Audi Q3 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package as standard and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid variant started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with an option for the F Sport 3 package. Higher packages included towing capabilities, and while the base models had 20-inch wheels, most packages boasted 22-inch wheels. The exterior design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle grille, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a rear LED light strip. Inside, the TX provided three interior colour options, ambient lighting, and suede trim, though the material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles offered a unique but unnecessary feature, with pressure-sensitive handles outside and push-to-open handles inside.

The 2026 Audi Q3 aimed for a more SUV-like appearance with a tall front end, elongated hood, and the signature Audi singleframe grille. However, the design was cluttered with faux air intakes and textured plastic elements. The Q3 featured programmable headlights and OLED taillights on the Technik trim, maintaining the Volkswagen Group MQB architecture. Sportier S Line styling was standard, including a black grille and rear diffuser, with wheel options ranging from 18 to 20 inches. The interior boasted standard leather upholstery and available wood dashboard trim, with a distinct cabin design featuring padded materials and concave surfaces. Despite some plastic elements, the overall quality matched its entry-luxury price point.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 horsepower. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic, offering an alternative to the typical CVT in electrified powertrains. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h also included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Audi Q3 retained its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The transmission was upgraded to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with standard AWD. The Q3 was quicker than competitors like the BMW X1 xDrive28i and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic, though real-world performance might vary due to transmission calibration. At higher speeds, the Q3 offered a refined and composed driving experience, with new laminated acoustic front-door glass reducing wind noise. Despite occasional bumps from the 20-inch wheels, ride quality remained good for its segment.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The TX 500h included ventilated second-row seats. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable centre console or a bench seat option. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. Properly equipped, the TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2026 Audi Q3 grew slightly in size, offering identical legroom in both rows. A reclining and sliding second-row bench seat maximized space, with cargo capacity increasing to 707 litres behind the second row and 1,414 litres with the rear seat folded. While first-row headroom decreased, the Q3 efficiently utilized interior space. It offered more cargo space than rivals behind the second row, though competitors provided more space with seats folded. The Q3's 680-kilogram towing capacity was decent for the segment. A new control layout featured a bar across the steering column for shifting and signaling, freeing up centre console space for cupholders and a wireless charger. Door panels offered ample storage space.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. In-dash navigation required a subscription, as did other features like a voice assistant and digital key. The back-up camera offered a clear view, with an available bird's-eye view and Advanced Park system. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Audi Q3 featured the Digital Stage screen setup, combining an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports in both rows. A built-in app store offered additional apps, and a voice recognition system integrated ChatGPT. Updated graphics improved usability. The Technik trim offered an optional head-up display and a standard 12-speaker Sonos audio system, though sound quality lacked midrange.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane centring, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was occasionally abrupt in stop-and-go traffic. The TX received five-star crash safety ratings from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side.

The 2026 Audi Q3 included standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Nine airbags and Park Assist Plus were standard, with a 360-degree camera system and Adaptive Cruise Assist on the Technik trim. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the previous generation showed room for improvement in IIHS tests.