2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It had an expressive face with LED headlights beside the big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold, large taillights. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology but maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, was unmistakably a Lexus with its jutting spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. Longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, the NX offered more passenger and cargo space. The NX 350 F Sport distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, the NX aimed for a minimalist look, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen. The NX’s interior was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, though some controls were not immediately intuitive.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the already fun-to-drive Q5 and made it better with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery. The total combined output was 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 20 miles. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and offered an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving. The NX 350h hybrid delivered 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, while the NX 450h+ PHEV offered 302 hp and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX felt composed and capable, though the turbocharged engine didn’t sound as refined as those in German rivals.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage spaces and an uncluttered design.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, with 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded. The new dashboard design created a more intimate and cozy feeling. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, rear air conditioning vents, and ports for USB chargers. The NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim included a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was impressive and easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three views and elevated the cabin’s futuristic tech feel. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, and the Integrated Toll Module was standard on all Q5 models. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim level. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a huge leap forward with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen display was standard, with a 14-inch screen as an optional upgrade. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five different connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV hadn’t been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top “good” ratings in every category except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which featured Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.