Audi Q5 vs Land Rover Defender 130

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender 130 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 130 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender 130. The Land Rover Defender 130 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats and Meridian audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 130 responds with a 3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 257kW and 700Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 130 has the clear power advantage at 257kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender 130 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 382mm shorter than the Land Rover Defender 130 at 5,099mm (3,022mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender 130 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q5's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/100km) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender 130 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $684 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender 130). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), 5 years (Land Rover Defender 130).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $136,000) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $2,309).

The Land Rover Defender 130: more power (257kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,000kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 64

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the Land Rover Defender 130's 64 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Audi Q5 ahead by 27 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 23 points), performance (Land Rover Defender 130 ahead by 23 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $684 less (5.7 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions