Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Land Rover Defender 90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi SQ5 Sportback
From $109,900
SUV
Petrol MHEV
270kW
7.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
470L
Land Rover Defender 90
From $98,400
SUV
3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid
183kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
397L
Price Breakdown
The Audi SQ5 Sportback starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Land Rover Defender 90 opens at $98,400. That makes the Land Rover Defender 90 the more affordable entry point by $11,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $120,890 and $108,240 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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 90 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 power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 counters with wireless charging. 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 90 responds with a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 183kW and 570Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 3.5s 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, 394mm longer than the Land Rover Defender 90 at 4,323mm (2,587mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 73L advantage.
For towing, the Land Rover Defender 90 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m diameter
Average
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 90. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Audi SQ5 Sportback.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 90). The Audi SQ5 Sportback saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ5 Sportback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi SQ5 Sportback takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Audi SQ5 Sportback will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi SQ5 Sportback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi SQ5 Sportback and Land Rover Defender 90?
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the cheapest at $98,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi SQ5 Sportback by $11,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Land Rover Defender 90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the largest boot at 470L.
Which can tow the most?
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback makes the most power at 270kW. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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