2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Lexus RX

$39,800 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The big question when cross-shopping premium compact crossovers like the 2025 Audi Q3 and the larger 2026 Lexus RX often boils down to immediate savings versus long-term space and performance. The Q3 hits the market with a competitive $39,800 MSRP, undercutting the RX by a significant $9,925 difference right away. While the Q3 offers decent maneuverability at 176.6 inches long, the RX provides substantially more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Q3’s 23.7 cu ft. Power seekers might notice the RX boasts 275 hp, outmuscling the Q3's 228 hp, though the Q3’s slightly better 23 MPG combined rating might appeal to city drivers counting pennies. Both use an 8-speed automatic, but fuel requirements differ, as the Audi takes regular unleaded while the Lexus recommends premium.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 wins for commuters due to its smaller footprint and slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX is better for families because it offers significantly more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

Enthusiasts will prefer the Lexus RX, which offers a distinct advantage in power with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 delivers superior upfront value by saving buyers $9,925 compared to the starting price of the Lexus RX.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

Your budget is tight, as the 2025 Audi Q3 has an MSRP that is nearly $10,000 less.
You prioritize fuel flexibility, as the Q3 runs happily on regular unleaded gasoline.
You frequently navigate tight city streets, benefiting from the Q3's smaller 176.6-inch length.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Maximum hauling capacity is necessary, thanks to the RX's generous 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You want more assertive acceleration provided by the RX’s 275 hp engine.
You need a larger vehicle overall, as the RX is wider by 2.8 inches and taller by 4.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Lexus RX
Length	176.6"	192.5"
Width	72.8"	75.6"
Height	62.9"	67.3"
Wheelbase	105.5"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	251 lb-ft	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/28 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	318.0/445.2 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	12
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	58.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	56.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.9 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Lexus RX.

Is the 2026 Lexus RX significantly more powerful than the 2025 Audi Q3?

Yes, the Lexus RX offers a substantial power boost, delivering 275 hp compared to the Audi Q3's 228 hp, giving the RX 47 more horsepower on tap.

How much more storage space does the larger Lexus RX offer over the Audi Q3?

The Lexus RX provides noticeably more room for gear, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Audi Q3’s 23.7 cu ft.

Which vehicle is cheaper to run in terms of fuel?

The Audi Q3 is slightly more efficient at 23 MPG combined versus the RX's 25 MPG, but the Q3 also uses regular unleaded, while the RX recommends premium.