
So does that make this new offering the SUV the new Macan should have been, or just the Q5 you didn’t expect Audi to be making at all? Either way, it’s quite likely to be the last of its kind, so there was quite a lot to be curious about as we jetted off to Malaga to check it out.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 4.8L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Toyota Kluger
Straight off the bat, let's just acknowledge that there's nothing new about the Toyota Kluger large SUV for 2025 – but that might not be a bad thing.
In a world where there seems to be some new fangdangled piece of car tech out there that works on paper but not in reality - like keyfobs that don't unlock the car properly, or multimedia systems that are just too darn smart for their own good.
There is something quite charming about the familiar specs and on-road comfort of the mid-spec Toyota Kluger GXL seven-seater we're family testing this week. In true Toyota style, it has a healthy mix of the tradition thrown in with workable technology.
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It's newer seven-seat SUV rivals might try to tell you that the old Kluger is starting to fall behind, but is it? Or will simplicity win out for tired parents who just want an SUV to do what it says it will?
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid with Premium Unleaded |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.6L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Verdict
Audi Q57.7/10
Ever since returning from the launch of the new Audi Q5 I've been looking at old ones and thinking how lumpy and dumpy they look by comparison. The new Q5 will be an adornment to our roads in styling terms, it's a tour de force of interior design and its engines might well be the last barking gasp of its kind. So it's definitely worth a look if you're in the mid-size SUV space. And you don't want an EV yet.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Toyota Kluger8.6/10
The Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid has been the ultimate SUV this week, as it fits my gear and family in comfort, the on-road handling is excellent and the fuel usage makes owning this long term actually feasible.
This is a great example of a mid-spec seven-seater that is both functional and comfortable. There’s lots to satisfy here and even though it hasn’t been updated, it may be a case of ‘if it aint broke, don’t fix it’.
Design
Audi Q5
Other than the closely related Porsche Macan, and maybe an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it's hard to think of a better, smoother looking SUV than this new Audi Q5, with its revised Singleframe grille flanked by vertical air curtains, that look a bit like gills.
Audi claims the Q5 has "perfect proportions", which is bold, but it certainly looks sleek rather than bulky, with a nice silhouette and dynamic rather than Mumsy appeal.
The rear is particularly attractive with a three-dimensional light strip that ties it all neatly together. It's a more refined, sharper look than the Q5 it replaces.
Inside, of course, Audi has either taken its interior to another level of futuristic fabulousness, or put too many bloody screens in, all of which are too big, depending on who you ask. And how old they are. Kids will love it, however.
Interestingly, while every car company ever claims that its cabin has a cockpit feel, focusing on the driver, the Q5 really does. So much so that there's a raised edge in the centre console that quite noticeably cuts the driver off from the passenger. In the other front seat you do feel a bit removed, as if you're meant to leave the driver to it, which might be why you get your own screen to play with.
Toyota Kluger
The Kluger epitomes what a large SUV was originally meant to look like. A big body and with enough ground clearance to earn the tag, but the shape is all long lines and gently curving panelling and that makes it look sleek rather than rugged.
Make no mistake, the Kluger is large at 4966mm long, 1930mm wide and 1755mm tall. It's only only 24mm shorter in its length than its big 4WD Toyota Prado cousin. It's size and road presence assures you that it's capable, but it's not trying to convince you it's a 4WD.
Despite not seeing any design updates, the Kluger still feels relevant and more than holds its own when it comes to kerbside handsomeness.
On the inside, the black synthetic leather trims, softly padded touchpoints and interesting dashboard make the cabin both pleasant to look at and spend time in.
The 12.3-inch multimedia display looks lovely with its clear graphics, but it’s still nice to see some traditional elements - like the gear selector, analogue instrument cluster (with a 7.0-inch digital display) and lots of buttons and dials to play with.
Interestingly, there isn’t a traditional transmission tunnel, which means you get a practical flat floor in the middle row and, thus, more legroom for middle seaters.
It's a forgiving cabin that lots of different drivers will find something to like in.
Practicality
Audi Q5
Audi is talking up the little things with the new Q5, like the fact that there's a much larger storage space under the centre armrest now - and it's true, you can lose your car key in it - plus numerous other storage areas, and an inductive and cooled charging tray so your phone won't get cooking hot and shut off, with 15 watts of power.
In exciting news for screen addicts/children, Audi is also very excited about its uprated USB-C ports, which can charge at up to 60 watts through the two in the front, while the rear passengers also get two more, rated at 100 watts. Which sounds like a lot, Audi says it's enough to run your laptop.
The new Q5 also gets a very useful adjustable rear seat, which can be slid lengthways and tilted, providing either more passenger space and less boot room or vice versa. With the rear seat down you get 1473 litres, but thanks to the new sloping rear design you get slightly less room in the Q5 SUV, with 520 litres behind the second row. The SQ5 gets even less at just 470 litres.
Another handy feature is that the snappy luggage cover can be stowed in a special designed compartment under the boot floor. Clever.
Toyota Kluger
The Kluger is both practical and comfortable for passengers as each row gets a great amount of head- and legroom – yes, even third-rowers, but the low level of amenities in that row will render it a 'sometimes seat' for adults or older kids.
The 208mm ground clearance, wide door apertures and low-sitting seats makes it a very easy SUV to get in and out of, even for kids. The access to the third row is also good as the 60/40 split middle bench seat can be slid forward.
The electric front seats offer lots of adjustments, including lumbar support on the drivers side, but both seats get heating. They’re also well-padded and quite comfortable on a longer journey.
The outboard seats on the middle row offer the most comfort as they have longer under-thigh support, but the entire row benefits from heavy padding and the seat backs can recline.
The third row offers a curious 60/40 split and is wide enough for two adults to not be squished like sardines.
Although the Kluger is a seven-seater, families will be bummed that there are no child seat anchor points in the third row. But the middle row has two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points. It is more than wide enough to accommodate three seats side by side and you’ll have enough room for the front passenger when a rearward facing child seat is installed, too.
Individual storage is above average for the class, but the front row gets the best of it. There are two handy shelves built-into the dash, a glove box, a deep middle console (that swallows my arm) and cubbies in the centre console that include a phone cradle and two cupholders. There's also a sunglasses holder and little cubby beside the driver's knee.
In the middle row, you get two map pockets, two cupholders in a fold down armrest, and a drink holder in each door. While the third row gets a couple of cupholders.
Amenities are well-rounded for the most part, with the three-zone climate control and well-positioned directional air vents in the roof for the back two rows. Middle-rowers also get reading lights and two USB-C ports.
Technology is easy to use and looks great as the 12.3-inch display uses the same multimedia system as Lexus. The built-in satellite navigation is simple to set up and shows clear directions with lots of route customisations available.
There is wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, but you do have to initially connect the CarPlay via a cable.
Rounding out the cabin is the great-size boot that offers 241L with all seats in use, but that can jump up to 552L when the third row is stored.
The level loading space makes it easy to slide larger items in and out of, and there’s a handy underfloor storage compartments for smaller items. You get a full-size spare tyre underneath the car and a powered tailgate in this model.
Price and features
Audi Q5
The fact that you could get a classy SUV like the Audi Q5 for as little as $73,400 was certainly showroom bait, but that’s about to change when the new line-up arrives in the third quarter of 2025, because the entry-level Q5 35TDI will disappear from the range.
That means the Q5 will start at the 40TDI Quattro Sport level, currently priced at $87,000 before on-road costs for the outgoing version, with its 2.0-litre diesel MHEV setup. As entry prices go, that’s quite the jump upstream, but on the plus side, while Audi hasn’t announced official pricing for new Q5 yet, the word is that there shouldn’t be much of a rise anywhere in the range (I'd read that as, there will be a price rise, but it will be small). You’ll no doubt hear the phrase “new car, more equipment, (almost the) same price” from Audi.
If you don’t want a diesel, you’ll likely be paying around $88,315 for the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol model, the 45TFSI Sport MHEV with front-wheel drive only, or $96,515 for the 45TFSI Quattro S Line.
The step up to the 55TFSI will take you north of six figures, probably by about $5k, while the range-topping Audi SQ5 will make a welcome and somewhat surprising addition to the line-up, powered by a properly noisy and exciting 3.0-litre V6 and most likely priced somewhere around $125,000, depending on spec level.
As I say, there are no confirmed prices yet so these numbers might creep higher by the time the car actually goes on sale locally, but the word is that any increases will be almost too small to notice.
The uncertainty makes it a little hard to be definitive on the value equation, but we can say that the new Q5 feels a level up inside and a lot posher, particularly with is giant multi-screen dash layout, so if the prices to stay stable you really will feel like you’re getting more car for the same money.
In terms of spec and trim levels, we will have to wait and see until the local variants are launched.
What we know will be standard inclusions are things like the standard acoustic glazing on the windscreen, for a quieter cabin, the Dynamic Interaction Light, which runs from the doors through the dashboards and creates a very cool look at night, as do the new three-dimensional rear lights. The individually configurable, and beautifully clean and clear head-up display, with augmented reality features, should also be standard, but we shall see.
Toyota Kluger
You have to love a simple three-grade line up with variant names that aren't hard to say! The Kluger starts with the base GX, mid-spec GXL and then the flagship Grande model.
All Kluger models share the same all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain, and our test model is the mid-spec GXL, which is priced from $70,440 before on-road costs.
Its price positions it in the middle of its seven-seat hybrid rivals; the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite ($65,000 MSRP) and the Kia Sorento GT-Line AWD ($73,330 MSRP), but it should be noted that the Sorento hybrid is only offered in one high-spec grade level and the Kluger can’t always match the Sorento’s plush features.
The GXL is still fairly well-specified and includes eight-way powered front seats with heating, adjustable lumbar support (driver's seat), black synthetic leather upholstery, a powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing LED headlights, keyless entry/start and a full-sized spare tyre.
There is also 12 months of complimentary access to Toyota Connected Services, which allows you remote access, via the myToyota Connect app, to safety and security features, multimedia connect and driving insights.
The other technology is well showcased in the 12.3-inch multimedia display that has touchscreen functionality, in-built satellite navigation, wired Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and digital radio. You also get a single USB-A port, three USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets and three-zone climate control.
Under the bonnet
Audi Q5
Does it seem strange to anyone else that a company so focused on reducing emissions through promoting EVs is still offering diesel engines? The reason, of course, is that so many Europeans still want them, because fuel is so damn expensive there, and yet Audi Australia says it will also offer them here.
That's where the range now starts, with the TDI diesel version coming standard with all-wheel drive, or Quattro, with outputs of 150kW/400Nm. Like every car in the new Q5 range, it uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which is excellent.
Every Q5 also uses MHEV technology to reduce emissions and increase performance, which means it gets a 48-volt electrical system to support its combustion engines. This system means you start up, in most conditions, in silent electric mode, and you can even manoeuvre and park the car using only electricity, most of the time.
The electrical system is connected to a Powertrain Generator which provides additional torque of up to 230Nm, and a mere 18kW of extra power. Every little bit helps I guess.
Basically, it's a mild hybrid, meaning you get a mild amount of help, and the full plug-in hybrid Q5s are coming soon. Later this year.
Stepping up from the diesel you can have a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine, with either front or Quattro all-wheel drive and making 150kW/340Nm.
The range-topping all-wheel-drive SQ5 gets a very enjoyable 3.0-litre six-cylinder TFSI petrol engine with 270kW and 550Nm. It feels like more kilowatts, honestly.
Toyota Kluger
All Kluger grades are all-wheel-drives with a smooth continuously variable transmission. They share the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces up to 184kW of power. Toyota does not quote a combined torque output.
At first look, these outputs may look underwhelming, but the on-road experience has shown that it’s more than enough to move the Klugers big body around without it feeling underpowered.
The Kluger has a braked towing capacity of up to 2000kg, which means you can hook up most of your weekend adventure toys!
Efficiency
Audi Q5
The MHEV technology is supposed to provide some boost to fuel economy but the figures aren't super exciting. You'll be getting a claimed 5.9 litres per 100km from the 2.0 TDI diesel, or 6.5L/100km from the 2.0 TFSI petrol.
The V6 is going to cost you more at the pump with a claimed figure of 8.1 litres per 100km. You might want to wait for the PHEVs.
Toyota Kluger
The Kluger may be massive but it has an excellent combined fuel cycle usage of just 5.6L/100km because of its hybrid powertrain.
Combined with its large 65L fuel tank, you should see a theoretical driving range of up to 1160km, which is really good for a family SUV and rivals diesel models of the same size.
I’ve been super pleased with the fuel usage of our test model because despite doing quite a few long distance trips, which is where hybrids are usually the most inefficient, I’ve managed a real world usage of only 5.8L/100km! That is a great result.
The Kluger only accepts a minimum 95RON unleaded premium petrol.
Driving
Audi Q5
While the new Q5 might feel classier, techier and generally more expensive and Q7/Q8-like on the inside, it's pulled off an even more impressive feat in the chassis department, which no doubt owes a lot to the entirely new PPC platform, because it feels more like a powerful Q3 to drive than the Q5 of old.
That's not a comment on interior or load space, it's just that it feels smaller and more spritely on the road. It turns in better, holds its line better and resists gentle understeer right up to the point where you wonder whether your co-driver has lost his mind or is trying to kill you both.
Seriously, the SQ5 can properly get up and boogie in Sport mode (Audi says one of the things it's proudest of with the new car is how much more noticeable the range of difference is between the relaxed, or 'Balanced' and 'Comfort', modes and the more aggressive ones) and you really have to be going beyond sensible to find the edge of grip.
The SQ5's V6 also makes the kind of noises that now sound weirdly wonderful in an Audi, when so many of the new offerings are electric. Choose to shift the gears yourself and this can be a properly involving machine, and quite impressive for an SUV.
What separates it from the kid of fun you could have in its cousin, the previous Porsche Macan with petrol power, is the steering. It's not terrible, and it is sharp, but it just lacks a bit in the feel and muscle department. Being generous you'd say it's easy to drive but you just know that if this had an R badge the steering would be so much better, and closer to Porsche and BMW.
The diesel TDI model does not make glorious noises, and the whines and groans it does make - which seem loud by Audi standards, it's usually very good at quietening its diesels down - do not encourage you to shift gears yourself or drive it in a sporty fashion. It is a workhorse variant, with plenty of torque, and for a certain kind of customer who cares not for sportiness or excitement I'm sure it's a fine option.
One thing I did not expect to be doing on an Audi Q5 launch is clambering up and over a rock strewn mountain on properly rutted and rough gravel tracks, but that was an option here so I took the 2.0 TFSI on the optional off-road adventure and I must say I was both surprised and impressed.
The Q5 is not a mountain goat, or a Land Rover, but despite feeling like I was doing the gardening in a shiny suit, I managed to traverse a track that felt too serious and intense for a soft roader, and did so with ease and in comfort. The air suspension raises the Q5 a full 45mm in Off-road mode, so ground clearance was no problem - nor did I encounter any boulders - but the way the Quattro system dealt with the dirty stuff was impressive.
Overall, I can see that this TFSI model is the sweet spot in the range in terms of value and performance, and it really is all the Q5 you could need. It never feels underpowered, unless you've just stepped out of the SQ5, and you get all the benefits of the chassis and handling upgrades.
Personally, though, I'd have the SQ5 just for the rorty V6 noises alone. It feels like something new, but also the end of something wonderful.
Toyota Kluger
The engine can sound like it’s under pressure, but that doesn’t translate to underwhelming power delivery. The GXL has enough grunt to make it a comfortable open-roader that’s confident on hills and overtaking.
The steering is light for such a big SUV, but with its 11.4m turning circle, it’s every parents dream when doing the school run or navigating small lanes or parks for after-school activities. It’s almost stupidly easy to drive and feels much smaller than what it is, even in the city.
Visibility is mostly good because of the large windows, but the B-pillar is larger than I’d like and I found myself checking my blind spots carefully.
The ride comfort is really good and suspension is forgiving on the worst of the bumps without feeling like it floats on the road. Road noise is low, even at higher speeds, but occasionally you get a weird wind whistle through the air vents.
Even those usually put off by a large SUV, should find this comfortable to get around in. Parking it is the only time you really notice its bulk. While the reversing camera is great quality, a 360-degree view system would have been much better.
Safety
Audi Q5
Obviously the new Audi Q5 has not been crash tested yet but Audi is confident of yet another five-star ANCAP rating, like the one the current car holds .
The new vehicle features more than 30 active-safety measures, which is literally too many to mention and takes advantage of its many, many radars. One gets the feeling this car could just about drive itself if the law would allow. Some inclusions are a rear parking aid with distance display, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning and an attention and drowsiness assistant, all as standard.
Things like Active Front Assist, Evasion Assist, Turn Assist and Rear Turn Assist are likely to be part of options packages, but that's all still TBA.
There will also be twin ISOFIX anchor points, and top-tether points for child seats.
Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2021 and scored highly across its individual assessment scores. However, it only features seven airbags, which is a bit low for a car of this size, but the curtain airbags extend to the third row, which is good.
The Kluger has lots of safety equipment, including daytime running lights, hill-start assist, seatbelt warning (all seats), lane departure alert, lane-keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, a reversing camera (with guidelines) and front and rear parking sensors.
The Kluger does miss out on family friendly safety items, like child-presence alert and side exit assist. The adaptive cruise control isn’t as well tuned as I’d like as it doesn't hold it's speed all that well, slows down too soon behind a vehicle, and sometimes can be sluggish to return to a normal speed once a vehicle has left its 'radar'.
The GXL has AEB with car, pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning assist and is operational from 10-80km/h (up to 180km/h for car), but it is usual to see that starting point sit closer to 5.0km/h.
Ownership
Audi Q5
All Audis are now covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, up from its recent offering of three years, which is better, but could be better still.
There's no news on what servicing arrangements will be because the new Q5 doesn't lob until Q3, but in general the brand will let you prepay your services, required annually, for the first five years, with the regular Q5 currently billed at $3140 and the SQ5 billed at $3170.
Toyota Kluger
The Kluger is offered with Toyota’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, but that can be extended to seven years if you service on time and with a Toyota service centre, which makes it competitive against some rivals.
There’s a five-year capped-price servicing program available, with services costing just $285, which is cheap for the class. Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.