Audi Q5 vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation model, featuring a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights that contributed to an imposing front-end look. The body sides were accentuated by well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite the new styling elements, the changes appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, giving the impression of a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with advanced lighting features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. The model was available in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade added sporty elements such as matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, along with standard 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5's interior design was detailed and distinctive, albeit somewhat discordant, with top-notch materials and standard leather seating surfaces. The SQ5 offered a sportier interior option, though it lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available in various trim levels, with the TX 350 offering Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusive to the top Luxury trim. The 2026 model year introduced a standard panoramic glass roof for the 550h+ and a new Matador Red Mica paint option. Most models featured 20-inch wheels, with the 550h+ boasting 22-inch wheels. The TX retained a large grille with a spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. The interior offered two color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown Peppercorn option. Ambient lighting and suede trim enhanced the cabin's warmth, though overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles provided a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The standard Q5's output was competitive for a compact crossover, with slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5's performance was comparable to a Mercedes-AMG GLC43, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds for the SQ5 and 5.8 seconds for the standard Q5. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the sporty feel. The Q5 offered steel-spring suspension with passive frequency selective damping, while the SQ5 featured air suspension with adaptive damping for sportier handling. Despite capable handling, the Q5 and SQ5 didn't encourage aggressive driving, with precise but lifeless steering. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid 550h+ generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX provided various drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with a charge mode for simultaneous driving and battery charging. Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes allowed for ride customization, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The 550h+ delivered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension absorbed bumps effectively, and the brakes were firm and linear. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for improved traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, with adequate headroom and legroom in both rows. The 2025 model offered slightly more cargo space, with 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row. This provided more cargo space than a Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC but less than an Acura RDX or BMW X3. A sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 featured a power tailgate, heated front seats, and optional heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof on higher trims. The top Prestige models added heated rear seats and ventilated front seats. The Q5 offered up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity, surpassing the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic and Lexus NX.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The test car featured captain's chairs in the second row with a removable center console, while some trims offered a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port. A one-touch button facilitated easy entry into the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The climate controls were mostly on the screen, with physical dials for temperature adjustments. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added four USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a curved display for easy driver access. A built-in voice assistant handled some vehicle functions, while an available head-up display provided speed, navigation, and driver-assistance information. The Q5 also featured Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light and digital key connectivity.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a 14-inch color touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled volume and adaptive cruise control but were multi-functional and unlabeled, requiring the driver to rely on the gauge cluster for current functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features like a voice assistant and digital key. The back-up camera provided a clear view, with an available bird’s-eye view and Advanced Park system for automated parking. The rear-camera mirror offered an unobstructed view, and the TX featured seven USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used interior ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing to configure. The NHTSA hadn't released ratings for the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" rating for the passenger's side.