2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of classy and sporty aesthetics, characterized by its subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. 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 underwent a transformation, appearing shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. The design changes, including a reduced rear overhang and softer lines, made it appear smaller. The signature spindle-style grille was better integrated, and the RX featured upswept body sides and a light-blade taillight design. The interior was modernized with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen sizes. The RX offered high-quality materials, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims like real wood and aluminum. The RX 350 was available in multiple trims, with a focus on luxury and performance, and was expected to maintain a price point similar to the outgoing model.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, exclusive to the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 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 Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The cabin remained quiet, with well-managed road and wind noise.

During a media event, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 was tested with two versions: one with AWD and Luxury trim, and the other with F Sport Handling trim. Both used a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling felt more secure, especially in Sport mode. The F Sport Handling's adaptive suspension reduced unwanted motion, and both models had superior pedal feel and modulation. The RX 350 FWD was expected to average 25 mpg, while the AWD version should return 24 mpg, though real-world results were slightly lower.

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 better-than-average rear views. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably, even in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided up to 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less in the Sportback, but still competitive within its class.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfort with its semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. The F Sport Handling package included sport seat bolsters for better support. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support and space, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Lexus improved storage areas and claimed increased cargo space, with the trunk measuring 29.6 cubic feet and a maximum of 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring 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 included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims offered a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, featured Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. User profiles could be set up, and music streaming was available through embedded apps. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and head-up display.

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 included matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve speed-reduction. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist debuted. LSS+ 3.0 was impressive but had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and issues with polarized sunglasses affecting the HUD. Curve-speed reduction technology was not predictive, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions.