Compare the2025 Lexus RXVS 2025 Audi A4 Allroad

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the RX are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RX has standard Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The RX has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the A4 Allroad’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the RX has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Parking Support Brake automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the A4 Allroad.

The RX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the RX and the A4 Allroad have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus RX is safer than the Audi A4 Allroad:

	RX	A4 Allroad
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	58	172
Chest Movement	.3 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	99 lbs.	219 lbs.
Hip Force	206 lbs.	308 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	63	277
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	56 G’s
Hip Force	640 lbs.	777 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	317	333

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A4 Allroad. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the A4 Allroad ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the RX has a standard 603-amp battery. The A4 Allroad’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX second among midsize premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The A4 Allroad isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 68 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 140 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 29th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 7th.

Engine

The RX 350’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (275 vs. 261) and 44 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 273) than the A4 Allroad’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The RX 450h+ Luxury’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 43 more horsepower (304 vs. 261) than the A4 Allroad’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The RX 500h F Sport Performance’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 105 more horsepower (366 vs. 261) and 133 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 273) than the A4 Allroad’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the RX 450h+ running on electricity gets better mileage than the A4 Allroad (91 city/75 hwy MPGe vs. 23 city/30 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the RX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the A4 Allroad:

			MPG
RX
	AWD	350h 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	37 city/34 hwy
		450h+ 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	36 city/33 hwy
		500h 2.4 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/28 hwy
A4 Allroad
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/30 hwy

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The A4 Allroad can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The RX 350’s standard fuel tank has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the A4 Allroad (17.8 vs. 15.3 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus RX higher (6 out of 10) than the Audi A4 Allroad (4). This means the RX produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the A4 Allroad every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus RX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A4 Allroad.

The RX offers an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RX 500h’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A4 Allroad:

	RX	RX 500h	A4 Allroad
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	15.7 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	13.4 inches	13 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Only 18-inch wheels are available on the A4 Allroad. The RX offers optional 21-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RX’s wheelbase is 1.3 inches longer than on the A4 Allroad (112.2 inches vs. 110.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 4.8 inches wider in the rear than on the A4 Allroad.

For better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the A4 Allroad’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX 350 has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the A4 Allroad (8.1 vs. 6.5 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The RX 350h’s minimum ground clearance is 1.7 inches higher than on the A4 Allroad (8.2 vs. 6.5 inches).

Passenger Space

The RX has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 1.7 inches more rear legroom and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the A4 Allroad.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RX’s rear seats recline. The A4 Allroad’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The RX has a much larger cargo volume than the A4 Allroad with its rear seat up (29.6 vs. 24.2 cubic feet).

Towing

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the RX uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 30% lower rating, Audi is ranked 18th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the A4 Allroad, the RX 450h+ Luxury has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The RX Premium/Luxury/500h F Sport’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The A4 Allroad has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The RX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the A4 Allroad only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the A4 Allroad only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The A4 Allroad’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The RX’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Lexus RX has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the A4 Allroad.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

Compared to traditional radio, the Lexus RX’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the A4 Allroad.

The RX 300h/450h+/500h offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The RX Premium+/Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Advanced Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The A4 Allroad Prestige’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park and it doesn’t offer remote control parking.

Model Availability

The RX is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The A4 Allroad doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The A4 Allroad isn’t in the top three.

The Lexus RX outsold the Audi A4/S4 by almost 16 to one during 2024.

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