Isuzu NLS 45-150 vs Audi Q5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Isuzu NLS 45-150
From $79,900
Light Truck
Diesel
110kW
11.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Audi Q5
From $80,900
SUV
4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology
150kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Price Breakdown
The Isuzu NLS 45-150 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q5 opens at $80,900. That makes the Isuzu NLS 45-150 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $87,890 and $88,990 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q5 by roughly $8,265 in fuel alone.
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 Isuzu NLS 45-150 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q5 gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Isuzu NLS 45-150 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Isuzu NLS 45-150 gets vinyl upholstery while the Audi Q5 offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Isuzu NLS 45-150 and 3-zone in the Audi Q5.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu NLS 45-150 uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a AWD layout.
The Audi Q5 responds with a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology making 150kW and 340Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The Audi Q5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu NLS 45-150 measures 5,441mm long on a 2,740mm wheelbase, 724mm longer than the Audi Q5 at 4,717mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q5 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu NLS 45-150 leads with a 4,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.1m to 11.8m
Based on 10.1m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,278/year for the Isuzu NLS 45-150 and $1,625/year for the Audi Q5. That is a $1,653 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q5.
Estimated annual total: $3,278 (Isuzu NLS 45-150) vs $1,625 (Audi Q5). The Audi Q5 saves you roughly $1,653 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Isuzu NLS 45-150) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5). The Audi Q5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Audi Q5).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu NLS 45-150 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Audi Q5 will save you roughly $1,653 a year in fuel. The Audi Q5 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, Isuzu NLS 45-150 and Audi Q5?
The Isuzu NLS 45-150 is the cheapest at $79,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q5 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu NLS 45-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi Q5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q5 makes the most power at 150kW.
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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