2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights, contributing to its classy and modern appearance. Inside, the Q5 was equally sophisticated, with a clean and uncluttered design. The interior boasted high-quality materials like real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row offered standard leather seating, ensuring a luxurious experience throughout.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long tenure on the market, retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago with minor updates. The GX featured Lexus' spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a tough and aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Despite standard leather upholstery, the overall feel was less refined compared to newer models. The GX's interior ergonomics were outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position, though it did offer excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor. This setup allowed the Q5 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, offering impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive, providing various driving modes for efficient battery usage. Its handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 relied on a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its 5,130-pound weight affected high-speed performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, it excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids for challenging terrains.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-balanced interior with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with heating and ventilation options. The Q5's interior design was smartly laid out, with convenient storage options and a clutter-free appearance.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior showed its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design allowed for excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, with a power-folding third row available on higher trims. However, the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than some competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered impressive customization options, including LED ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. The Q5 also included an Integrated Toll Module and wireless Apple CarPlay, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus provided analog controls for most functions, offering a straightforward interface. The GX included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, along with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as an option.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the gasoline model received high marks. It came equipped with six airbags, Audi Pre Sense basic, and various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models.