2022 Lexus GX vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color. This model eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. However, it took less than a day for a layer of dust to make the Lexus look drab and old. Despite its modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, featuring the smooth, silky refinement Lexus is known for, and it was notably quiet, with only the faint roar of the V8 engine audible.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, creating a classy yet sporty appearance. Available in both regular SUV and Sportback body styles, the Q5 Sportback featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. Inside, the Q5's design was refined with a simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Leather seating and heated front seats were standard, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The Q5's materials quality was good, but it no longer felt as special compared to newer competitors. Rear-seat passengers had durable plastic elements, making it suitable for families with children and pets.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its 5,126-pound curb weight, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a mere 16 mpg in combined driving, which was expected given its shape and always-on 4WD system. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI, available with the Q5 Sportback, increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid (PHEV) produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The 45 TFSI engine had a noticeable delay in power delivery, making initial acceleration feel sluggish, but once underway, power was adequate. The Q5's handling was sporty, with precise steering and a good balance between compliance and cornering.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The seats were comfortable, and the interior featured physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition had NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, rear-seat access was tricky, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate made loading difficult, and its cargo capacity was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded down.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but still felt modern. The infotainment touchscreen was placed atop the dash, and traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, with a narrow front roof pillar and better-than-average rear visibility. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably. The Q5 had several storage spaces, though some were oddly shaped. Cargo space was 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback model.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with a dual-screen view for navigation and radio display. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The GX also offered a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras were available, but the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring sharp graphics and relatively quick responses. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, which included a WiFi hotspot. Mid-range trims had a customizable digital instrument panel, and higher trims offered additional driver assistance features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim added matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age, but it came with standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services were also standard. However, the GX missed some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Q5 its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, traffic jam assist, matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.