Audi Q5 vs Ssangyong Korando

What's the difference?

The updated Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI is a strong example of a luxury base-grade SUV, ticking most of the boxes in styling, comfort and features. It may not always outperform its rivals on paper, but it delivers where it counts, offering a refined, practical and engaging package that will satisfy.

SsangYong’s Korando diesel might not break the mould in any meaningful area, but it certainly has its place as a no frills, feature-rich SUV.

However, buyers that stay in the inner city should probably forgo the diesel in favour of the petrol Korando which costs less to buy, and at this stage, less to fill up.

The diesel engine is a little undercooked and the styling is far from exciting, but the long equipment list, sensible pricing and lengthy warranty period should at least give buyers deadset on a Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Qashqai pause.

The Q5 Sportback is the more attractive sibling when compared to the standard SUV, with a shape that feels more dynamic and sport-oriented. The updated design dials back the sharper creases of the previous model in favour of softer curves, paired with slim matrix LED headlights. The revised 'Singleframe' grille has strong presence and the full-width rear light treatment adds to the Sportback’s visual appeal. Overall, it’s a very handsome vehicle.

Inside, the interior glow-up is immediately noticeable. The large new display takes centre stage in a redesigned dashboard that looks clean and appropriately sophisticated. 

There’s a good mix of materials throughout the cabin, including the beige leather upholstery, although the presence of hard plastics reminds you that this is still a base grade. Even so, the cabin largely hits the right notes for a luxury entry point.

There are a few details that don’t quite land for me. The door-mounted control panel on the driver's side feels busy and a little fiddly to use, and creates an oddly sized and positioned pull handle that just doesn’t feel nice to use. And this is very much a nitpick, but the black stitching on the beige seatbelts catches my eye all the time. None of these are deal-breakers, but they stand out in an otherwise well resolved interior.

At first glance, the SsangYong Korando might look a bit derivative or even bland, blending elements of the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Tucson.

But did you know the SsangYong Korando predates both aforementioned models? Yep, the fourth-generation broke cover in early 2019, about six months ahead of the Seltos and more than 12 months before the latest Tucson surfaced.

Just because it was first in however, doesn’t mean it is still the best dressed.

To our eye, the Korando is just missing that X factor in aesthetics to really help it stand out from the crowd.

From a distance, it just looks like any other SUV, and isn’t all that distinctive from its rivals.

Sure, the SsangYong grille, sharp front end and foglight arrangement are distinctive enough, but maybe it’s the white of our press car that makes it just seem a little … ordinary.

In profile, the Korando is even more inconspicuous, and even its unique wheels and thick C-pillars do nothing to grab your attention.

The rear end of the Korando might be its best angle, with stand-out tail-light graphics, a chrome centre strip and chunky bumper combining for a little visual pizazz.

Inside, the Korando continues the ho-hum theme with a standard, but lacklustre, dashboard layout and cabin materials.

There’s leather and gloss-black bits to liven things up, but from the centre stack design to the seat inserts, there’s just nothing standout or special about the interior of the Korando.

Don’t get us wrong, we don’t hate the way the Korando looks and feels, its just a bit too Clark Kent and not enough Superman for our tastes.

But if you wanted a mid-size SUV that is inoffensive and blends into the background, this could the car for you.

Up front, the cabin feels spacious and comfortable, with plush (heated) electric seats, while the driver also benefits from a two-position memory function, which is a plus if the car is shared. My main gripe is the short seat bases, which become noticeable on longer drives.

In the rear, comfort largely holds up, though space is better suited to two adults due to the high transmission tunnel. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat is a practical inclusion and helps when juggling passengers and longer items.

Storage is mostly well considered. There’s a generously sized glove box and a couple of useful storage bins in each door, although the centre console is on the smaller side. The dedicated phone tray is a highlight, housing the wireless charging pad, two USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket. Both rows get cupholders and bottle storage, while rear passengers also benefit from USB-C ports, climate control, directional air vents and map pockets. Overall, there’s just enough space and amenity for adults or teens to remain comfortable.

Technology is handled by the updated media display, which features a responsive touchscreen and a menu system that’s easy enough to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are quick to set up, and the built-in satellite navigation is clearly laid out. That said, the near-total absence of physical buttons may frustrate some, with functions like climate control buried within the touchscreen. The number of pop-up disclaimers on start-up also feels excessive.

Boot space is where the Sportback’s sloping roofline has the biggest impact. Load height is limited, and capacity tops out at 515L with all seats in place, making it the smallest in its segment, albeit only by around 10L. I like the deep underfloor storage, along with the cargo cover, net and hands-free powered tailgate. However, the lack of a spare tyre, replaced by a repair kit, is a deal-breaker for me as a country driver, though it may matter less to those with easier access to repair services.

Measuring 4450mm long, 1870mm wide, 1629mm tall and with a 2675mm wheelbase, the Korando serves as SsangYong’s mid-size SUV competitor against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander.

There’s no denying though, that the Korando sits on the smaller end of the mid-size SUV spectrum, being shorter in overall size and wheelbase than even the CX-5 (which we thought was just about big enough for a small family of three).

In fact, the Korando sizes up much closer to something like the new-generation Nissan Qashqai and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – two models which are classed on the larger end of the small SUV spectrum.

After spending a week with the car, we’d argue the Korando feels much more like a small SUV than a mid-sizer.

In the front seats, there is plenty of space for occupants and there is heaps of adjustability in the seats and steering wheel to get comfortable.

Storage solutions include door pockets, cupholders and an underarm cubby, but the tray found just in front of the shifter could use a raised lip or grippier surface so your phone and wallet don’t slide around while driving.

The second row is also plenty spacious, with enough leg-, head- and shoulder-room for our six-foot-tall (183cm) frame, even behind the driver’s seat in our desired position.

Of course, the middle seat is a little compromised thanks to the transmission tunnel eating in the footwell and the slightly higher seating position, but it will do in a pinch.

And in the second row, occupants are treated to a bottle holder in the door, a fold-down armrest (in lieu of the middle seat), a 12-volt charging socket and back-seat map pockets, but a big omission is the lack of air vents – which could be a dealbreaker for some families.

The second-row does offer more room than expected of a car this size, but opening the boot reveals how SsangYong has managed to make the rear seats more comfortable – it has sacrificed storage volume.

The boot will swallow 407 litres with all seats in place, which is smaller than the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and only two litres more than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Fold the seats down and volume swells to just 1104L.

Don’t get us wrong, you’ll still be able to fit your weekly groceries in the boot or a full-size pram, but it will be a stretch for both.

SsangYong’s Korando range kicks off at $29,990 driveaway for the EX grade, and tops out at $40,990 for the Ultimate Diesel that we have on test here.

While nearly $40,000 might seem like a lot to spend on a SsangYong mid-size SUV, the Korando Ultimate Diesel is actually the most affordable oil burner in its class, competing against the Hyundai Tucson (from $45,400 before on-road costs), Kia Sportage (from $39,845), Mazda CX-5 (from $45,880), Peugeot 3008 (from $53,540) and Volkswagen Tiguan (from $55,990).

So, for those after a diesel SUV for the family on a budget, the SsangYong Korando should definitely be on your list.

And don’t think that SsangYong has skimped on the equipment to bring the price down either, as there is a long list of standard gear that includes 19-inch wheels, front and rear fog lights, auto-folding mirrors, heated and cooled front seats, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, power adjustable front seats, and push-button start.

The multimedia system measures 8.0 inches, and features touchscreen functionality with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

There’s also a 10.25-inch all digital instrument cluster that lets you adjust the readout to display the information you want.

However, with a small family to juggle, it’s the powered tailgate and keyless entry that were appreciated the most, as well as the biscuit-crumb-resistant leather seats.

All in all, the Korando is fitted with a comprehensive list of equipment that would make similarly-priced offerings from Hyundai and Kia jealous, but there are a couple of glaring omissions – digital radio and a wireless smartphone charger.

To be fair, wireless charging is a nice-to-have feature – not a must have – but in 2022 when technology is quickly becoming the focus for new vehicles, it is strange to see both of these items not included on the top-spec variants of new vehicles.

The Q5 Sportback TFSI is front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system. Combined outputs sit at 150kW and 340Nm, which places it toward the lower end of the segment when stacked against rivals such as the Genesis GV70 2.5T and Mercedes GLC300 Coupe offering 224kW/422Nm and 190kW/400Nm, respectively.

On the road, however, there’s still plenty on offer for everyday driving, with power delivery feeling smooth and accessible. The seven-speed transmission shifts effortlessly, helping the Q5 Sportback feel refined and easy to live with, even if outright performance isn’t its headline feature.

Powering the SsangYong Korando Ultimate Diesel is 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Peak power is 100kW at 4000rpm, while maximum torque of 324Nm is available from 1500-2500rpm.

Those outputs are well down on rival cars, which range from 137kW/416Nm in the Tucson and Sportage, to 140kW/450Nm in the CX-5 – though competitors all use larger engines.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, making the diesel-powered Korando the only SsangYong mid-size SUV that is not front-wheel drive.

SsangYong also includes a drive-mode selector, with functionality for Normal, Sport and Winter settings.

The Q5 Sportback TFSI has a claimed combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.7L/100km and paired with its 65L fuel tank offers a theoretical driving range of up to 1140km. An impressive result on paper.

After a mix of long highway driving and my usual urban runaround, real-world consumption settled at 5.8L/100km, which is almost spot on.

It also highlights the Q5 Sportback TFSI’s performance/efficiency trade-off. While its outputs are modest relative to some rivals it rewards you with excellent economy in real-world use.

Official fuel consumption figures for the SsangYong Korando Ultimate Diesel are pegged at 6.4 litres per 100km, while emissions are 170 grams of CO2 per 100km.

In our week with the car, we managed an average of 8.2L/100km, with our driving primarily focused on short, inner-city journeys.

While the Korando is relatively frugal on diesel compared with some its larger and more powerful rivals, keep in mind that diesel prices are much higher than petrol at the moment.

There’s enough power in the base grade to keep things engaging on the open road, whether overtaking or maintaining pace, with a reassuring sense of reserves and smooth, punctual delivery.

Despite the firmer suspension, ride comfort remains high thanks to the newly tuned damping system, which absorbs bumps without sacrificing road feedback. The cabin is quiet at speed and at low speeds the car can switch to its hybrid system for extra refinement.

I’m not a huge fan of the adaptive steering assist, particularly on winding roads, as it can overcorrect at times. Overall, though, the Q5 Sportback delivers enjoyable, sporty dynamics.

Visibility is good from the front and sides, while the rear window is a little on the small side. It’s easy to get accustomed to the car’s dimensions and a clear 360-degree camera view comes standard across all grades, providing a clear view that automatically activates during low-speed manoeuvres. Parking this car is straightforward and stress-free.

If the brief for the Korando is to be easy and unintimidating to drive, then SsangYong has nailed it.

From the driver’s seat, the Korean mid-size SUV makes you feel comfortable and confident, and the steering – while a little on the numb and light side – is communicative enough at slower speeds around town.

The diesel engine as found in our test car, however, does feel lacklustre, even if just accelerating to 60km/h.

The asthmatic powertrain struggles even more at freeway speeds, and coming up to speed at an onramp really highlights how gutless the 100kW/324Nm engine is.

However, the flip side of all this is that the Korando doesn’t really do anything unexpected or surprising.

In the same way you might order a salad for brunch, the Korando’s engine feels just about adequate enough to keep you going and is a safe choice for those that might not be all that adventurous.

However, there is a drive-mode selector on offer to change things from Normal to Sport or Winter.

Switch it over to Sport mode, and things liven up with the Korando feeling more responsive, but we can’t help but feel this mode should be the default tune.

One oddity we did note is that switching from Normal mode to Sport requires a turn of the dial to the right, but turning the dial to the left does not return it to the default setting.

In fact, turning the dial to the left does nothing, and to get it back into normal mode, it’s another turn to the right.

All of this is to say, the ergonomics of the Korando feel a little half-baked, and a little more time in development could have ironed out these issues.

SsangYong’s Korando was awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2019, notching particularly strong results for adult occupant (88%) and child occupant protection (86%).

Standard safety equipment across the entire Korando range include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and hill descent control, while the ELX grade adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.

The top-spec Ultimate scores all the fruit, as well as tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane centre following assist.

The Q5 Sportback comes with Audi’s five-year/unlimited km warranty, which also includes complimentary roadside assistance - all fairly standard at this end of the market. A five-year pre-paid servicing plan is available for $3520, which is cheaper than the pay-as-you-go option, though it’s not the most competitive compared with some rivals. For instance, BMW offers the same coverage for $2475, while the Genesis comes with complimentary servicing.

You can also extend the service period by two years with the 'Audi Advantage Package' for an additional cost. Services are spaced at sensible intervals, every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, making maintenance straightforward and predictable.

Like all new SsangYongs sold in Australia, the Korando comes with a seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty – matching the likes of Kia and falling short of the industry-leading 10-year warranty offered by Mitsubishi.

Scheduled service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first, which matches the industry standard.

The first five years of maintenance will set owners back $1580 or $316 each.

However, keep in mind there will be additional service items that need to be addressed such as a urea fill ($51.32 every 10,000km), a brake fluid change ($121.44 every 24 months) and a kit-fuel filter ($146.14 every 25 months or 30,000km).

SsangYong lists the prices of all its services on its website.