Audi Q3 vs Lexus NX

The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $59,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $1,700.

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 $67,760 and $65,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $1,710 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. The Lexus NX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Audi Q3.

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

The Audi Q3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus NX gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 stands out with Apple CarPlay 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.

The Audi Q3 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 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 measures 4,485mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 175mm 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 470L in the Audi Q3 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 50L 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 $2,081/year for the Audi Q3 and $1,739/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Audi Q3) vs $1,739 (Lexus NX). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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).