Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Lexus RX

The Audi SQ5 Sportback starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $90,350. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $19,550.

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 $99,385 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Lexus Premium Sound 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 RX offers synthetic leather.

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 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 SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 173mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 470L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 142L 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.

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 RX. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX 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 RX). The Audi SQ5 Sportback has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).