2024 Lexus GX 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 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which had a sleeker silhouette due to its sloping rear roofline. The Sportback's design was enhanced by a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from the hatch to the upright 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 build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor to embrace a more geometric styling. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end was more vertical, giving the GX an aggressive look, while the hood's design aided off-road driving awareness. The side profile was minimalistic, with a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was offered in six trims, with the Luxury and Overtrail models highlighting its best features. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. While not as luxurious as some competitors, the GX was a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. 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, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering 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, affecting initial acceleration. However, once moving, power was adequate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering, and the Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well. The cabin remained quiet, meeting luxury standards.

The 2024 Lexus GX replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The torque was available low in the rev range, aiding off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX had a stiffer chassis for stability. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission, operating confidently with standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system for improved off-road capability. The GX accelerated well and had effective brakes, though its weight required caution on long descents. Despite its size, the GX handled twists and turns with composure, and its off-road prowess was evident even on less challenging terrain.

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. The front seats offered ample space, and the rear accommodated six-footers comfortably. Storage options were varied but sometimes oddly shaped. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less in the Sportback, but still competitive with rivals.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated than its predecessor, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered comfortable space for six-foot-tall adults in the first two rows, though the third row was best for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet total.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with 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 available through a limited-time subscription.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect providing a voice assistant. Remote Connect allowed for remote locking, unlocking, and diagnostics. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. Subscription plans were required after initial trials for some features.

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" scores 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 more advanced features.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across all models. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature was also included. While not yet tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the GX's modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence.