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Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350: An In-Depth and Exciting Comparison

Audi Q5 and Lexus RX 350 are two SUVs that often find themselves at the top of buyers' lists. They’re both luxurious refined and stylish but each has its own unique traits that appeal to different kinds of drivers. Which one should you choose though This article will give you a detailed look at both cars – exploring performance comfort technology and more. Plus I’ll also talk about potential drawbacks so you get a complete picture of what to expect.

Exterior Design and Styling

Sophistication vs Boldness

When it comes to design and exterior styling the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX 350 take different approaches.

Audi Q5 - Understated Elegance

The Audi Q5 carries a design that is distinctively Audi—understated yet elegant. The signature front grille and sleek headlights give it a very sophisticated and mature appearance that speaks to the brand's heritage of refined luxury. The LED headlight system looks sharp and the lines along the body of the Q5 make it aerodynamic yet bold.

Some might argue that the Q5 can appear a bit conservative compared to more expressive rivals. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Alex Collantes who’s been an Audi owner for years says "I just love how my Q5 has this classy look. It's subtle but very premium at the same time. I don’t need it to scream for attention."

Lexus RX 350 - Bolder Choice

The Lexus RX 350 meanwhile goes for a more striking approach. With its large spindle grille aggressive angles and bold LED lights it makes a statement from the moment you lay eyes on it. This is a design for those who want something that stands out from the crowd.

However there’s no denying the RX 350 can come off as polarizing for some. The front grille design isn't for everyone and some buyers might prefer something more timeless. But for those who love a distinct bold aesthetic the RX certainly delivers.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Audi Q5: Elegant and understated. Perfect for drivers who like refined luxury.

  2. Lexus RX 350: Bold expressive styling. Ideal for those who want a car that stands out.

Interior Comfort and Quality

Cabin Layout and Materials

Audi Q5 - Premium Comfort and Simplicity

Step into the Audi Q5 and you’ll be greeted by a refined environment filled with high-quality materials and a logical layout. The seats are supportive and the driver-oriented dashboard makes everything feel intuitive. The use of leather trim and wood accents throughout gives it a feeling of opulence without going over the top.

One potential downside to the Q5's interior however is the rear seat space. While comfortable it can feel a bit tight for taller passengers especially in comparison to some of its rivals. Families with teenage kids might find the rear seat space a little lacking for longer trips.

Lexus RX 350 - Luxury That Wraps Around You

The Lexus RX 350 in contrast offers a lavish cabin that leans towards comfort. The seats are cushy and the materials used throughout the cabin are top-notch—plenty of leather soft-touch surfaces and tasteful chrome accents. The RX's cabin feels luxurious in a more traditional sense almost like you're entering a finely crafted lounge.

One area where the RX falls a little behind is in infotainment. The Remote Touch interface is known for being a bit tricky to use. Even Alex notes "I’ve tried using the RX’s infotainment system and honestly it’s not very intuitive. Takes a while to get used to."

Highlights:

  • Audi Q5: Supportive seats and a minimalistic premium feel. Rear seat could use more space.

  • Lexus RX 350: Plush and comfortable interior. Infotainment could use improvements.

Performance and Handling

Powertrain Options

Audi Q5 - Dynamic and Agile

The Audi Q5 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 261 horsepower. It provides quick acceleration and feels dynamic on the road. The Quattro all-wheel drive makes it handle corners with confidence and the adaptive suspension ensures a smooth ride.

The Q5 however might feel a little stiff over rough roads. It has an emphasis on sporty handling which means that if you’re used to a softer ride the firmness might take some getting used to.

Lexus RX 350 - Smooth and Relaxed

The Lexus RX 350 offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower. It isn’t as sporty as the Q5 but it’s smooth. The RX is made for comfort cruising and it excels at that. The ride quality is buttery on highways and it feels composed even over less-than-perfect road surfaces.

However if you want a more engaging drive you might find the RX a little lackluster. Its steering isn’t very communicative and the suspension is tuned more for comfort than sporty driving.

Key Features:

  • Audi Q5: Sporty and agile. Adaptive suspension provides great handling but a bit firm.

  • Lexus RX 350: Smooth and comfortable. Not as engaging for those who want dynamic performance.

Technology and Infotainment

Infotainment Systems

Audi Q5 - User-Friendly Tech

The Audi Q5 comes with MMI touch display and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s straightforward and easy to use. The Virtual Cockpit is a great addition making navigation and vehicle data easy to access without taking your eyes off the road.

Lexus RX 350 - Infotainment Shortcomings

The Lexus RX 350 has a similar setup but its Remote Touchpad interface is a bit challenging. The screen is large and bright but using the touchpad while driving can be a pain and sometimes distracting. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported which is a plus but the system's interface could be more intuitive.

Alex Collantes mentions “I love the comfort of the RX but the infotainment is something you need to get used to. It’s not very modern compared to what you see in German SUVs.”

Pros and Cons:

  • Audi Q5: Intuitive MMI system and great Virtual Cockpit.

  • Lexus RX 350: Decent display but touchpad interface is not user-friendly.

Cargo Space and Practicality

Space for Life's Needs

Audi Q5 - Balanced Cargo

The cargo space in the Audi Q5 is good with about 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The space is well-shaped and the power liftgate makes loading and unloading easy. It’s versatile but not the largest in the segment. If you need more space the rear seats fold flat expanding the capacity significantly.

Lexus RX 350 - Bigger Cargo Area

The Lexus RX 350 has a slight edge in terms of cargo space. With 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats it can handle more and the load height is also convenient for lifting in bulky items. Families will appreciate the extra room though the rear seat doesn't fold completely flat which can make transporting larger items a little more challenging.

Practical Considerations:

  • Audi Q5: Balanced cargo space that works for most. Rear seats fold flat.

  • Lexus RX 350: More cargo capacity but rear seats don’t fold perfectly flat.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Features That Protect

Audi Q5 - Advanced Features

The Audi Q5 is loaded with driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. The IIHS has consistently given the Q5 high marks for safety.

Lexus RX 350 - Comprehensive Safety Suite

The Lexus RX 350 also boasts a strong safety suite including Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. Features like lane tracing assist and road sign assist make it stand out. The RX scores very well in crash tests but some of the driver assist features can feel a bit intrusive at times.

Safety Overview:

  • Audi Q5: Highly rated by IIHS with plenty of advanced features.

  • Lexus RX 350: Comprehensive safety tech but can feel intrusive to drivers.

Pricing and Value

Which One is Worth the Cost

Audi Q5 - Pricier But Premium

The starting price for the Audi Q5 is around $45,000 and can quickly climb with additional packages. You’re paying for luxury and technology and many argue it’s worth the cost.

Lexus RX 350 - Competitive Pricing

The Lexus RX 350 starts at around $48,000 but comes with more standard features making it a better value for those who want more out of the box. Maintenance and reliability costs are often lower as well due to Lexus's reputation for dependability.

Final Considerations:

  1. Audi Q5: Higher initial cost but excellent technology.

  2. Lexus RX 350: Competitive pricing and lower long-term costs.

Conclusion: Which SUV Should You Choose

Choosing between the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX 350 ultimately comes down to what you value most in an SUV.

  • If you want sharp handling a modern interior and a more dynamic drive the Audi Q5 is a better choice.

  • If you prioritize comfort reliability and a bold design the Lexus RX 350 will probably suit you better.

Both vehicles have their pros and cons but neither will leave you feeling short-changed. It’s about aligning your preferences with what these SUVs excel at. Like Alex Collantes said "At the end of the day pick the one that makes you happy when you look at it and when you drive it. They’re both fantastic cars."

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Lexus RX 350 have better resale value?

Yes generally Lexus tends to have better resale value compared to its European competitors due to its reliability and brand reputation.

Is the Audi Q5 expensive to maintain?

Maintenance on Audi Q5 can be pricier compared to the Lexus but Audi's inclusive service plans may offset some of these costs depending on the package you choose.

Which has better fuel efficiency?

The Audi Q5 tends to have slightly better fuel efficiency compared to the Lexus RX 350 though actual mileage will depend on your driving style and conditions.

Summary:

Both Audi Q5 and Lexus RX 350 bring luxury and performance but offer different strengths:

  • Audi Q5: Tech-forward sporty refined.

  • Lexus RX 350: Comfortable reliable bold.

Whether you like subtle sophistication or attention-grabbing luxury there’s an SUV here for you. Take a test drive in both before making your decision—you won’t go wrong either way.