The Great Comparison of 2021 Lexus RX 350 and 2021 Audi Q5

With the new year starting up and tax refunds about to come in, you may be thinking about upgrading your car. A luxury SUV offers the perfect blend of style, function, and power. But which model should you get?

Lexus and Audi have put out very competitive SUV models this year, and either could be an amazing choice for you. Read on to learn more about the 2021 Lexus RX 350 vs 2021 Audi Q5 and find your next perfect ride. 

Comfort and Design

Lush, plush, and gushing with extravagance, the 2021 Audi Q5 and the 2021 Lexus RX 350 both portray unique blends of refinement and style. Exceptional comfort and space for all passengers make travel a breeze in either of these chariots, although the Lexus RX 350 goes above and beyond with additional front legroom and expanded shoulder space throughout the vehicle. The Lexus RX is also available in both 6 and 7 passenger variations. By adding a third-row model, the Lexus provides seating for up to 7 people, giving it greater flexibility than the Audi Q5. For luxurious road trips, you and your passengers will appreciate all that the Lexus RX has to offer.

Under the Hood

The Engine

The 2021 Audi Q5 is equipped with a 2.0L Inline 4 engine, designed to burn high-performance premium fuel and produces  261 HP power. The 2021 Lexus RX 350 comes standard with an impressive 3.5L V6 powerhouse capable of 295 HP, with the added bonus of only requiring fuel. Both the Lexus and Audi are available with hybrid powertrains, increasing performance and fuel efficiency, although the Lexus RX wins the prize for best mileage between the two. The premium fuel requirement of the Audi offsets some of the benefits, making the Lexus the best choice for sheer power, convenience, and performance.

The Transmission

The 2021 Audi Q5 is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, merging the efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. Split-second shifting transfers power between gears smoothly, offering a comfortable ride. The 2021 Lexus RX 350 takes the technology one step further with its 8-speed automatic transmission. By employing continuously variable shifters that step the vehicle through more gearing options in less time, the RX 350 provides near imperceptible gear changes that result in an ultra-smooth ride and comfortable performance. For the best in luxurious, uninterrupted road travel, the Lexus wins hands down.

Drivetrain and Suspension

The Audi Q5 offers the Quattro predictive axle power control system, intelligently transferring torque to each wheel to keep traction and performance dynamics at top efficiency. The Lexus RX 350 also harnesses its advanced Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, distributing instant power and suspension changes (on F-Sport models) throughout the vehicle to provide unparalleled performance, road handling, stability, and cornering precision. The enhanced performance of the Lexus RX system gives it the advantage in adverse driving conditions.

Security and Safety

For safety, both the 2021 Audi Q5 and the 2021 Lexus RX 350 sport an advanced, 4-wheel disc ABS braking system for the ultimate in stopping power. The Audi includes a full array of driver and passenger advanced airbags, including front passenger-side protection. The Lexus RX system takes safety concerns even higher with 10 airbags overall, including one additional airbag at the knee for enhanced passenger safety.

The Audi Q5 offers a pre-sense city warning system that can help detect stationary vehicles and pedestrians near the vehicle to warn the driver of a potential collision and initiate emergency braking when needed. Audi pre-sense rear utilizes radar sensors and optics to warn you if a vehicle is present in your blind spot, continuously monitoring the spaces to the rear and each side. The Lexus Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert also alert the driver to the presence of vehicles in adjacent lanes and on all four sides, even in reverse. The Lexus also employs Low-Light Pedestrian Detection and Daytime Bicycle Detection that can sense a problem even at night, triggering a warning for the driver to take action for the ultimate safety of everyone in the area. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing monitor traffic and speed changes to assist the driver in maintaining safe distancing and lane control.

Additional airbags and the new low-light pedestrian sensor systems make the Lexus RX the preferred vehicle for passenger safety and car handling security.

Convenience and Technology

For connectivity and advanced technology, the Audi offers a standard Bluetooth smartphone interface plus a virtual cockpit that places all controls conveniently in front of the driver. Some models also offer a 12″ high-resolution display in multiple layouts, and a 10″ touchscreen places accessibility at the driver’s fingertips. A 3D sound system fills the vehicle with 16 channels of audio.

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 includes a 12″ interactive touchscreen display for all navigation and controls, plus Lexus takes communications to the next level with the Lexus App, placing complete control of your vehicle features on your phone or another mobile device. The remote feature allows you to lock and unlock doors, check the status of doors and windows, and remote start the engine. Popular Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices can also be accessed through the Lexus App, giving you ultimate control in your vehicle. The app also provides remote collision notification, a stolen vehicle locator, and an emergency assistance button. It can also call for roadside assistance. The Lexus RX also offers interfaces for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing the freshest in communications technology to shine in every way possible. Among the multiple streaming and broadcast sound options, Lexus also offers a CD player for the discerning audiophile. Whether in the car or far away, Lexus technology provides the most amazing experience available today.

Summary

If you’re in the market for a 2021 Lexus RX 350 or looking for a 2021 Audi Q5 for sale, be sure to remember the many advantages provided by the Lexus RX 350.