Audi Q3 Sportback vs Lexus NX

The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $59,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $4,700.

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 $71,060 and $65,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Audi Q3 Sportback and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 Sportback and 91% for the Lexus NX.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 8 in the Lexus NX.

The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather.

The Audi Q3 Sportback uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Lexus NX responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 243Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus NX is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 Sportback measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 129mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 32L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 450kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Audi Q3 Sportback and $1,967/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs $1,967 (Lexus NX). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX). The Audi Q3 Sportback has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).