Audi Q5 vs Lexus LX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Lexus LX. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus LX gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Mark Levinson audio. 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 LX responds with a Petrol making 305kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus LX is 1.9s quicker. 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, 383mm shorter than the Lexus LX at 5,100mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 487L in the Lexus LX, giving the Audi Q5 a 33L advantage. The Lexus LX seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q5's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/100km) and fuel for the Lexus LX about $3,392 a year (11.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,767 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus LX). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), 4 years (Lexus LX).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $167,700), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 487L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $3,392).

The Lexus LX: more power (305kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 61

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the Lexus LX's 61 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 57 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 36 points), performance (Lexus LX ahead by 28 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,767 less (5.7 L/100km against 11.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 487L in the Lexus LX.

Common questions