Audi Q5 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 came standard with the Luxury package, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with an option for the F Sport 3 package. Higher packages included towing capabilities. The base models featured 20-inch wheels, while most packages upgraded to 22-inch wheels. The exterior maintained a large grille reminiscent of the spindle grille design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a rear LED light bar. The interior offered three colour options: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting and suede trim. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with noticeable plastic elements. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though they seemed unnecessary.

The 2026 Audi Q5 maintained a clean and classic design, though some models in the lineup began to resemble other brands. The Q5, available in regular SUV and Sportback styles, featured thinner headlights and a wider grille with integrated radar and camera equipment. The District Green paint with the S Line Black Package was striking, though the grille's honeycomb design appeared less appealing up close. The rear bumper had a better finish, and the exterior lighting was sharp. The side proportions were altered, with a lower roof and slight rear slope. Inside, the seats were well-crafted with durable leather, and the steering wheel design was a nod to the 1990s. However, the interior was marred by shiny black plastic and disjointed screens. The instrument panel lacked customization, and the door handles were awkwardly designed. The gear selector, borrowed from Audi's electric models, was overly complicated.

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, preferred by some over a CVT. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque on demand. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Audi Q5 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Audi's quattro AWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission were standard. The dual-clutch design, while suitable for performance vehicles, caused delays and lurching in the Q5. The SQ5, with a turbocharged V6, paired better with the transmission. The Q5 provided a stable and quiet ride, with light steering and a capable suspension. The Technik trim offered optional air springs, though they didn't significantly improve ride quality. The Q5's fuel economy was competitive, with ratings of 11.0 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.7 combined. Audi no longer offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Q5.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The TX 500h included ventilated second-row seats. The test car had captain’s chairs in the second row, with some packages offering a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. Each seat had a cupholder and USB-C port. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered 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. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2026 Audi Q5 provided average headroom and legroom for the compact SUV class, with cargo space of 780 litres behind the rear seats and 1,612 litres when folded. The Q5 Sportback offered slightly less space. The rear seats reclined manually and were split 40/20/40. The optional panoramic sunroof was expansive and didn't impede headroom. The Q5's towing capacity was 1,996 kilograms, rivaling many midsize crossovers. Standard features included heated eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, aluminum trim, and more. The Progressiv trim added ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, while the Technik trim included a surround-view camera system. Climate controls were touchscreen-based, causing delays. The instrument panel lacked customization, and the gear selector was overly complicated.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Satellite radio required scanning channels, and steering wheel buttons were multi-functional but unlabeled. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view. The Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Audi Q5 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. Technik trims added a third 10.9-inch touchscreen for the passenger area. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, and Audi used Google built-in apps. The available Bang & Olufsen stereo had 755 watts and 19 speakers. The instrument panel and head-up display provided excellent depictions of the road and traffic. The Q5's lighting signatures were impressive, with eight options for the headlights and taillights.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, lane centring, and more. The Proactive Driving Assist was often turned off due to random activations. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up. The NHTSA rated the TX 350 and TX 500h five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" score for the passenger’s side.

The 2026 Audi Q5's crash test ratings weren't available, but the 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Q5 its highest Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and more. Forward cross-traffic alert and braking and evasive steering assist were also standard.