2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Lexus GX

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation design. The front end was marked by a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, creating an imposing look. The body sides featured well-defined lines that added a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling felt more like an evolution than a revolution, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights. The model was available in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade added sporty elements like matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, along with standard 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5's design was detailed and distinctive, though somewhat discordant. The dashboard and door panels featured opposing curves, accommodating a main touchscreen and bulging doors with speakers and chunky armrests. Materials were top-notch, with sturdy plastics and contrasting silver and black trim pieces. Leather seating surfaces were standard, and the SQ5 offered a red interior with Alcantara trim and sportier front seats. However, the piano-black plastic surrounding the cupholders and shifter was prone to dirt, and the SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking new look compared to its predecessor. The exterior featured a boxy, old-school Land Rover-inspired shape, accented by LED headlights and a large grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle showcased 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, and rock rails, all contributing to its rugged appearance. The interior was clean and elegant, with a luxurious feel. Switchgear had a quality touch, and the dashboard, center console, and door trim were chic in design. The seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with features like a head-up display and NuLuxe faux leather upholstery with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Visibility was excellent, aided by tall windows and the elevated ride height of the Overtrail+ model.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The base model's output was competitive for a compact crossover, with slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5's performance was comparable to a Mercedes-AMG GLC43, with a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission, affecting acceleration. The air suspension with adaptive damping provided capable handling, but the steering lacked responsiveness, making it less engaging on twisty roads. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Lexus GX was equipped with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The GX's performance was robust, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8-powered predecessor. The engine delivered ample power across the rev band, making highway merges effortless. However, the transmission was occasionally slow to react. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding 14.9 mpg. The GX's chassis, featuring double-wishbone suspension and adaptive dampers, provided good ride quality, though the rear axle exhibited some jiggliness. Off-road, the GX excelled with features like a low gear range, locking center differential, and downhill assist control, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC but falling short of the Acura RDX and BMW X3. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity was 4,400 pounds, exceeding the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic and Lexus NX.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior dimensions, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches and legroom measuring 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 76.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Overtrail trim, without a third row, provided 90.5 cubic feet of space. The GX's towing capacity was 9,063 pounds, making it suitable for adventurous excursions. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, with a width of 78 inches and a length of 197 inches.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen available on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for vehicle functions. The digital instrument cluster had limited functionality, but the head-up display provided clear information. The Q5 also included Dynamic Interaction Light, digital key connectivity, and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was intuitive, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with a seamless pairing experience. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system offered good sound quality, though it required higher volume at highway speeds. The GX featured USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with ample storage space in the armrest. The infotainment system's design and operation were smooth, with no lag and an intuitive layout.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ model included pedestrian detection. The GX's driver-assist systems were user-friendly and not intrusive. A 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras aided visibility. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, but the GX included 10 airbags for occupant protection.