Audi
Q5
Toyota
Highlander
Audi Q5 vs Toyota Highlander: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Audi Q5 comes out ahead of the Toyota Highlander on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Q5
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear dichotomy. The vehicle is consistently praised for its superior driving dynamics, handling, and refinement compared to mainstream and some luxury competitors. Owners frequently describe it as "fun to drive," "super quiet and smooth," and possessing a solid, tank-like build quality.
Best version to buy
The 3.0T supercharged V6 engine (found in pre-2017 Q5 models and in the SQ5) is very frequently recommended over the 2.0T four-cylinder for its power, refinement, and perceived reliability. For newer generations, the plug-in hybrid Q5 e is suggested as a high-feature, powerful, and efficient alternative to the performance-oriented SQ5.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very frequent mentions of routine services costing $1,400-$3,000, with out-of-warranty repairs described as exceptionally expensive. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electronic/Infotainment glitches: includes CarPlay/Bluetooth connectivity failures, random system reboots, unresponsive screens, and parasitic battery drain causing "Low Battery" warnings in new models (e.g., 2025).
- ⚠Sunroof leaks: noted as a design flaw in some generations (e.g., Q3/Q5), requiring extensive disassembly and often recurring. Frequency: recurrent.
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- ⚠8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi Q5 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Toyota Highlander, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Toyota Highlander is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi Q5 or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi Q5 and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi Q5 or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the Audi Q5 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Audi Q5 is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi Q5 or the Toyota Highlander?
The Audi Q5 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 2.6-8.3 L/100km combined versus 10.2 L/100km for the Toyota Highlander, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi Q5 or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi Q5 than the Toyota Highlander. See the known issues comparison above.