2021 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character. It featured an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The materials were high-quality, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was perfectly positioned for the driver.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to offer modern and sporty design, with the most aggressive styling among its competitors. The character lines were razor-sharp, and the angular features were eye-catching without being excessive. The F Sport trim added performance-oriented elements like 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX cabin offered luxury appeal with nearly a dozen color combinations. However, the center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable. The RX also had thoughtful built-in interior features like a dedicated smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder.

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

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX lacked sporty performance. The engine note was unimpressive, and acceleration was sluggish. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other tuning bits, but the driving modes did not significantly change the driving manner or handling. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, making it a good companion for long drives. The RX 450h had a fuel efficiency rating of 30 mpg combined.

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 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row had reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and plenty of headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments. The interior was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out functions and storage options.

The standard two-row 2022 Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume and could fit four adults comfortably. The cargo space behind the second row was 16.0 cubic feet or 32.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The three-row L models had limited cargo space with only 7.45 cubic feet available with all seats upright. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high. However, the RX had thoughtful interior features like a dedicated smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder.

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 tech level. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was a convenient feature, and the Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver but still had ergonomic issues. The touchpad was frustrating to use, and the drive mode selector was often mistaken for an infotainment controller. However, the RX offered a long list of quality tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for added personalization and remote features.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in every category except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional standard safety features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received four stars overall from the NHTSA.