I put this page up so that you can compare the 150 series LandCruiser Prado to the Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 can be described 'loosely ' as a wagon version of the A4 but with traditional SUV wagon styling. Both cars are not comparable in a true sense apart from their pricing. 

So before you consider the Prado or the Q5 the most important point is that the Q5 is a smaller car in some dimensions and more in common with the Volvos XC, BMW X3 and even the Toyota Kluger. These SUVs are for suburban duties rather than off-road despite what the advertising leads you to believe.

We think the the Q5 is a pretty decent car although its still not the perfect combination of SUV that we are looking for. In base trim it looks very average which is a pity. Read below for what we think after a test drive.

Audi Q5
VS
150 Toyota LandCruiser Prado

We are looking for a smaller SUV, now that petrol and diesel prices continue to rise and also a significant reduction in the need to travel interstate or long distances. Since the Q5 is in the same price range we're looking at so it was worth the effort to give it a drive.

In terms of exterior design the Audi Q5 is not too bad. The only thing that raises a question mark is the 'sad' rear end. It looks unhappy, not good unhappy either. The side is bubble like and reminds us of the Nissan Murano. We love the front end though. It is much classier than say the more aggressive Outlander and BMW. However parked next to the 2011 Kia Sportage it looks bloated and old.

The interior design of the while good very nice and well made with plenty of space lacks the convenience of pockets of regular SUVs we've been looking at. We prefer the Volvo or even the Lexus RX in terms of feeling comfortable straight away.

Driving the Q5 is not a revelation. There is nothing sporty or feel that special to make it stand out - it is better than the CRV though. The ride is average and handling is not a huge leap from any of the SUVs we've tried. It is much more expensive than the others too so we expected much more but to be honest no here near $20,000 more. Especially when the cheaper models are 4-5 years old in design the Q5 is not a great leap forward. If you really want an Audi for image alone sure go for it. However you want value for money and more substance you really must try the others before the Audi and judge for your self.

150 Series Toyota Prado
2010 Approx $58,490 - 88,990 AUD

Audi Q5
2011 FROM APPROX $59,990