Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX
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 RX opens at $84,900. That makes the Audi Q5 the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $93,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q5 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 90% for the Lexus RX.
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 6 in the Lexus RX.
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 RX. The Audi Q5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus RX misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound 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 RX offers synthetic leather.
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 RX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX 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, 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 520L in the Audi Q5 and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 92L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 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 to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $1,967/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q5.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q5) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The Audi Q5 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 Q5) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Audi Q5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Audi Q5) / 4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q5 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi Q5 will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX has a clear edge. The Audi Q5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. 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 RX?
The Audi Q5 is the cheapest at $80,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $4,000.
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 RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi Q5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RX makes the most power at 179kW. The Lexus RX is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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
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