Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025) and the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 91% for the Lexus NX, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 8 in the Lexus NX.

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 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 and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, Mark Levinson audio 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 Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 3.2s 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, 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 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 5L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 0.4 m tighter, 11.4 m against 11.8 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 NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $741 a year less for the Lexus NX.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 179kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $109,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 515L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,166).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 73

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 35 points), fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 24 points), value (Lexus NX ahead by 19 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $741 less (5 L/100km against 7.6 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions