2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a technology-packed yet uncluttered interior. The materials were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights being the main distinguishing features. The cabin quality was high, with a focus on smooth, refined materials, and it was notably quiet, with minimal engine noise. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750, excluding destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $80,550. Despite its dated design, the GX offered a comfortable and refined interior experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV boasted fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, and 8.8 litres per 100 km in gasoline-only mode. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery management. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 2,325 kg, was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This allowed for a 7.8-second run to 60 mph and a towing capacity of 2,948 kg. The GX featured a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential. Its drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the V8 engine and 4WD system, resulted in a fuel consumption estimate of 14.5 litres per 100 km. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, though the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided ample legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options and an uncluttered design.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable in various settings, though the steering required extra effort. The interior was comfortable, with physical controls and NuLuxe upholstery in the Black Line Special Edition. The GX's third-row seat was challenging to access and offered limited space, impacting cargo capacity. The tailgate swung open to the side, complicating loading in tight spaces. Cargo space was 328 litres behind the third row, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,833 litres with the second row down.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered customization options and included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were standard.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the infotainment display offered a dual-screen view. Voice recognition technology was excellent, and Intuitive Parking Assist was standard.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age but included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. It also had blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.