Lexus NX vs Audi Q3

The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q3 opens at $61,600. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $1,700.

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 $65,890 and $67,760 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q3 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.

Both the Lexus NX and Audi Q3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 87% for the Audi Q3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus NX packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Audi Q3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 6 in the Audi Q3.

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q3 gets a 10.1-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and heated front seats that you will not find on the Audi Q3. The Audi Q3 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic nulux upholstery while the Audi Q3 offers leather.

The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a automatic direct shift - 8at to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Audi Q3 responds with a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus NX is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 129mm longer than the Audi Q3 at 4,531mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 488L in the Audi Q3, giving the Lexus NX a 32L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q3 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Lexus NX and $1,625/year for the Audi Q3. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus NX) vs $1,625 (Audi Q3). The Audi Q3 saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3). The Audi Q3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.