Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, 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 Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Meridian audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 257kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback'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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 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 $143 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender 130). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi SQ5 Sportback), 5 years (Land Rover Defender 130).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $136,000), more power (270kW against 257kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $2,309).

The Land Rover Defender 130: the higher braked towing limit (3,000kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 64

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the Land Rover Defender 130's 64 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 31 points), performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 11 points), practicality (Land Rover Defender 130 ahead by 10 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $143 less (7.6 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions