Audi Q5 vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q5 at 5 stars (2025) and the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 91% for the Lexus NX, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q5, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q5 and 8 in the Lexus NX.

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 NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-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 NX. The Lexus NX counters with 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 Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Lexus NX.

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 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 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 0.9s 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, 57mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 520L in the Lexus NX.

For towing, the Audi Q5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 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 Lexus NX's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 11.4 m against 11.8 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 NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $200 a year less for the Lexus NX.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $80,900), more power (179kW against 150kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $1,625).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 76

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Audi Q5's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 9 points), fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 6 points), value (Lexus NX ahead by 5 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $200 less (5 L/100km against 5.7 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions