2025 Audi Q5 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was evident, especially with the 22-inch silver-finished wheels included in the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet on sale. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. Despite some interior darkness due to the Peppercorn colour scheme, the TX 350's cabin was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a rugged SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille, prominent air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing front-end look. The body featured well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch, though the design felt more like an evolution than a complete redesign. Available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims in Canada, the Q5 offered matrix-design LED headlights and animated taillights on all but the base model. The Q5 was available in standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space and rear-seat headroom for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant featured increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive styling elements, including matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's design was detailed, with top-notch materials and a mix of silver and black trim contrasting with lighter upholstery options. The SQ5 offered a sportier interior with red Alcantara trim, though it retained some less practical design choices, like the piano-black plastic around the cupholders.

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. Despite initial concerns about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, only slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the ride and handling striking a balance between firmness and comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on highways. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-litre turbo-four engine delivered 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 produced 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's performance was competitive, with a manufacturer-estimated 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds for the standard model and 4.8 seconds for the SQ5. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission, detracting from the expected sporty feel. The Q5's suspension offered capable handling with good damping and body control, though it didn't encourage aggressive driving. Audi included Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more practical and affordable option. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs available. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing better leg support and visibility than previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. 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. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The standard sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat provided flexibility, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 offered 757 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,710 litres behind the first row, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. Standard features in Canada included a power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Q5's towing capacity was 2,000 kilograms, exceeding some competitors.

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, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect available for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system in Progressiv models. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some vehicle functions. The digital instrument cluster had less functionality than previous versions, but the available head-up display provided clear information. Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light added visual cues for the driver.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with options for parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used interior ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Safety ratings from the NHTSA were not available, but the IIHS ratings were not favourable, with too many Marginal or Acceptable ratings for a Top Safety Pick designation.