Audi Q7 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 Q7 starts from $108,815 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $90,350. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $18,465.
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 $119,697 and $99,385 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q7 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 Q7 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with wireless charging and Lexus Premium Sound 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 RX offers synthetic leather.
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 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 Audi Q7 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, 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, 162mm longer than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 740L in the Audi Q7 and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Audi Q7 a 128L advantage. The Audi Q7 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Audi Q7 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg 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 12.5m
Based on 12.5m 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 $2,651/year for the Audi Q7 and $1,967/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $2,651 (Audi Q7) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q7) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Audi Q7 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q7 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q7 has a clear edge. The Audi Q7 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 Q7 and Lexus RX?
The Lexus RX is the cheapest at $90,350 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q7 by $18,465.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Audi Q7 has the largest boot at 740L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi Q7 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q7 makes the most power at 185kW. The Audi Q7 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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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