The Audi Q5 and Lexus RX are two top contenders for Long Island drivers searching for a luxurious, high-performance, and practical SUV. Each has its strengths, so let's dig into which one might be the better fit for your daily commutes or weekend trips to Montauk.
Exterior and Interior Design
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A Khaki Green 2024 Audi Q5 on a Parking Lot by Brandon Martinez is licensed with Pexels License
The Audi Q5's striking, timeless design is emphasized by its signature grille and sharp LED headlights. Inside the cabin, you'll find leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and optional ventilated sports seats for those hot summer days. Heated front seats and climate-controlled rear seats will keep you warm on those brutal winter mornings, while the backup camera helps with daily parking challenges.
In contrast, the Lexus RX offers a bolder design and more room for passengers and gear, featuring 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Q5's 25.9 cubic feet. The RX also adds nice touches such as ambient lighting and an optional panoramic glass roof.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The all-new 2025 Q5 is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, hitting 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. Every Q5 comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) — a huge benefit when you're dealing with snowy North Shore roads or wet highways.
The Lexus RX fights back with four powerful engine options: a gas-powered 350, a hybrid 350h, a plug-in hybrid 450h+, and a hybrid 500h. The base RX 350's 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It's not quite as quick as the Audi, taking 7.6 seconds to hit 60 mph. If you want more power, the RX 500h F Sport Performance cranks things up to 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Unlike the Q5, most RX models come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD as an optional upgrade.
The RX 350 gets 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway with FWD or 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway with AWD. If you're watching your gas budget, the Q5 delivers better mileage at 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined. The Q5 uses a S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission while the RX sticks with a traditional eight-speed automatic. If you're eyeing hybrids, the RX 350h shines with 37 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Technology and Infotainment
If you're a tech lover, you'll enjoy the Q5's 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, 14.5-inch center touch screen, and optional 10.9-inch passenger display with a privacy filter. This multiscreen setup allows you to customize your displayed information to suit your needs. A Bang & Olufsen 16-speaker system is also available to enhance your music.
The Lexus RX takes a simpler approach with its intuitive 9.8- to 14-inch touch screen. If you opt for one of the higher trims, you can get the 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Both SUVs offer smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging and Wi-Fi connectivity options.
Safety and Reliability
For Huntington families, safety isn't negotiable. The Lexus RX received the 2024 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick rating, while the Q5 earned this honor in 2023. The Q5 is packed with advanced safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, available adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. The RX comes with similar features in its Safety System+ 3.0 suite.
When comparing Audi vs. Lexus reliability, the Lexus comes out slightly ahead with a J.D. Power score of 85 vs. 74 for the Audi Q5. Lexus also provides a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. As for Audi, you'll get four-year/50,000-mile limited and powertrain warranty coverage.
Choosing the Perfect SUV for Your Lifestyle
The Audi Q5 shines with its standard AWD on every model, multiscreen setup, and German engineering that puts driving fun first. It accelerates faster, grips the road better in all weather, and comes with a wide array of cool tech features. If you love to drive fast and want cutting-edge technology, the Q5 makes a strong case.
Test-Drive the Audi Q5 Today at Audi of Huntington
The best way to decide between these models is to experience them firsthand. Visit our dealership to test-drive the Audi Q5 and see if it feels right for you. You can also contact us if you have any questions. We'll help you decide which model will get you through countless commutes, school runs, and weekend getaways across Long Island.
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