2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 showcased a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which had a sleeker silhouette due to its sloping rear roofline. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section, unlike some competitors with awkward rear ends. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was noticeable since its last redesign was five years prior. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was smaller compared to rivals, but materials quality remained good, even as non-luxury brands improved their offerings.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with upscale looks, especially in the Luxury trim with 22-inch wheels. Its styling was more conservative than other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for FWD or AWD. The Luxury trim added premium touches like ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery, though the interior felt dark despite the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, available only with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, offering 23 miles of electric-only range. All models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration. However, handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The cabin remained quiet, meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 with AWD). The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, but testing showed 20.4 mpg. AWD improved traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX 350's performance was adequate for typical driving situations.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The front and rear seats offered ample space for taller passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback. Storage options were varied but sometimes oddly sized. Cargo space was 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly less in the Sportback.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better comfort than previous models. Cargo space was 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage options were numerous but lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay took time to activate. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 featured a smartphone app for remote monitoring and control, with a limited-time subscription to Audi Connect Care.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and more. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system had a 14-inch touchscreen and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were easy to use. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with options for a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and more.

The 2024 Lexus TX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance but was not always transparent. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.