Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX

The Audi Q5 starts from $80,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $93,550. That makes the Audi Q5 the more affordable entry point by $12,650.

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 $102,905 respectively.

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

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.

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.

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 184kW and 239Nm, 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 184kW 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.

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.

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

Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q5) vs $1,539 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $86 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).