2021 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Lexus RX

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's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, offering a more refined look with standard 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured high-quality materials like real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to offer a modern and sporty design, following its 2020 facelift. It was available in the base 350 trim with standard and long-wheelbase options, as well as a hybrid model, the RX 450h. The RX's exterior was aggressive, with razor-sharp character lines and angular features reminiscent of a boomerang. The F Sport models added performance-oriented styling with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and unique front fascia. The interior of the RX maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the seats were less comfortable than expected. Despite these drawbacks, the RX offered a high-quality feel and a quiet, comfortable ride.

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 provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and offered 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 various driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 31 km. The vehicle's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h offered a combined output of 308 hp. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the differences between driving modes were minimal. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and providing a serene ride. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 10.8 combined, while the RX 450h hybrid offered better efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

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 ample legroom (960 mm) and headroom (958 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, including cupholders and cubbies.

The 2022 Lexus RX had a passenger volume of 2,826 litres, comfortably seating four adults. The cargo space behind the second row was 453 litres, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row L models offered limited cargo space with all seats upright. The RX included thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster, offering customizable views. The vehicle included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto, providing a high level of customization and connectivity.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, and the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. Despite these issues, the RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional personalization options.

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

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. It was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights and received four stars from the NHTSA. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.