2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, characterized by subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens. While materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly served as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those previously turned off by the brand's design. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, the TX offered a range of options, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. Despite the dark interior, the TX 350's cabin felt luxurious enough for the Lexus badge. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating than previous Lexus models, making the TX a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices, starting with the base 40 TFSI quattro, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, exclusively available with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 37 kilometres of electric-only range. All Q5 models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering and a confident driving experience. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet cabin that met luxury SUV standards.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to the torque. The performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft. Overall, the TX 350 provided a satisfactory driving experience for a luxury SUV.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably. The Sportback model had slightly reduced headroom but remained spacious. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 offered 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 700 litres in the Sportback. Compared to competitors, the Q5's cargo capacity was competitive, though not class-leading.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat cushion, but the third-row seat was notably more accommodating for adults. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The TX provided ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Overall, the TX offered a practical and spacious interior for families.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though Apple CarPlay took time to activate. The Q5 offered a Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims and a customizable digital instrument panel called the virtual cockpit. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and feature control via a smartphone app, though it required a subscription after a limited time.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation. The TX provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system offered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The top Technik trim offered advanced headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated park assist system.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Options included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.