The 2023 Audi Q5 and the 2023 Lexus RX are both standout contenders in the highly competitive luxury SUV market. While each has its unique attributes, CarGurus experts have weighed in with an overall rating of 6.5 out of 10 for the Audi Q5 and 7.2 out of 10 for the Lexus RX. Let's dive into the details to see how these two SUVs compare in various aspects.
2023 Audi Q5 vs 2023 Lexus RX: Luxury SUVs Compared
Look and Feel
CarGurus experts rate the Audi Q5 at 7 out of 10 in terms of look and feel. The Q5 boasts a classy and sporty exterior design, with an optional Q5 Sportback offering a sleeker silhouette. Inside, it offers a refined and well-organized cabin with comfortable leather seating, heated front seats, and a user-friendly 10-inch touchscreen. While it remains stylish, the interior's age is becoming evident in a few areas.
The Lexus RX also earns a 7 out of 10 for its look and feel. The exterior design of the 2023 RX is fresh and contemporary, with improvements in integration and aesthetics. The interior is comfortable, featuring premium materials, semi-aniline leather upholstery, and an option for simulated suede. However, some may find the sport seats a bit snug, and headroom could be limited for taller passengers.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the Audi Q5 at 6 out of 10 for performance. It offers three engine options, including a plug-in hybrid, but some might find the initial acceleration sluggish, particularly with the 45 TFSI engine. The handling is sporty, steering precise, and the ride comfortable. However, the transmission's slow response can impact acceleration.
The Lexus RX 350 scores higher in terms of performance, with a rating of 7 out of 10. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while producing slightly less horsepower than the outgoing V6, offers better torque and fuel economy. The ride quality is generally smooth, though it can exhibit excessive body motion over uneven roads. The F Sport Handling trim enhances stability and control, especially in Sport driving mode.
Form and Function
CarGurus experts give the Audi Q5 a rating of 7 out of 10 for form and function. The interior design has aged well, with a user-friendly infotainment system, physical buttons for climate control, and good visibility. It provides ample space for passengers and cargo, with up to 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
The Lexus RX also scores a 7 out of 10 for form and function. Its cabin is comfortable and modern, featuring a new infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. The user profiles and natural voice recognition add to its functionality. In terms of storage, it offers useful areas both in the front and rear, though headroom for taller passengers could be limited. The RX's trunk is larger than the Q5's, measuring 29.6 cubic feet when the second row seating is in position.
Technology
The Audi Q5 gets a technology rating of 6 out of 10 from our expert reviewers. It comes equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics but can be slow to boot up. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Audi Connect Care, included for a limited time, allows for remote monitoring and Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Lexus RX also receives a technology rating of 6 out of 10. It introduces the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a color head-up display. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition is accurate but may have some quirks. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivers exceptional audio quality.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the Audi Q5 at 7 out of 10 for safety. It offers a robust suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Q5 excels in crash tests, earning top scores from NHTSA and IIHS, making it a Top Safety Pick+. Note that rear seat side impact airbags are offered as an option on all trims.
The Lexus RX scores higher for safety, with a rating of 8 out of 10. It comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a wide range of advanced driving assistance systems, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and traffic jam assist. The adaptive cruise control proved to be reliable in our testing. However, there are minor issues with HUD visibility in certain conditions.
Cost Effectiveness
The 2023 Audi Q5 starts at $45,395 for the base model and goes up to $68,195 for the plug-in hybrid variant. While it competes well in terms of pricing with its rivals like the BMW X3, its slower engine response might be a drawback for some buyers.
Pricing for the 2023 Lexus RX 350 starts from $49,950, and goes up to just under $62,000 for the RX 350 Luxury. While it be more expensive than the Audi, the Lexus claws back ground thanks to its larger size and high levels of standard equipment. For those seeking an electrified RX, Lexus also offers its popular SUV in hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Audi Q5 is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2023 Lexus RX scores 7.2 out of 10. Both are very good options, and deservedly popular, but in this comparison it's the Lexus that edges the win.
Choose the 2023 Audi Q5 if:
- You prioritize sporty handling and precise steering in a luxury SUV.
- You prefer an elegant and timeless exterior design.
- You are looking for a well-rounded luxury SUV with a comfortable interior.
Choose the 2023 Lexus RX if:
- You value safety and advanced driver assistance systems.
- You seek a comfortable and spacious interior with premium materials.
- You want a competitive pricing advantage in the luxury SUV segment.
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