2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2026 Lexus TX

$61,800 · Crossover

$55,640 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback thrills with its sharp performance, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque channeled through its standard AWD system, delivering an engaging drive despite achieving only 21 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus TX prioritizes space and efficiency, offering superior passenger volume in its larger 203.1-inch frame, returning a better 23 MPG combined from its 275 hp engine. While the Audi commands a higher $61,800 MSRP, its focus is raw agility; the Lexus undercuts it significantly at $55,640, emphasizing practicality over outright pace. This comparison pits Audi’s sporty, compact dynamism against the Lexus’s burgeoning three-row capability and better fuel economy, showing a clear divergence in their core missions despite both being crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus TX

The Lexus TX offers slightly better fuel economy at 23 MPG combined versus the Audi's 21 MPG, making daily driving less frequent stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus TX

The Lexus TX is significantly larger at 203.1 inches in length, suggesting superior interior room for passengers and cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback wins on performance metrics, delivering 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque for a much more spirited drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lexus TX

The Lexus TX is $6,160 less expensive while providing more utility and slightly better efficiency.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

You prioritize immediate power, benefiting from the 349 hp available in the Audi SQ5 Sportback.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive for confident handling regardless of road conditions.
You prefer the compact maneuverability of a shorter 184.6-inch body structure.

Choose the Lexus TX if...

Your budget is a primary concern, as the TX undercuts the SQ5 by over $6,100.
Maximum space is critical, given the TX's larger overall dimensions and potentially roomier cabin.
You seek marginal fuel savings, indicated by the TX's 27 MPG highway rating compared to 24 MPG for car1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Lexus TX
Length	184.6"	203.1"
Width	74.5"	78.3"
Height	65.4"	70.1"
Wheelbase	111.0"	116.1"

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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	349 hp	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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 automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/444.0 mi.	373.8/480.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (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	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	60.0 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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	—	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	40.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	59.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	56.8 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	20 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R20	255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 SQ5 Sportback and 2026 Lexus TX.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the 2026 Lexus TX?

The difference is substantial; the Audi SQ5 offers 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 74 hp advantage over the Lexus TX’s 275 hp output. This means the Audi will feel noticeably quicker during acceleration and overtaking maneuvers.

Is the Lexus TX suitable for long road trips compared to the Audi SQ5?

Yes, the Lexus TX, despite requiring premium fuel like the Audi, offers slightly better efficiency at 23 combined MPG, which can reduce fuel stops on extended journeys. Furthermore, its larger overall size suggests a more comfortable and spacious cabin for long-haul family travel.

What does the MSRP difference of $6,160 mean for buyers?

The $55,640 starting price for the Lexus TX makes it significantly more accessible than the $61,800 Audi SQ5 Sportback. Buyers choosing the TX gain a significant saving that could be allocated elsewhere, provided they are comfortable with the lower performance ceiling.

How does the driving dynamic differ given their drivetrain specifications?

The Audi SQ5 features standard All-Wheel Drive paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, optimized for enthusiastic, secure cornering. In contrast, the standard Lexus TX utilizes Front Wheel Drive with a traditional 8-speed automatic, focusing more on stable, day-to-day cruising stability rather than aggressive handling.

Which vehicle offers more usable space for hauling gear?

While the spec sheet shows the Lexus TX having slightly less advertised cargo capacity at 20.2 cu ft versus the Audi's 24.7 cu ft, the TX's substantially larger external dimensions (203.1 inches long) suggest greater overall potential volume, possibly indicating a larger third row or deeper storage area.