Audi Q7 vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly adjusted, while the grille sported vertical inlays within its octagon frame, contributing to a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to personalize the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser in various finishes, with the Black Optic package adding black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. A unique laser-etched badging on the B-pillar added a touch of exclusivity. The Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold, with five wheel options, two of which were new designs in 21- or 22-inch diameters. Inside, updates were minimal, with new wood and carbon trim inlays but limited interior colour choices. The interior featured a sleek design with stacked infotainment screens and extensive HVAC vents, though the piano black surfaces were prone to fingerprints.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, particularly the NX 350h F Sport 3, exhibited an over-stylized design with a large, intricately patterned spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. The aggressive front was complemented by a sporty profile with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares. F Sport elements included dark trim and 20-inch wheels, while the fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and optional two-tone Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery. Lexus’s NuLuxe textile mimicked real leather, enhancing the upscale feel with soft-touch surfaces adorning the interior.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices for the base model: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Progressiv and Technik trims. The top Technik trim provided smooth power delivery through an eight-speed automatic transmission, though the steering and transmission response in Dynamic mode left room for improvement. The Q7 excelled in handling, with minimal body roll and firm brakes, aided by available all-wheel steering. Drive modes included Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, All Road, and Off Road, catering to various driving conditions. Fuel economy for the 55 TFSI engine was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.7 combined, while the smaller engine offered slightly better efficiency.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive and a total of 240 horsepower. Despite adaptive dampers and a firmer suspension, the NX leaned in corners and lacked agility, with handling described as controlled rather than sporty. The ride was firm yet comfortable, even with 20-inch wheels. The hybrid powertrain delivered adequate acceleration, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds, though the engine droned under hard acceleration. Steering wheel paddles allowed for simulated downshifts, but the drivetrain felt slushy. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered more power at 340 horsepower for those seeking a performance boost.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated front seats across all trims, with additional amenities like four-way lumbar support, a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats in the Progressiv trim. The Technik trim added a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades, while the Luxury package offered a massage function for the front seats. The Q7's three-row seating was best suited for children in the third row, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 402 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,011 and 1,970 litres with the seats folded, though it fell short of rivals. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and constrained door pockets.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model provided well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults, complemented by power seat and steering wheel adjustments. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control enhanced comfort. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The coupe-like roof shape contributed to the limited cargo capacity, but the NX remained practical for everyday use.

The 2025 Audi Q7's Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system featured a 10.1-inch centre screen with a smaller screen for HVAC controls, alongside a configurable digital gauge cluster. The menu structure was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch and was occasionally sluggish. Audi's navigation system, powered by Google Maps, remained a highlight, with satellite view available on the gauge cluster. The Audi App Store offered third-party downloads, and online navigation and traffic light information were included for a trial period.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A programmable head-up display and a wireless phone charger were optional, along with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. A three-year Remote Connect subscription provided remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system responded quickly to inputs, with a volume dial and embedded temperature controls for ease of use. Navigation required a Remote Connect subscription.

The 2025 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring feature was inconsistent, and the adaptive cruise control lacked the sophistication of competitors. The Q7 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in side crash tests. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received high marks in crashworthiness.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and performed well in crash tests, with four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test from the NHTSA. The NX 350h came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system, all of which functioned effectively during testing.