Audi Q7 vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Audi Q7 a rating. 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 Q7 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 Q7 stands out with panoramic roof, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless charging and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q7 gets leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q7 and 2-zone in the Lexus NX.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q7 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging producing 185kW and 370Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 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 Audi Q7 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi Q7 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q7 measures 5,052mm long on a 2,994mm wheelbase, 392mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q7 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 780L in the Audi Q7 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Audi Q7 a 260L advantage. The Audi Q7 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Audi Q7 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 1.1 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.5 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 Q7 costs about $2,651 a year (9.3 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 $1,226 a year less for the Lexus NX.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q7) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q7), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q7: more power (185kW against 179kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (780L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $108,815) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,651).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 66

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Audi Q7's 66 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 39 points), safety (Lexus NX ahead by 27 points), value (Lexus NX ahead by 21 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $1,226 less (5 L/100km against 9.3 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 780L in the Audi Q7, 520L in the Lexus NX.

Common questions