Audi Q3 vs Lexus NX

The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $71,700. That makes the Audi Q3 the more affordable entry point by $10,100.

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 $67,760 and $78,870 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.

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

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

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

The Audi Q3 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 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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

The Audi Q3 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 Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 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 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 32L advantage.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $1,425/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

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