Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Lexus NX
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 NX opens at $59,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $50,000.
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 $65,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Lexus NX.
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 NX responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 243Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 4.5s 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, 57mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 50L advantage.
For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m 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 $2,166/year for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and $1,967/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs $1,967 (Lexus NX). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX). The Audi SQ5 Sportback has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ5 Sportback if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus NX if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi SQ5 Sportback takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus NX will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus NX has a clear edge. The Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback and Lexus NX?
The Lexus NX is the cheapest at $59,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi SQ5 Sportback by $50,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus NX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus NX has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback makes the most power at 270kW. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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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