Audi Q5 vs Lexus GX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q5 starts from $80,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus GX opens at $119,950. That makes the Audi Q5 the more affordable entry point by $39,050.
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 $88,990 and $131,945 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q5 by roughly $6,125 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q5 and Lexus GX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q5 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Lexus GX.
Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Lexus GX. The Lexus GX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The Lexus GX responds with a Petrol making 262kW and 650Nm, paired to a 10-speed auto driving the rear wheels.
The Lexus GX has the clear power advantage at 262kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 238mm shorter than the Lexus GX at 4,955mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus GX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 390L in the Lexus GX, giving the Audi Q5 a 130L advantage. The Lexus GX seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Lexus GX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q5 and $2,850/year for the Lexus GX. That is a $1,225 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q5.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q5) vs $2,850 (Lexus GX). The Audi Q5 saves you roughly $1,225 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus GX). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Audi Q5)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus GX if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi Q5 will save you roughly $1,225 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q5 and Lexus GX?
The Audi Q5 is the cheapest at $80,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus GX by $39,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q5 and Lexus GX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q5 has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus GX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus GX makes the most power at 262kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
