Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Lexus LX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Lexus LX. 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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Lexus LX gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting. 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 LX responds with a Petrol making 305kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 383mm shorter than the Lexus LX at 5,100mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 487L in the Lexus LX, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 28L advantage. The Lexus LX seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg 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 Audi SQ5 Sportback's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.8 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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and fuel for the Lexus LX about $3,392 a year (11.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,226 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus LX). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi SQ5 Sportback), 4 years (Lexus LX).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $167,700), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 487L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $3,392).

The Lexus LX: more power (305kW against 270kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 61

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the Lexus LX's 61 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 39 points), safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 27 points), value (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 22 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $1,226 less (7.6 L/100km against 11.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions