2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Audi Q5: Compact Luxury SUV Comparison

Q: Which SUV is quicker, the Lexus NX or the Audi Q5?

The Audi. The Q5 reaches 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds; the NX 350 takes 6.6 seconds. The NX makes more peak horsepower at 275 versus 268 and more torque at 317 versus 295 lb-ft, and delivers that torque lower in the rev range, but the Q5's dual-clutch transmission wins the stoplight.

The 2026 Lexus NX 350 opens about $6,875 MSRP below the 2026 Audi Q5, makes 7 more horsepower and 22 lb-ft more torque, and carries a powertrain warranty that runs two years and 20,000 miles longer. The Q5 answers with more cargo room, quicker acceleration, higher towing capacity and larger standard screens. Both return the same EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined. Here is the verified, spec-by-spec picture for shoppers in Woodland Hills, Tarzana and Encino.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

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2026 Lexus NX compared with the 2026 Audi Q5 compact luxury SUV at Lexus of Woodland Hills

Category Scorecard: Which SUV Wins Where

Nine categories, measured against published specifications for both vehicles.

Category	Winner	Margin
Starting price	Lexus NX	$6,875 MSRP lower
Horsepower and torque	Lexus NX	+7 hp, +22 lb-ft
Acceleration	Audi Q5	0.8 seconds quicker to 60 mph
Cargo volume	Audi Q5	+10.0 cu ft maximum
Towing and payload	Audi Q5	+2,400 lbs towing, +141 lbs payload
Fuel economy	Tie	Both 24 MPG EPA-estimated combined
Powertrain warranty	Lexus NX	+2 years, +20,000 miles
Corrosion and maintenance coverage	Audi Q5	+6 years rust, +2 years maintenance
Powertrain choice	Lexus NX	Gas, hybrid and plug-in vs gas only

Pricing and Trim Structure

The gas NX 350 is offered in four grades, all with standard all-wheel drive, per the Lexus USA 2026 NX product release. The Q5 SUV is offered in three trims, all with standard quattro all-wheel drive.

Full Trim Pricing

2026 Lexus NX 350 Grade	Price	2026 Audi Q5 Trim	Price
NX 350 AWD	$47,220 MSRP	Premium	$54,095 MSRP
NX 350 Premium AWD	$49,145 MSRP	Premium Plus	$56,995 MSRP
NX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD	$53,195 MSRP	Prestige	$61,995 MSRP
NX 350 Luxury AWD	$53,285 MSRP	—	—

What the Price Gap Actually Buys

Entry to entry: the NX 350 opens $6,875 MSRP below the Q5 Premium
Top to bottom: the loaded NX 350 Luxury at $53,285 MSRP still lists below the base Q5 Premium at $54,095 MSRP
Mid-grade: the sport-tuned NX 350 F SPORT Handling comes in $3,800 MSRP under the Q5 Premium Plus

An NX shopper can move up two grades and still spend less than a Q5 buyer starting at the bottom of the range. For a closer look at the Lexus on its own terms, see our 2026 Lexus NX overview.

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Performance and Driving Character

Powertrain and Capability

Specification	2026 Lexus NX 350	2026 Audi Q5
Engine	2.4L turbocharged inline-4	2.0L turbocharged inline-4, 48-volt mild hybrid
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6,000 rpm	268 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain	Standard all-wheel drive	Standard quattro all-wheel drive
0–60 mph	6.6 seconds	5.8 seconds
Maximum towing	2,000 lbs	4,400 lbs
Maximum payload	895 lbs	1,036 lbs
Gross vehicle weight rating	5,225 lbs	5,523 lbs
Suspension	Four-wheel independent, front and rear stabilizer bars	Four-wheel independent, front and rear stabilizer bars
Center limited-slip differential	Standard	Standard

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Reading the Numbers Honestly

The NX makes more peak power and 22 lb-ft more torque, and it makes that torque earlier — 1,700 rpm is right where you live merging onto the 101. The Q5 is the quicker car in a straight line by eight tenths of a second to 60 mph, tows more than twice as much, and carries 141 more pounds of payload. Shoppers pulling a trailer should know that going in.

Cargo, Space and Everyday Practicality

Exterior Dimensions and Cargo

Specification	2026 Lexus NX 350	2026 Audi Q5
Seating	5	5
Cargo behind rear seats	22.7 cu ft	27.6 cu ft
Maximum cargo	46.9 cu ft	56.9 cu ft
Curb weight	4,035 lbs	4,211 lbs
Overall length	183.5 in	185.7 in
Width without mirrors	73.4 in	74.8 in
Height	66.1 in	65.7 in
Wheelbase	105.9 in	110.9 in
Turning circle	38.0 ft	38.7 ft

Interior Measurements Compared

Measurement	NX 350 Front	Q5 Front	NX 350 Rear	Q5 Rear
Headroom	38.3 in	38.2 in	38.5 in	37.8 in
Legroom	41.0 in	40.9 in	36.1 in	38.0 in
Shoulder room	56.3 in	57.7 in	54.0 in	55.9 in
Hip room	56.3 in	Not published	52.5 in	Not published

Where Each One Wins

Cargo goes to the Audi. Roughly 5 cubic feet more behind the second row and 10 cubic feet more with the seats down.
Rear seat goes to the Audi. Its longer wheelbase yields 1.9 inches more rear legroom.
Front seat is a dead heat. Headroom and legroom differ by a tenth of an inch; the Q5 is wider across the shoulders.
Footprint goes to the Lexus. Shorter, narrower, 176 pounds lighter, and tighter through a turn — useful on the narrow residential streets off Ventura Boulevard.

Optional utility hardware for the NX includes factory cross bars, an activity mount and a tow hitch.

Fuel Economy and Range

EPA-Estimated Ratings Compared

Specification	2026 Lexus NX 350	2026 Audi Q5
EPA-Estimated city	21 MPG	21 MPG
EPA-Estimated highway	28 MPG	29 MPG
EPA-Estimated combined	24 MPG	24 MPG
Fuel tank capacity	14.5 gal	17.2 gal
EPA-Estimated range, city / highway	305 / 406 mi	361 / 499 mi
Fuel requirement	Premium unleaded (required)	Premium unleaded (recommended)

What the Parity Hides

Both SUVs land on the same EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined, so per-mile fuel cost is close to a wash. The Q5’s larger tank buys longer legs between fill-ups. The NX’s advantage is the opposite kind: its engine requires premium fuel while the Q5 only recommends it, but the NX is the one that offers hybrid alternatives the Q5 does not. Current EPA ratings for both vehicles can be confirmed at fueleconomy.gov.

Powertrain Choice: Three NX Options vs One Q5

The Q5 offers a single turbocharged four-cylinder. The NX offers three powertrains, which matters if efficiency is the reason you are shopping this segment at all.

Powertrain	Output	EPA-Estimated Efficiency
Lexus NX 350 (gas, AWD)	275 hp	24 MPG combined
Lexus NX 350h (hybrid, FWD)	240 hp combined	40 MPG combined
Lexus NX 350h (hybrid, AWD)	240 hp combined	39 MPG combined
Lexus NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid, AWD)	304 hp combined	84 MPGe; 37 miles electric-only range
Audi Q5 (gas, AWD)	268 hp	24 MPG combined

The NX 350h returns roughly 15 more EPA-estimated combined MPG than either gas SUV here, and the NX 450h+ covers most Valley commutes on electricity alone. See our 2026 NX vs NX Hybrid vs NX 450h+ commuter guide for the full breakdown, or browse our new NX Hybrid inventory for current grade pricing.

Technology and Interior

Standard Technology Compared

Feature	2026 Lexus NX 350	2026 Audi Q5
Infotainment display	9.8 in standard; 14 in available	14.5 in standard
Digital instrument cluster	7 in	11.9 in
Standard audio	10 speakers	Bang & Olufsen, 16 speakers on Premium Plus
Available audio upgrade	Mark Levinson, 17 speakers	Included at Premium Plus and above
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Standard	Standard
Wireless phone charging	Available	Standard on Premium Plus
Head-Up Display	Available	Standard on Prestige
Climate control	Dual-zone	Three-zone
USB ports	Six, including two in the front console	Standard, count not published

The Honest Read on Screens

The Audi wins display size outright. Its curved panel pairs an 11.9-inch cluster with a 14.5-inch infotainment screen as standard equipment, and Prestige adds a passenger-side screen. The Lexus counter is available parking technology: Advanced Park uses four Panoramic View Monitor cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to handle perpendicular and parallel maneuvers.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2026 Lexus NX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the Institute’s highest honor, with Good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front and side crash tests, plus Good-rated headlights and Good pedestrian front crash prevention. The award applies to the NX and NX Hybrid; it does not cover the NX Plug-in Hybrid variant.

Standard Driver Assistance Compared

System	2026 Lexus NX 350	2026 Audi Q5
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking	Standard	Standard
Adaptive cruise control	Standard	Standard
Lane keeping and lane departure warning	Standard	Standard
Blind spot monitoring	Standard	Standard
Rear cross-traffic alert	Standard	Standard, front and rear
Front and rear parking sensors	Standard	Standard, with side sensing
Driver attention monitoring	Not published	Standard
Automatic parking assist	Available	Standard
IIHS 2026 award	Top Safety Pick+	Not awarded

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 Features

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

Camera and millimeter-wave radar detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, with automatic emergency braking if the driver does not react.

Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist

Adds steering torque during an emergency maneuver the driver initiates, supporting stability and lane keeping.

Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection and Braking

Warns and applies braking when the system determines the driver is turning left in front of oncoming traffic.

Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Holds a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, from highway speeds down to a complete stop.

Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert

Keeps the vehicle centered between lane markings and provides corrective steering if unintended drift is detected.

Proactive Driving Assist

Provides gentle braking into curves and around pedestrians or cyclists when operating conditions are met.

Road Sign Assist

Reads speed limit, stop, yield and Do Not Enter signs and displays them on the instrument panel.

Automatic High Beams

Toggles between high and low beams automatically based on surrounding traffic and lighting.

Additional Standard Protection on the NX

Dual front side-mounted airbags plus front and rear head airbags
LATCH child-seat anchors at the rear outboard positions, rated Good+ by IIHS for ease of use
Stability control, traction control and four-wheel ABS
Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes

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Warranty Coverage Compared

Factory Coverage, Side by Side

Coverage	2026 Lexus NX	2026 Audi Q5
Basic, bumper-to-bumper	4 yr / 50,000 mi	4 yr / 50,000 mi
Powertrain	6 yr / 70,000 mi	4 yr / 50,000 mi
Corrosion perforation	6 yr / unlimited mi	12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance	4 yr / unlimited mi	4 yr / unlimited mi
Complimentary maintenance	1 yr / 10,000 mi	3 yr / 30,000 mi

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.

The Honest Read on Coverage

Lexus wins the coverage that protects the most expensive repairs — engine, transmission and drive system — by two years and 20,000 miles. Audi wins corrosion coverage at double the term and complimentary maintenance at triple. Basic and roadside coverage are dead heats. Which matters more depends on how long you keep the vehicle. Lexus coverage terms are published at lexus.com/warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Lexus NX more affordable than the 2026 Audi Q5?

Yes. The NX 350 AWD starts at $47,220 MSRP against $54,095 MSRP for the Audi Q5 Premium, a gap of $6,875 MSRP. The top gas grade, the NX 350 Luxury AWD at $53,285 MSRP, still lists below the base Q5.

Which SUV is quicker, the Lexus NX or the Audi Q5?

The Audi. The Q5 reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds; the NX 350 takes 6.6 seconds. The NX makes more peak horsepower at 275 versus 268 and more torque at 317 versus 295 lb-ft, and delivers that torque lower in the rev range, but the Q5’s dual-clutch transmission wins the stoplight.

Which has more cargo space, the Lexus NX or the Audi Q5?

The Audi, in both measurements. The Q5 offers 27.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubic feet maximum, against 22.7 and 46.9 cubic feet for the NX.

Do the Lexus NX and Audi Q5 get the same fuel economy?

Effectively yes. Both are EPA-estimated at 24 MPG combined. The NX is rated 21 city and 28 highway; the Q5 is rated 21 city and 29 highway. The Q5’s larger 17.2-gallon tank gives it more range between stops.

What warranty comes with the 2026 Lexus NX?

A 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, 6-year unlimited-mileage corrosion perforation coverage, 4 years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance, and 1 year or 10,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

Does every 2026 Lexus NX 350 come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. All four gas grades, the NX 350, Premium, F SPORT Handling and Luxury, are all-wheel drive only for 2026. The NX 350h hybrid is the one NX offered with front-wheel drive.

Is the Lexus NX a Top Safety Pick?

Better than that. The 2026 NX earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with Good ratings across the small overlap front, moderate overlap front and side tests. The award does not extend to the NX Plug-in Hybrid.

The Verdict for Woodland Hills Shoppers

Choose the Audi Q5 if you want

Maximum cargo volume and rear legroom
The quicker vehicle in a straight line
Higher towing and payload capacity
The largest standard screens in the comparison
Longer corrosion and complimentary maintenance coverage

Choose the 2026 Lexus NX if you want

A $6,875 MSRP lower entry price with the same EPA-estimated combined fuel economy
More horsepower and torque, delivered lower in the rev range
Two additional years and 20,000 miles of powertrain coverage
An IIHS Top Safety Pick+ crossover
The option of a 39 to 40 MPG hybrid or a 37-mile plug-in the Q5 does not offer

Still weighing the segment? Compare the Lexus against another close rival in our 2026 Lexus NX vs Acura RDX comparison, or explore the rest of the lineup in our Lexus research hub. We stock the NX at 21701 Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills. Come drive one and decide with your hands on the wheel.