2022 Lexus NX 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 the driver's line of sight. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for that year, came in four model series, each with distinct trim levels. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and refined styling details. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on simplicity, though some controls were integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with unique design elements and sport-bolstered seats. Overall, the NX aimed for a comfortable and modern interior, with thoughtful touches like padded areas for bracing during curves.

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 output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, with impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD and offered various driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 31 km. Handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h providing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ delivering 302 hp with a 61 km pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. The NX was a dynamic improvement over its predecessor, though it had more road and wind noise than expected.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a balanced size, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom and ample headroom and shoulder room. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out storage options.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX offered 643 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system and practical storage space.

The 2021 Audi Q5 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 included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. The Q5 offered a high level of customization with LED ambient interior lights.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered a digital mirror, a 10-inch HUD, and a digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional features included rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and a panoramic view monitoring system.