2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sleeker silhouette due to its sloping rear roofline. Despite the typical reservations about "coupelike" styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the year, maintained its popularity despite not being considered visually stunning. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models were nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, save for the badge. The RX 500h, however, stood out with its performance-tuned design, featuring a blacked-out grille and aggressive styling. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a darker interior with artificial suede and aluminum trim. Despite its visual weight over the front wheels and a shorter rear end, the RX offered a contemporary and luxurious interior experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5 models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making it feel slower than its 5.7-second 0-60 mph estimate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering, though spirited drivers might prefer the higher-performing SQ5.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient RX 350h, expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving, though it produced less power at 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed the RX 350h could accelerate to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its athleticism. The RX 500h's Sport mode kept the powertrain responsive, though accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system. The RX 350h averaged 32 mpg, short of its 36 mpg estimate, but offered a secure and quiet ride with instant electric motor torque.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar, and the rear view was better than average. The Q5 provided ample space for taller passengers, with the Sportback model only slightly reducing headroom. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with the Sportback slightly less at 24.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided comfort and efficiency, with the RX 350h Luxury model featuring ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power seats with larger bolsters and standard leather. The hybrids' battery placement under the rear seat offered good leg support but limited headroom. The RX increased cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, improving over the previous model but still falling short of some rivals.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with Audi Connect Care service included for a limited time. Mid-range trims offered a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface allowed for user profiles and wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Drive Connect, free for three years, included cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system worked well, though it struggled with some requests. The touchscreen displayed one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The head-up display, available with dual-function touch-sensing control pads, was difficult to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. 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, and traffic jam assist. The top trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery in hybrids. The front cross-traffic alert system provided visual indicators, though polarized sunglasses hindered visibility. Curve-speed reduction was reactive, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions. Traffic Jam Assist offered low-speed, hands-free driving, and Advanced Park was available but not tested.