2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, characterized by subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from the hatch to the upright tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was described with terms like "modernist" and "reductive," indicating a clean and simple design. For those seeking attention, options were limited to a Firenze Red paint and 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, in Eiger Gray with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and black trim added to the luxurious feel. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with various upgrades pushing the MSRP to $98,420. Design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights. The interior boasted a high-tech appearance with sustainable materials, though the Windsor leather upholstery was the standout feature, offering a smooth and fragrant experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once moving, power was adequate, and handling was sporty, with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road noise, providing a calm cabin experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed for refinement and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft. A PHEV drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with a 51-mile electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo V8 was available in early 2023 models but was later discontinued. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp engine provided ample power, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. Fuel efficiency was better than expected, averaging 22.3 mpg on evaluation routes. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, with adaptive damping air suspension and various driving modes enhancing ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from competitors. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with impressive ground clearance and advanced technology for tackling challenging terrain.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, with traditional dials and buttons for climate control. Outward visibility was good, aided by narrow front roof pillars. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Sportback model.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. Front seats were comfortable, with Windsor leather and 20-way power adjustments. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. Storage space was decent, with a deep bin under the center armrest and a second bin under the cupholder tray. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims. The Audi Connect Care service allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included. Mid-range trims offered a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though it was difficult to access.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less responsive than expected, particularly on freeway curves.