Two of the most recognizable names in the luxury vehicle segment are certainly Audi and Lexus. Both manufacturers offer extensive lineups of sedans, coupes, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, making it difficult to choose which brand is right for you. Fortunately, Audi Louisville is here to help simplify your decision. We've assembled this in-depth comparison which compares some of the most popular models in the Audi lineup against the competition from Lexus.
Audi vs Lexus - Safety
One of the most universally important aspects of any new vehicle purchase is the model's reputation for safety. Since even the most experienced drivers can use some help from time to time, choosing a vehicle equipped with a comprehensive assortment of active driver-assistive safety technologies can make a world of difference when keeping you and your loved ones protected from the unexpected. Audi continues to set the industry standard in terms of safety innovation and technologies. This is especially evident when you take a look at the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Audi has received Top Safety Pick Awards for a total of ten models. For comparison, Lexus earned just 6 awards.
- 2022 Audi A4 - Top Safety Pick
- 2022 Audi A5 Sportback - Top Safety Pick
- 2022 Audi A6 - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Audi A6 allroad - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Audi A7 - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Audi Q5 - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Audi e-tron - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Audi Q8 - Top Safety Pick
Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
2022 Audi Q5 Premium 40 AWD | VS | 2022 Lexus RX 350 Base AWD |
| $43,300 ✓ | MSRP | $48,395 |
| 23 / 29 / 25 ✓ | MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 4,079 lbs ✓ | Curb Weight | 4,387 lbs |
| 19.35 feet | Turning Radius | 22.6 feet |
| 25.8 cubic feet ✓ | Rear Cargo Volume | 16.0 cubic feet |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
| Available ✓ | Climate-Controlled Rear Seats | Not Available |
| Standard w/Separate Controls ✓ | Rear HVAC | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Front Fog Lights | Not Available |
For our first comparison, we'll look at two of the most popular midsize luxury crossovers on the market - the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX 350. Right from the very beginning, the Q5 enjoys a sizable $5,095 price advantage over the RX 350 when comparing equivalent trim levels equipped with all-wheel drive.
These savings continue to add up when you compare fuel economy figures for both SUVs. The Audi Q5 outperforms the RX across all three MPG ratings, highlighting the impressive engineering and efficiency that's included as standard. A lower curb weight adds to this efficiency while also delivering better handling than the much-heavier Lexus RX. The Q5 also boasts a turning radius that's 3.25 feet shorter than the RX, making it the better choice for maneuverability.
In terms of refinement, spending more on the Lexus RX 350 won't get you very far compared to the Audi Q5. The Q5 comes standard with heated front seats while Lexus shoppers will have to shell out extra cash to get them. You can also choose available climate-controlled rear seats on your Q5, a feature you can't get on any Lexus RX. Similarly, the RX doesn't offer standard rear HVAC controls that are included on every Q5 model. Front fog lights and a larger rear cargo capacity round out the impressive list of advantages for the Audi Q5.
Audi A4 vs Lexus ES
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
2022 Audi A4 Premium 40 quattro | VS | 2022 Lexus ES 350 Base FWD |
| $39,900 ✓ | MSRP | $40,800 |
| 26 / 34 / 29 ✓ | MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 22 / 32 / 26 |
| All-Wheel Drive ✓ | Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Standard ✓ | Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers | Optional |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Heated Exterior Mirrors | Not Available |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
| 40/20/40 Split ✓ | Rear Seat Folding | Fixed Seatback |
| Standard ✓ | Rear HVAC | Not Available |
Our next comparison of luxury sedans is where the proven Audi A4 goes up against the Lexus ES. Despite being less expensive, the Audi A4 offers more standard features and an overall superior design. Once you begin adding options, it's easy to see that the Audi is a clear winner.
One of the most notable differences between these two models is that the Audi A4 includes legendary quattro all-wheel drive while the Lexus ES 350 has a front wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive provides additional confidence when the road conditions are slippery and improved performance when the roads are clear. Even with this impressive capability, the Audi A4 still manages to outperform the ES 350 across all three categories of fuel economy measurements.
Premium standard features are yet another reason why smart shoppers continue to choose Audi instead of Lexus. Standard heated exterior mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers help enhance visibility during harsh weather conditions behind the wheel of the A4. Inside, heated front seats make chilly mornings more pleasant for Audi drivers. Lexus ES shoppers will have to select a costly option to receive this great feature. Rear HVAC controls aren't offered on the ES, something back-seat passengers inside the A4 won't have to worry about. A standard 40/20/40 split folding rear seatback lets you carry a combination of cargo and passengers inside the A4. Laughably, the rear seatback is fixed in place inside the Lexus ES which severely limits your cargo-carrying possibilities.
Winner - Audi
After closely comparing the SUVs and sedans from both manufacturers to reveal the key differences, it should be clear to anyone looking for more premium features for less cost would choose an Audi. Lexus simply cannot compete with the advanced engineering, exceptional value, proven performance, and the tremendous value represented by Audi. Our team at Audi Louisville is standing by to help you select the Audi model that's perfectly suited to your lifestyle and driving preferences.