2025 Lexus LX vs 2026 Audi SQ8

$106,000 · SUV

$99,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2026 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 Lexus LX is engine output, where the SQ8 produces 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, handily outperforming the LX's 409 hp and 479 lb-ft. This performance boost comes with a $6,300 MSRP advantage for the Audi ($99,700 vs $106,000). However, the Lexus offers substantially superior utilitarian capacity, boasting 11.0 cu ft of cargo space compared to the SQ8’s 33.7 cu ft, though this measurement must be contextualized by the LX's greater height of 74.2 inches versus the SQ8's 67.0 inches. Fuel economy marginally favors the Lexus at 19 combined MPG versus the Audi's 16 combined MPG. Both require premium unleaded fuel and utilize 4WD/AWD systems, but the Lexus utilizes a 10-speed automatic while the SQ8 uses an 8-speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus LX

The Lexus LX achieves a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 19 MPG versus the Audi SQ8's 16 MPG, offering marginal daily savings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 offers more than double the baseline cargo capacity at 33.7 cu ft compared to the 2025 Lexus LX's 11.0 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 delivers superior performance metrics with 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Lexus LX's 409 hp and 479 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 offers 91 additional horsepower for a $6,300 lower MSRP, representing a better performance-to-cost ratio.

Choose the Lexus LX if...

You require the proven ruggedness associated with the LX's 74.2-inch height and traditional four-wheel drive system.
Marginal fuel efficiency gains, netting 19 combined MPG versus 16 MPG, are a priority for your driving patterns.
You prefer the smoother shifting characteristic of a 10-speed automatic transmission over an 8-speed unit.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

Maximum hauling capability for luggage is essential, given the 33.7 cu ft cargo volume.
Achieving the highest possible output figures (500 hp and 568 lb-ft) is the primary purchasing driver.
You seek a lower entry price point, saving $6,300 at the $99,700 MSRP compared to the Lexus.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus LX	Audi SQ8
Length	200.5"	197.0"
Width	78.3"	79.0"
Height	74.2"	67.0"
Wheelbase	112.2"	118.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.4 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	409 hp @ 5200 rpm	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Full Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
Center Differential Type	Locking	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	17/22 MPG	14/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.7/464.2 mi.	315.0/450.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.1 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	17
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Stereo Power	—	730W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	37.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.4 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.6 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
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
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Rear Head Room	38.9 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	22 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	285/40R22
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus LX and 2026 Audi SQ8.

How does the size difference impact usability between the two vehicles?

The Lexus LX is physically larger in length (200.5 inches vs 197.0 inches) and significantly taller at 74.2 inches, suggesting a more commanding road presence and potentially easier ingress/egress. However, the Audi SQ8 wins on usable storage volume, offering 33.7 cu ft of cargo space against the LX's 11.0 cu ft.

Do both SUVs require the same grade of fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Lexus LX and the 2026 Audi SQ8 mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance from their respective powertrains.

Which vehicle has the better powertrain technology?

The SQ8 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Lexus LX employs a 10-speed unit; numerically, the Lexus has more gears, which often translates to more precise low-speed control.

What is the real-world impact of the 91 horsepower difference?

The 91 hp advantage for the SQ8 (500 hp) indicates superior acceleration capability compared to the LX's 409 hp, making the Audi distinctly quicker in straight-line performance tests.

Is the $6,300 price difference justified by the specifications?

The SQ8 is cheaper by $6,300 while simultaneously offering 91 more horsepower and significantly more cargo space, suggesting superior baseline value for performance-oriented buyers.

Are the drive systems fundamentally different?

Both feature sophisticated drivetrains, with the Lexus employing a full four-wheel drive system and the Audi using an all-wheel drive system, providing comparable grip in diverse conditions.