Photo credit: Audiusa.com
When searching for your next luxury SUV, two vehicles you are sure to look at are the 2015 Audi Q5 and the 2015 Lexus RX350. Deciding between any two new vehicles can be difficult, but we know you should buy Audi. Alright, so we’re obviously a little biased. Still, in our eyes (and in many others) the Audi Q5 is a superior vehicle. If only we had some outside testimonials, car specifications, and logical reasons for why our car is better. Believing us then would be so much easier.
Luckily, we do.
What’s the word?
Already the Audi Q5 has amassed a reputation among car enthusiasts as one of the best luxury SUVs on the market. Previous customers rate it well, with an 8.8/10 satisfaction score on Kelly Blue Book, and a number 5 ranking in best luxury crossovers by the U.S. News and World Report. Car and Driver reports that “The Q5 pleases in every way, blending a compliant chassis with ample utility and all-weather ability.”
The reviews on the Lexus RX350 haven’t been as positive. Kelly Blue Book experts rate it lower than the Q5, and so do their customers. Car and Driver reports that between both the upgraded AWD and stock RX350, “neither is fun to drive.” Stating that the RX350’s “steering is numb, and handling is ponderous.” We’re sure some people find their Lexus RX350 satisfactory, but we doubt they’ve had the pleasure of driving an Audi Q5.
Next, we’ll look at some specific technical comparisons.
Photo credit: Audiusa.com
First up: The 2015 Audi Q5
The standard Audi Q5 comes with a turbocharged fuel injection system and 2.0L 220 horsepower 258 torque engine. It also features an eight speed automatic Triptronic® transmission and Audi’s legendary quattro® all-wheel-drive. The Q5 has a combined EPA rating of 24mpg and does not require high octane fuel. In addition, the Q5 has a towing capacity of 4400lbs, leather interior, and rear air conditioning.
If the Q5’s 2.0L TFSI® engine just isn’t enough for you, there is always the 272 horsepower 3.0L TFSI® option or the torque heavy and efficient 3.0L TDI® hybrid diesel option. Both are fast, and the diesel version will bump you well past 30mpg highway, but both will cost you extra.
The Challenger: Lexus’s RX350
The Lexus RX350 comes stock with a 3.5L 270 horsepower engine and direct fuel injection with a combined EPA rating of 21mpg. We acknowledge that the stock RX350 offers more horses under the hood than the Q5, but it comes with a towing capacity of only about 1000 lbs, lower fuel efficiency, and the extra cost of premium octane fuel. The RX350 also comes standard with front-wheel drive and a six speed automatic transmission. Currently there is no rear air conditioning available for the RX350.
As a reminder, the Q5 comes standard with Audi’s quattro® AWD system, a more efficient engine with greater towing capacity, the Triptronic® eight-speed transmission, leather interior, and rear air conditioning. Clearly the Q5 is more equipped standard, but how do the costs compare?
Pricing: The nail in the coffin
The Audi Q5 starts at $38,900 MSRP, and the Lexus RX350 starts at $39,760 MSRP.
Therefore, the cars start at comparable prices, but not with comparable features. In order to buy a Lexus RX350 with all-wheel-drive and leather interior (amenities that all Q5’s come with), you’ll have to tack on nearly $6000. This brings the Lexus RX350 total to $45,555.
Ironically, for $155 less you could upgrade to the Q5 premium plus package which includes the faster 3.0L TFSI® engine and a long list of interior, exterior, technology, and safety upgrades that are going to cost you even more on the Lexus.
Think about it
When you look at what each car has, in comparison to what each car costs, it’s easy to see that the Q5 is superior. It costs less, is reviewed better, and comes standard with the amenities other crossovers make you pay extra for. The car combines very practical and historic standards of Audi engineering with luxury craftsmanship and elegance. It looks like the car Pierce Brosnan would trade in his Kia Sorento for. So come in and experience the excellence! Call or visit us at Audi Raleigh to set up a test drive and find out for yourself why our customers are so satisfied with the 2015 Audi Q5.
Photo credit: cars.axlegeeks.com/