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Audi SUVs vs. Lexus SUVs Competitive Comparison at Audi Cincinnati East

2024 Audi vs. Lexus SUV Comparison

At Audi Cincinnati East

Audi Versus Lexus: A Competitive Comparison

As the luxury SUV segment continues to grow in popularity, both Audi and Lexus offer a wide array of vehicles sure to impress buyers. Those looking for a luxury SUV prioritize spacious and refined interiors, versatile performance, and dynamic styling. In this comparison, we'll see exactly how both Audi and Lexus SUVs measure up in this competitive segment.

2024 Audi Q3 vs 2025 Lexus NX

Audi Q5 Premium AWD
Lexus NX 250 Base AWD

2024 Audi Q3 S line 45 TFSI Premium quattroVS2025 Lexus NX 250 Base AWD
$40,995 ✓Starting MSRP$43,365
228 ✓Horsepower203
251 lb-ft ✓Torque
184 lb-ft
7.1 seconds ✓0-60 Time
8.6 seconds
38.4 feet ✓Turning Diameter
40 feet
Standard ✓Power Sunroof
Optional
39.6 inches ✓Front Head Room
38.3 inches
Regular ✓Fuel Type
Premium
Standard ✓All-Wheel DriveOptional

 

Our first comparison is between the compact SUV offerings from each manufacturer, the Audi Q3 and the Lexus NX.

To start with, there is a noticeable price difference between the two, and the Lexus will have a difficult time justifying this higher price tag. For one thing, the Audi has more power - which is true for horsepower and even more so for torque. This explains why the Q3 is a full second and a half faster to 60 mph than the sluggish NX. And yet, despite this extra power, the Q3 takes regular gas, while the NX makes you fuel up with Premium. The Audi also has a tighter turning circle, allowing you to get in and out of tighter spaces easier. Which is, after all, one of the main draws of a compact SUV in the first place.

You get more headroom in the Q3, despite the fact that it comes with a standard panoramic sunroof, which the NX does not. In fact, if you do opt to sell out the extra money for a sunroof in the NX, the front headroom drops to 37.1 inches. This is two and a half inches less than the Audi, and a number you would usually associate with backseat headroom.

2024 Audi Q5 vs. 2024 Lexus RX

Audi Q5
Lexus RX

2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Premium quattro®VS2024 Lexus RX 350 AWD
$48,200 ✓Starting MSRP$51,550
5.7 seconds ✓0-60 Time7.2 seconds
22 / 28 / 24 ✓Fuel Economy (City / Highway / Combined)
21 / 28 / 24
4,079 pounds ✓Curb Weight
4,287 pounds
Multi-Link ✓Front Suspension
Strut
Dual-Clutch Automatic ✓Transmission Type
Conventional Automatic
Three Zone ✓Climate Control
Dual Zone
54.1 cubic feet ✓Max Cargo Space
46.2 cubic feet
39.3 inches ✓Rear Headroom38.6 inches

 

For the midsize SUV matchup, we're looking at how the Lexus RX measures up to the Audi Q5. Right away we can see, again, that there is a noticeable price difference. The difference in 0-60 times is pretty dramatic here as well. But if you're thinking that the RX's unimpressive acceleration at least means it gets better fuel economy, you would be sorely disappointed. Part of this is due to the Q5 being lighter than the RX, which you will also feel in the handling. And speaking of handling, the Q5 features a more sophisticated multi-link suspension setup, which allows for more precise control in the corners than the strut suspension in the RX.

Thanks to the more advanced dual-clutch transmission in the Audi, you will enjoy lightning-fast shifts, much faster than what the conventional automatic in the Lexus is capable of. Cargo space in the Q5 is generous, noticeably a lot more than you'll get with the RX. And speaking of space, the Q5 and RX might have virtually identical front headroom (the Q5 has one-tenth of an inch more space), the difference is a bit bigger for the back seat. Back seat passengers will also appreciate the third climate control zone found in the Audi, while Lexus passengers will have to be content with whatever the front seat occupants want.

2024 Audi e-tron GT vs. 2024 Lexus LC

Audi e-tron GT
Lexus LC

2024 Audi e-tron GT Premium PlusVS2024 Lexus LC
$106,500MSRP$99,800
523 HP / 464 LB-FT TQ ✓Horsepower / Torque471 HP / 398 LB-FT TQ
3.9 seconds ✓0-60 Time
4.4 seconds
85 / 85 / 85 ✓Fuel Economy MPG(e) (city / highway / combined)
16 / 24 / 18
37.5 inches ✓2nd Row Head Room
32.2 inches
9.2 cubic feet ✓Trunk Space
5.4 cubic feet
Standard ✓Adaptive Air Suspension
Not available
16 speakers, Bang & Olufsen® ✓Stereo
12 speakers, generic
Matrix LED ✓HeadlightsLED reflectors
Standard ✓LED Ambient LightingNot Available

 

Last up, we're going to take a look at the flagship performance models from each brand. The e-tron GT has four doors and the LC has two, but the two are actually quite similar in size, with the difference in wheelbase length coming to only 1.1 inches. Pricing is similar as well, but while the Lexus has a traditional gasoline engine - the Audi is fully electric. High power numbers and blazingly quick 0-60 times are normal for electric performance cars, and the e-tron GT is no exception. In fact, if you decide to step up to the RS e-tron GT, the 0-60 time drops to 3.1 seconds, but 4.4 seconds for the 'regular' e-tron GT is still quicker than any version of the Lexus LC. And even if fuel economy isn't the main reason why someone would buy an LC, it's worth noting just how frequently you'll be stopping for gas with one, while you can just plug in your e-tron GT at home in your garage. Also worth noting that Audi EV technology leads the industry, and charging times are exceptionally low.

Both cars have a coupe-style design with a sloping roof, and although it's probably pretty clear that the Audi is going to be more accommodating to back seat passengers, what with the extra set of doors and all, we included the headroom measurement just to show how much of a difference it actually does make. What might be a little less obvious at a glance is how much more trunk space you get with the e-tron GT, a pretty important feature in a grand tourer. The Audi manages to win on practicality without sacrificing style or performance, an impressive feat. The e-tron GT comes with standard adaptive air suspension, and an impressive Bang & Olufsen® stereo with 3D sound. The LC stereo comes with a 'standard' suspension, and just 12 generic speakers. Lexus gives you the option to pay for a stereo upgrade, which delivers name-brand Mark Levinson designed audio, but only adds one speaker into the mix. It's hard to beat Audi in the headlight department as well, and the standard Matrix Design lights on the e-tron GT demonstrate why. The headlights are made up of thousands of tiny LEDs, and can adapt as the situation demands. The Lexus uses LED headlights, but they're a much older-style reflector variety. Inside, the Audi has more LEDs acting as ambient lighting, while the Lexus doesn't even offer this as an option.

Winner - Audi

No matter which class of SUV you're searching for, Audi SUVs continue to set the benchmark for competitors. When compared to their Lexus counterparts, it's easy to see why Audi comes out on top. No matter which class of SUV you're shopping for, Audi is the clearly superior choice. Browse our complete lineup of Audi SUVs here at Audi Cincinnati East!

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