Audi SQ5 VS Toyota Land Cruiser
Audi SQ5
Likes
- Big torque from turbo-diesel V6
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Quick
Dislikes
- Rear legroom could be better
- Needs better cabin storage
- Three-year warranty only
Toyota Land Cruiser
Likes
- Handsome roadside presence
- Lots of practical and luxe features
- Pleasant on-road manners
Dislikes
- Servicing schedule is a pain
- Expensive compared to rivals
- Limited customisations with styling
Summary
Audi SQ5
Audi makes some mind-blowing cars. There’s the R8 which comes up to my knees and has a V10, or the RS6 wagon which is like a missile with generous boot space. The model, however, most Audi buyers purchase is the Q5.
It’s a mid-sized SUV, which means it’s basically the shopping trolley in the carmaker’s range. But like all things Audi, there’s a performance version, and that’s the SQ5. Audi launched its updated Q5 mid-sized SUV a couple of months ago and now the revised sporty SQ5 has thundered in.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.7L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Toyota Land Cruiser
Australia has a long established love affair with the Toyota LandCruiser. The first owner was Sir Leslie Thiess, and he bought it to assist in the construction of what was, and still is, considered one of the most complex hydro schemes in the world - the Snowy Hydro Scheme.
Due to its proven ability to tackle some seriously hard terrain, it soon became almost synonymous with ruggedness and unbridled grunt.
Naturally, with a history like that there's some healthy rivalry between LC owners and, well, everyone who doesn't own one.
Read more about
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- Coming soon! Is a Toyota LandCruiser using a hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine under study by the brand?
- Toyota to resume diesel engine production for HiLux, LandCruiser after Japanese government lifts shipment suspension
There have been no updates for the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series but it's competing against heavyweights like the Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Discovery and the Toyota's cousin, the Lexus LX. All of which have seen some decent overhauls with tech or mod cons recently.
My family of three have been family-testing the GR Sport grade to see if the LC300 lives up to the legend or if it's competition is starting to nip at its heels.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.3L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Audi SQ57.5/10
The SQ5 is the best version of a hugely popular SUV, and the turbo-diesel V6 provides a thunderously enjoyable and easy driving experience. The update has brought little in the way of new looks, and practicality remains an area where the SQ5 could be improved, but it’s hard not to appreciate this excellent SUV.    Â
Toyota Land Cruiser8.4/10
The Toyota LandCruiser 300 GR Sport is a total knockout when it comes to its looks, comfort and practicality. It’s stupidly easy to drive and has a fuel efficiency that should make you swoon but the servicing is a bit annoying and it’s not the most affordable option on the market. However, even though it hasn't benefited from any updates this year, you don't feel like you're missing out on any luxuries.
My son adores it, wants it and will be very disappointed when we hand it back. Naturally, he gives it a 10/10.
Design
Audi SQ58/10
It might just be me but the Q5 seems to be the best looking SUV in Audi’s range. It doesn’t have the overly large and cumbersome appearance of the Q7, but it has more heft than a Q3. That ‘Tornado line’ which twists itself down the side of the car, with the wheels appearing to push up into the body at the guards, adds to the dynamic look.
The SQ5 looks even more athletic with its S body kit, red brake calipers and 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels.
The update has seen the grille restyled to be lower and wider, with a more complex honeycomb design, while the side sill trim has been redesigned, too.
SQ5 colours include, 'Mythos Black', 'Ultra Blue', 'Glacier White', 'Floret Silver', 'Quantum Grey', and 'Navarra Blue.'
The cabin is much the same as before, with the addition of Nappa leather upholstery as standard. While prestigious and well-appointed, the cabin styling has been the same since the arrival of this second-generation Q5 in 2017, and is beginning to show its age.
The SQ5 is 4682mm end-to-end, 2140mm wide and 1653mm tall.
Want more coupe in your SQ5? You’re in luck, Audi has announced that an SQ5 Sportback will be coming soon.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Design is 100 per cent subjective. I love the look of the LC300 GR Sport because it features what I feel is a timeless, handsome shape.
For some, it may look too big and brutish, because you could throw a bunch of beefy words at it, and somehow, they’d all fit the roadside presence of this extra-large SUV.
What visually sets the GR Sport apart from its siblings are the multitude of black accents across the body from the rear badging, wheels and arches, door handles and roof racks. The grille is also distinctly different in its horizontal design with the Toyota badging capitalised in a bold white font for extra effect.Â
Head inside and the cabin looks ruggedly capable with the dimensions of the centre console and dashboard complementing the external looks.
Technology looks upmarket, joinery is solidly put together and the leather upholstery adds to the plush comfort of the seats but there is a sense of capability in the physical buttons and dials still found on the dashboard.
Which is where I start to really like the LC300 GR Sport because everything is where you expect it to be - this is not a car you’ll get flustered in but nor does it have that generic Toyota look.
Practicality
Audi SQ57/10
This mid-size, five-seater SUV could do a better job on the practicality. There’s no third-row, seven-seater option, but that isn’t our main gripe. Nope, the SQ5 is short on rear legroom, and cabin storage isn’t great.
Sure, I’m 191cm (6'3") tall and almost 75 per cent of that is legs, but I can sit pretty comfortably behind my driving position in most mid-sized SUVs. Not the SQ5, which is getting tight back there.
As for cabin storage, yes, there’s a decent-sized console box under the centre armrest and slots for keys and wallets, plus the front door pockets are big, but rear passengers again don’t get the best treatment with small door pockets. There are two cup holders back there, though, in the fold-down armrest and another two up front.  Â
The boot’s 510 litres of luggage capacity is almost 50 litres less than the cargo space of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Four USB ports (two in the front and two in the second row) are useful and so is the wireless phone charger in the dashboard.
Privacy glass, directional air vents for the third row and roof racks that now have cross members are great to see.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The front row is roomy and even with a co-pilot, you feel like you have yards of space to settle into. The seats offer a wide seat and plush padding, as well as heat and ventilation functions which adds comfort for longer trips.
Individual storage is good with a large glove box, two cupholders, two drink bottle holders and a large middle console that also features a 'cool box' function for drinks or snacks.
The comfort of the front is replicated in the backseat, which deftly accepts the height of my 183cm father. The width of the seat can easily accommodate three adults in relative comfort or, if you have a few tots in tow, three child seats.
Amenities and storage in the back row are what you'd expect for a top model in this class. The rear outboard seats feature heat and ventilation functions and there is dual air-conditioning and climate control, as well as, four directional air vents.
The fold-down armrest features two cupholders while the doors hold a drink bottle each and a small storage bin. There are also two map pockets and you can access the middle console cool box with a rear-mounted button.
The GR Sport does remind you that it's a big car with its 235mm ground clearance and my seven-year-old son declared I needed to hold all of his stuff this week as getting in and out is a ‘two-handed- operation'. Like him, I too am grateful for the grab handles and side steps in this car.
The technology is well-rounded and simple to use. The 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system looks great and is responsive to touch. It has built-in satellite navigation and a Toyota Connected Services app with three years of complimentary updates. There is also wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM radio and DAB+ radio but there’s not much else to access in this system.
The mostly analogue instrument cluster features a 7.0-inch tech screen and this is where you can do a lot of your customisations with display and safety.
The charging options are solid up front with the choice of a USB-A and C port, 12-volt socket and a wireless charging pad. The rear gets two USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket as well.
The boot is cavernous with its 1131L of luggage capacity and that’s with all seats in use. The squared shape of the boot and the 90-degree angle the boot lid opens to are quite practical, especially when fitting bulky items or loading things in the rain.
All GR Sports come with a powered boot lid and a domestic 220-volt socket for charging larger items while adventuring.
Price and features
Audi SQ58/10
The SQ5 lists for $104,900, making it $35K more than the entry-grade Q5 40 TFSI. Still, the value is good considering this king-of-the-range is loaded with features, including an armful of new ones coming with this update.
New standard features include, matrix LED headlights, metallic paint, a panoramic sunroof, acoustic glazing, Nappa leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable steering column, a head-up display, a 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo, and the roof racks now come with cross members.
That’s along with the standard features which came on the SQ5 previously such as, LED DRLs, three-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch media display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, 30-colour ambient lighting, digital radio, power adjustable and heated front seats, privacy glass, 360-degree view camera, adaptive cruise, and auto parking.
The SQ5 also gets the sporty S exterior body kit with red brake calipers, and the interior also has S features such as sports seats with diamond stitching.
Of course, the SQ5 is more than just a cosmetic pack. There’s sports suspension and that magnificent V6, which we’ll get to soon.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The LC300 series is offered in six grade levels for our market and the second-from-top-spec GR Sport model (the Sahara ZX is slightly more expensive) is on test here. It’s priced from $145,876 before on-roads which is almost $4K dearer than last year’s pricing but doesn’t feature any new upgrades.
Its price point also positions it more towards the top-end of the upper-large SUV market, compared to its rivals. Sitting at the top of that list is the Lexus LX500D F Sport at $180,061 MSRP and then the Land Rover Discovery D300 at $129,020 MSRP.
The most affordable rival is the Nissan Patrol Warrior for $104,160 MSRP but it's important to note that the Patrol is only available with a hefty 5.6L V8 petrol engine, there's no diesel variant. Which is something to consider when you're at the bowser.
In terms of luxuries, there is a heated steering wheel, powered front seats with heat and ventilation functions, leather upholstery and synthetic leather trims throughout. The rear outboards seats also have heat and ventilation functions and a sunroof comes standard.
The technology looks premium with a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster headlining the dashboard. There's some 'old world' charm with the CD/DVD player at the front.
Tech is rounded out by the wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in satellite navigation, Toyota Connected Services App, head-up display, three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, two 12-volt sockets and a wireless charging pad. There is also a 220-volt domestic socket located in the boot and a premium 14-speaker JBL sound system.
The key practical features include a powered tailgate, cool box (middle console), four-zone air-conditioning and climate control, push-button start, keyless entry and a full-size spare wheel.
Under the bonnet
Audi SQ58/10
The SQ5's 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel V6 is a development of the engine that was in the Special Edition SQ5 from the previous model, now producing 251kW from 3800-3950rpm, and 700Nm from 1750-3250rpm.
This diesel engine uses what’s called a mild-hybrid system. Don’t mistake this for a petrol-electric hybrid or a plug-in hybrid because it’s nothing like them, but more an auxiliary system for electrical storage which can restart the engine, which shuts down during coasting.
Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic, and of course drive goes to all four wheels. Claimed 0-100km/h for the SQ5 is 5.1 seconds, which should be more than enough to help you out when that lane ahead runs out. And towing capacity is 2000kg for a braked trailer.
Is there a petrol variant? There was one in the previous model, but for this update Audi has only released this diesel version so far. That’s not to say a petrol SQ5 won’t appear later. We’ll keep our ear to the ground for you.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The LC300 models all share the same 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine that produces a hefty 227kW and 700Nm of torque. Making it powerful enough to easily handle its 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.
The GR Sport has a 10-speed auto transmission and has a full-time 4WD system with high and low range. It also has front, rear and centre diff locks, so adventuring pursuits should be a breeze but check out Crafty’s off-road review on this model for more 4WD insights.
Efficiency
Audi SQ57/10
The Aussie launch didn’t give us a chance to test the SQ5's fuel consumption, but Audi reckons after a combination of open and urban roads the 3.0-litre TDI should return 7.0L/100km. That sounds like ridiculously good economy, but it’s all we have to go on for now. We’ll put the SQ5 through some real-world testing soon.
While the mild-hybrid system does contribute to fuel saving it would be much better to see a plug-in hybrid Q5 on sale in Australia. An e-tron EV version would be even better. So, while the diesel is efficient, consumers need more environmentally sound choices for this popular mid-sized SUV. Â
Toyota Land Cruiser
It's big and has a lot of power, so it should be pretty thirsty ... right?
Wrong! The official combined fuel-cycle consumption figure is 8.9L/100km and my real world usage came out at 9.8L/100km after doing a mix of long open-road trips and some urban stuff.
Based on the official combined fuel cycle and the two fuel tanks, which equal 110L, you’d be able to get a theoretical driving range of 1236km.
Driving
Audi SQ58/10
If I had to choose the best thing about the SQ5, it’s the way it drives. This is one of those cars that feels like you’re wearing it rather than driving it with the way it steers, the smooth eight-speed auto shifts, and the engine responds.
Like a low-flying army helicopter - voomp-voomp-voomp. That’s what the SQ5 sounds like at 60km/h in fourth, and I love it. Even if the sound is enhanced electronically.
But the oomph is completely real. The 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel V6 is a development of the engine that was in the Special Edition SQ5 from the previous model, but it’s better because the 700Nm of torque now comes in lower, at 1750rpm. Power output is also a smidge higher at 251kW.
Just don’t expect the SQ5 to be brutally dynamic, it’s not a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Nope, it’s more grand tourer than super SUV with colossal torque and a comfortable ride. It handles impressively, but the SQ5 seems more at home on gentle country roads and highways than switchbacks and hairpins.
My drive route took in only a small amount of city running, but the SQ5’s ease of driving made traffic as stressless as stressful peak hour traffic can be. Â
Toyota Land Cruiser
The GR Sport is a massive car but it doesn’t handle like one. That's not to say it handles like a small car but it doesn't feel like a truck to drive.
The power is effortlessly gutsy and there's no issue keeping your speed consistent on hills. The 10-speed auto transmission manages its gear changes and power hits smoothly. The rumble of the V6 engine is also quite therapeutic when it comes time to tackle an overflowing causeway or muddy road.
The GR Sport feels solidly grounded and even on winding roads, the roll in corners isn’t bad at all. Less so than a Prado, actually.Â
The ride comfort is very good in the GR Sport grade as it has special adaptive suspension and that means that you really aren’t bothered by the road surface. Besides some whistling from the roof racks, there’s also little outside noise and it feels refined in the cabin because of it.
The wide windows and high seating position offers great visibility all around but I'm very aware of how large the car is as I can't see my son when he walks around it. The sensors alert you but make sure all kids are accounted for before you start moving.
Despite its size, the GR Sport is very nimble to manoeuvre with a small 11.8m turning circle and steering that is responsive.
Parking has been no issue for me this week and while the 360-degree view camera is a bit too fish-eye lense for me, its clear and you get used to it pretty quickly.
Safety
Audi SQ58/10
The Q5 was given the maximum five-star ANCAP score when it was assessed in 2017, and the SQ5 carries the same rating.
Coming standard is AEB, although it’s the city-speed type which works to detect cars and pedestrians at up to 85km/h. There’s also rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, auto parking (parallel and perpendicular), 360-degree camera view, front and rear parking sensors, and eight airbags.
For child seats there are two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchor mounts across the rear seat.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The GR Sport is the only grade not covered by the LandCruiser 300 Series' 2022 five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Toyota doesn’t have any plans to get it rated but it still features all of the safety equipment of its top-spec Sahara siblings.
Standard items include AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera system, trailer sway control, parking sensors (front and rear), and a rear parking support brake.
Other safety highlights include an alarm system, SOS emergency call button, stolen vehicle tracking and an automatic collision notification system.
The GR Sport has 10-airbags but misses out on the newer front centre airbag.
There are ISOFIX child-seat mounts on the rear outboard seats and three top-tether anchor points. You can absolutely get three child seats installed but you miss out on a third row due to the grade level. Which might be a bummer for larger families who are wanting this spec.
Ownership
Audi SQ56/10
Audi refuses to budge on its three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, despite other prestige brands such as Genesis, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz going to five-year/unlimited km coverage.
As for servicing, Audi offers a five-year plan for the SQ5 costing $3100, covering every 12 month/15000km service over that time, for an annual average of .
Toyota Land Cruiser
The GR Sport comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and if you stick to your service schedule, you get an additional two years of engine coverage.
There is capped-priced servicing for up to five years or 100,000km, which entails a total of 10 services or two a year as servicing intervals are a pain at every six months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first.
Services are $400 which equates to $800 per year, which is a bit expensive but not outrageous for the class.