2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, despite being updated in 2018, still felt somewhat dated in its third generation. Introduced in 2011, the Sienna had an occasionally upscale appearance but was often overshadowed by its age. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, highlighted its dated feel. However, the simplicity of the controls made them user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats, while the SE trim boasted a power liftgate and leather upholstery. The XLE and XLE Limited trims offered premium features like leather-trimmed seating and a JBL audio system. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried Audi's design language with distinction. Its expressive face, LED headlights, and Singleframe grille emphasized width, while the body styling featured crisp character lines. The Q5's classy and modern appearance was complemented by exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, the Q5 PHEV, featured S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern look with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access, and the second row offered standard leather upholstery. The Q5's interior was a testament to Audi's commitment to design and functionality.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for those who needed it. With a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, the Sienna provided stout acceleration and decent handling dynamics, thanks to its low centre of gravity and broad base. The Sienna's AWD option, available on all trims except the base CE, was a unique selling point in 2020, offering better traction in inclement conditions. Fuel efficiency for the FWD Sienna was 12.6 L/100 km city, 9.1 highway, and 11.0 combined, while AWD versions returned 13.4 L/100 km city, 9.6 highway, and 11.7 combined. However, the Sienna's twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the already fun-to-drive Q5 and enhanced it with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery. The total combined output was 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Q5 PHEV from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The innovative setup of the electric motor and 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine delivered impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5 PHEV's battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for efficiency and performance. The Q5's handling was characterized by speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the bench option. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota's Auto Access Seat provided mobility access, making it an affordable option for those needing a mobility conversion van.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front row featured Audi's comfortable sport seats with a wide range of adjustments. The interior was designed with functionality in mind, featuring cupholders, storage cubbies, and a small storage bin in the centre-console armrest.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The XLE Limited trim featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, aiding in communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The customizable instrument panel, combined with LED ambient interior cabin lights, elevated the cabin's tech appeal. The Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, enhancing connectivity options.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features receiving a Superior rating.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.