Compare the2025 Lexus RXVS 2025 Audi Q5

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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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus RX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Audi Q5 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

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 Q5 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

With its standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, the Lexus RX is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Audi Q5, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	RX	Q5
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-22 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-8 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-1 MPH
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-13 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-2 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-2 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	2.5 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-32 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.5 sec	No Warning

To deliver safety and visibility under dusty conditions the Lexus RX’s backup monitor has a standard rear washer to keep the view clear. A camera washer system is only offered on some models of the Audi Q5.

Both the RX and the Q5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, 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, results indicate that the Lexus RX is safer than the Audi Q5:

	RX	Q5
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	58	60
Chest Movement	.3 inches	.6 inches
Hip Force	206 lbs.	279 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	63	185
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	53 G’s
Hip Force	640 lbs.	817 lbs.

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

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Lexus RX is safer than the Q5:

	RX	Q5
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	245 lbs.
Neck Compression	67 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.67 in	.71 in
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	90	346
Neck Tension	45 lbs.	223 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.14 in	1.73 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.3 in	1.54 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	469 lbs.	1249 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Warranty

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the Q5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Q5 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 Q5’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Lexus RX Hybrid’s reliability 29 points higher than the Q5 with the best reliability rating.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX second among midsize premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The Q5 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 has more powerful engines than the Q5:

	Horsepower	Torque
RX 350h 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	246 HP	233 lbs.-ft.
RX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	275 HP	317 lbs.-ft.
RX 450h+ Luxury 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	304 HP
RX 500h F Sport Performance 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	366 HP	406 lbs.-ft.
Q5 40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	201 HP	236 lbs.-ft.
Q5 45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	261 HP	273 lbs.-ft.
Q5 55 TFSI e 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	362 HP	369 lbs.-ft.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the RX 450h+ running on electricity gets better mileage than the Q5 55 TFSI e running on electricity (91 city/75 hwy vs. 55 city/61 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the RX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Q5 running its gasoline engine:

			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
Q5
	AWD	55 TFSI e 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/27 hwy
		40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/29 hwy
		45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/28 hwy

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 37 miles. The Q5 55 TFSI e has to start its internal combustion engine after only 23 miles.

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 Q5 (4 to 6). This means the RX produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Q5 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 Q5.

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 Q5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RX 500h’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q5:

	RX	RX 500h	Q5 40/45 TFSI	Q5 55 TFSI e
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	15.7 inches	13.3 inches	13.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	13.4 inches	13 inches	13 inches

The RX stops shorter than the Q5:

	RX	Q5
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	136 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	143 feet	144 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Q5.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RX’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the Q5 (112.2 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Q5.

The RX 450h+ Luxury handles at .83 G’s, while the Q5 45 TFSI Premium Plus pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The RX 450h+ Luxury executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Q5 45 TFSI Prestige (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.2 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the Q5 40/45 TFSI’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet). The RX’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Q5 55 TFSI e’s (38.8 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX 350 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Q5 55 TFSI e (8.1 vs. 8 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The RX has .2 inches more front legroom and .4 inches more front shoulder room than the Q5.

Cargo Capacity

The RX has a much larger cargo volume than the Q5 with its rear seat up (29.6 vs. 25.9 cubic feet).

The RX’s cargo area is larger than the Q5’s in every dimension:

	RX	Q5
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	40”/76.2”	36”/69”
Max Width	55.5”	48.5”
Min Width	42”	41”
Height	30”	29.7”

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 Q5 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 system optional at extra cost in the Q5, 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’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 Q5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 Q5 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Q5’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 Q5.

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 Q5 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 Q5.

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 Q5 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 Q5 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 Q5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Audi Q5 isn't recommended.

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 Q5 isn’t in the top three.

The Lexus RX outsold the Audi Q5/SQ5 by over two to one during 2024.

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