Cadillac Optiq vs Lexus RX
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 Cadillac Optiq starts from $80,000 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $84,900. That makes the Cadillac Optiq the more affordable entry point by $4,900.
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 $88,000 and $93,390 respectively.
The Cadillac Optiq qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus RX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
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 Cadillac Optiq features a 33-inch touchscreen paired with a 33-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 Cadillac Optiq stands out with AKG audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with Lexus Premium Sound audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Cadillac Optiq gets leather upholstery while the Lexus RX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Cadillac Optiq and 3-zone in the Lexus RX.
Drivetrain
The Cadillac Optiq uses a Electric producing 224kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 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 Cadillac Optiq has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, the Cadillac Optiq is 3.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Cadillac Optiq measures 4,953mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 63mm longer than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac Optiq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the Cadillac Optiq and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 112L advantage.
For towing, the Cadillac Optiq leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.6m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Cadillac Optiq has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Cadillac Optiq takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX has a clear edge. The Cadillac Optiq 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, Cadillac Optiq and Lexus RX?
The Cadillac Optiq is the cheapest at $80,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $4,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L.
Which can tow the most?
The Cadillac Optiq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Cadillac Optiq has the longest warranty at 5 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Cadillac Optiq makes the most power at 224kW. The Cadillac Optiq is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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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