Lexus RX vs Audi Q5

The Lexus RX starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q5 opens at $81,000. That makes the Audi Q5 the more affordable entry point by $3,900.

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 $93,390 and $89,100 respectively.

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

Both the Lexus RX and Audi Q5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX and 85% for the Audi Q5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Lexus RX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus RX and 7 in the Audi Q5.

The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q5 gets a 14.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus RX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio that you will not find on the Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 counters with Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Audi Q5 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 150kW and 340Nm, paired to a s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.

The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 227mm longer than the Audi Q5 at 4,663mm (2,819mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 580L in the Audi Q5, giving the Lexus RX a 32L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q5 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 $1,967/year for the Lexus RX and $2,081/year for the Audi Q5. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus RX) vs $2,081 (Audi Q5). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5). The Audi Q5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.