Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350: Performance and Reliability

When it comes to competitive comparisons, we aren’t strangers to writing about them, such as the Audi Q5 vs BMW X5. However, this will be our first Audi to Lexus comparison with the Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350. In this article, we will be going over the few similarities and many differences between the two vehicles. Topics such as price, size, reliability, common problems and more will be discussed to assist any consumer in making a purchasing decision. The Audi Q5 is classified as a compact luxury crossover SUV, while the Lexus RX 350 is classified as a luxury crossover SUV.

Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350 – The Basics

The Audi Q5 was first introduced in 2008 and is still in production today. It happens to be one of Audi’s top-selling vehicles in recent years. The Audi Q5 has had two different generations since its inception: the 8R and FY. Both generations were built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, while the latter was built on the MLB Evo platform. The Audi Q5 is positioned between the Q4 and the Q7.

The Lexus RX was first introduced in 1998 and is still in production today. “RX” stands for Radiant Crossover, or Recreational Cross Country in some markets. Surprisingly, the Lexus RX was actually the first luxury crossover SUV produced. Currently, the Lexus RX has many versions to choose from such as the RX 350 and RX 450 with at least 5 trims for each. However, we will be focusing on the RX 350 for this article. Since its inception, the Lexus RX has had 4 different generations: XU10 RX, XU30 RX, AL10 RX, and AL20 RX. The RX SUV is positioned between the NX and GX.

Audi Q5 Generations

• 8R Q5 (B8) (2008 – 2017)
• FY Q5 (B9) (2018 – Present)

Lexus RX Generations

• XU10 Lexus RX (1998-2003)
• XU30 Lexus RX (2003-2008)
• AL10 Lexus RX (2008-2015)
• AL20 Lexus RX (2015-Present)

Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350 Price

In this portion, we will be going over brand new 2022, as of this writing, model prices and used prices for the Q5 and RX 350. This is one of the many differences between the two vehicles.

New Audi Q5 Price

In this section, we will be covering the new Q5 2022 prices. There are three engine options available in the most recent Q5: the 40 TFSI, the 45 TFSI, and the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid. All can be found in all the Audi trims. There is a Premium 40 TFSI Q5 ($43,300), a Premium Plus 40 TFSI Q5 ($48,300), and a Prestige 40 TFSI Q5 ($54,000). A Premium 45 TFSI Q5 ($45,800), a Premium Plus 45 TFSI Q5 ($50,800), and a Prestige 45 TFSI Q5 ($56,500). And, lastly, a Premium 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid Q5 ($55,400), a Premium Plus 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid Q5 ($59,500), and a Prestige 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 ($64,800). Now for those wanting more performance, there is an SQ5 that starts at $55,800. All trims come standard with Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system.

If you are curious about the trim differences with Audi’s, here is an article we wrote about the different Audi trims.

New Lexus RX 350 Price

In this section, we will strictly be covering the new RX 350 2022 prices, not the RX 450. There is only one engine option available in the most recent RX 350 and it is a 3.5L V6 engine. There are 5 different trims we will be touching on: the base RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 350 Black Line Special Edition, RX 350L, and RX 350L Black Line Special Edition. The base RX 350 starts at $46,995, the RX 350 F Sport starts at $50,475, the RX 350 Black Line Special Edition starts at $50,775, the RX 350L starts at $49,825, and, finally, the RX 350L Black Line Special Edition starts at $54,130. The prices above are for the FWD version. There is an option to upgrade to AWD for all trims for $1,400 extra.

Used Audi Q5 & Lexus RX 350 Prices

When it comes to used Audi Q5s vs RX 350s, pricing is pretty much consistent with new prices. Since they are competing vehicles, prices are similar. Since the RX 350 has been around a little while longer than the Q5, we will make sure to compare similar model years for both vehicles. So, a used Q5s price ranges from $12,995 – $59,991* with an average price overall of $36,495, depending on model year and mileage. A used RX 350s price ranges from $17,945 – $50,945* with an average price overall of $34,445, depending on model year and mileage.

*At the time of writing this article, we believe we are in a market where used vehicles are inflated, so consider that when seeing the used prices above. 

General Audi Q5 & Lexus RX 350 Topics

Lexus RX 350 vs Audi Q5 Size

Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Audi Q5 and the 2022 Lexus RX 350.

Although the Lexus RX 350 is a luxury crossover SUV and an Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover SUV, the dimensions are not as different as we expected. The dimensions and stats that stick out to us are length, cargo space, and seating capacity. The RX 350’s length is 8″ more than the Q5. But, there isn’t much extra cargo space. Therefore, to us, this means the cabin is larger, which usually means more comfortable. Lastly, seating capacity. Some might be confused with the 5-7 option. Well, in two of the five trims, third-row seats are available, which seat 7. These two trims are the RX 350L and the RX 350L Black Line Special Edition.

Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350 Performance

For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 Audi Q5 and 2022 Lexus RX 350 factory performance specs.

Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy

Audi Q5 Performance

As stated above, the Audi Q5 has three different engine options: the 40 TFSI, the 45 TFSI, and the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid. All three engines are Audi’s popular 2.0 TFSIs, while the 55 TFSI is a 2.0 TFSI with an extra electric motor. The 40 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 201hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It gets 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway for a combined 25mpg. The 45 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 261hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It gets 23mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway for a combined 25mpg. Last, but certainly not least, the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid quattro® engine puts out 362hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. And it gets 23mpg combined on gas with a 14.3gal fuel tank and a total electric range of 390 miles.

All 3 engines come with Audi’s AWD system, Quattro®, standard and a 7-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. Now, for those wanting more performance, the SQ5 has a bigger 3.0L TFSI V6 engine that puts out 349hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Lexus RX 350 Performance

The Lexus RX 350 only has one engine option for all trims: a 3.5L V6 engine. It puts out 295hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. It gets different gas mileage depending on the drivetrain. Therefore, the FWD 3.5L V6 version gets 20mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway for a combined 23mpg with a 19.2gal fuel tank. And the AWD 3.5L V6 version gets 19mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway for a combined 22mpg with a 19.2gal fuel tank. It comes with an 8-speed automatic ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission).

So, when it comes to performance, a standard RX 350 outperforms both the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI.

Audi Q5 & Lexus RX 350 Reliability and Common Problems

Audi Q5

Is the Audi Q5 reliable? Unfortunately, the Q5’s reliability is average. The Q5 gets a bad reputation from the excessive oil consumption problems seen in the Gen2 EA888 engines. RepairPal rated it 3 out of 5, which places the Q5 11th out of 14 for all luxury midsize SUVs. Model years that are seen as the least reliable are 2010-2014 Q5’s. The average annual ownership cost for an Audi Q5is $928, which is higher than the average $805 seen in all other luxury midsize SUVs.

Common problems seen in Q5s are excessive oil consumption, leaking fuel pump flanges, timing chain tensioner failure, DRL failure, and start-stop system malfunction. Audi Q5s can easily hit 150,000 miles if maintained properly. However, if you can happen to get your hands on a TDI (diesel engine), they can last up to 300,000 miles. If interested in reading a more in-depth guide on the Q5’s reliability and common problems, check out the article below.

The 5 Most Common Audi Q5 Engine Problems

Lexus RX 350

Is the Lexus RX 350 reliable? Unlike the Audi Q5, the Lexus RX 350 is above average when it comes to reliability. Repairpal has rated it 4 out of 5, which is above the average luxury midsize SUV rating of 3.5 out of 5. The places the RX 350 3rd out of 14 in reliability. When it comes to model years to avoid, we advise avoiding 2007-2008, 2010, and 2016-2017. These are viewed as the least reliable model years. The average annual ownership cost for a Lexus RX 350 is $550, which is way below the $807 average for all other luxury midsize SUVs.

Common problems seen in RX 350’s are defective batteries, steering issues, common oil leaks, faulty rain sensors, A/C issues, shift lag, and more. Although this may seem like a long list, the Lexus RX 350 is very reliable and we have seen many last over 200,00 miles.

Lexus RX 350 vs Audi Q5 – Which is Better?

The question everyone wants to know, is which is better: the Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350? We can give our personal opinion, but we understand that consumers have different needs with vehicles. Therefore, we prefer the Audi Q5 because it gets better gas mileage, is cheaper, and has a nicer interior. However, the Lexus RX 350 also has things that are better than the Q5 such as more cargo space, more cabin space, and comes with more standard power. Both have 5-star safety ratings and have similar tech features.

Something we always advise people when researching which vehicle to buy, get first-hand experience. So, schedule a test drive with your local Audi and Lexus dealer to get behind the wheel and see both in person. There’s no better research than feeling and seeing the vehicles in person.

Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350 Conclusion

To wrap up this article, we hope the information we’ve provided assists anyone in their purchasing decisions. We understand that purchasing any vehicle, especially a luxury vehicle, can be a daunting task. Therefore, in short, the Audi Q5 gets better gas mileage, is cheaper, and has more towing capacity. The Lexus RX 350 comes standard more powerful, is larger, is more reliable, and has more overall room for passengers. If any consumer reading this has first-hand experience with either, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Not only will this enhance our research, but it will also help future readers in their purchasing decisions.

If you are interested in more Audi Q5 comparisons, here is an article on the Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC.