Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Lexus GX
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 SQ5 Sportback starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus GX opens at $119,950. That makes the Audi SQ5 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $10,050.
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 $120,890 and $131,945 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Lexus GX. The Lexus GX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The Lexus GX responds with a Petrol making 262kW and 650Nm, paired to a 10-speed auto driving the rear wheels.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 262kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the Lexus GX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and $2,850/year for the Lexus GX. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Audi SQ5 Sportback.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs $2,850 (Lexus GX). The Audi SQ5 Sportback saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus GX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ5 Sportback if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus GX if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi SQ5 Sportback takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi SQ5 Sportback will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi SQ5 Sportback and Lexus GX?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus GX by $10,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus GX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus GX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback makes the most power at 270kW.
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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