Audi Q5 Sportback vs Lexus RX

The Audi Q5 Sportback starts from $83,592 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $93,550. That makes the Audi Q5 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $9,958.

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 $91,951 and $102,905 respectively.

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

Both the Audi Q5 Sportback and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 Sportback and 90% for the Lexus RX.

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.

The Audi Q5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Lexus RX offers synthetic leather.

The Audi Q5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7 spd auto to a 2WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 184kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus RX is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 173mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi Q5 Sportback and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 97L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q5 Sportback and $1,539/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Warranty: 5 years (Audi Q5 Sportback) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Audi Q5 Sportback has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).