2025 Lexus NX 350 vs 2025 Audi Q5 near Alexandria, VA

2025 Lexus NX 350 (left) and 2025 Audi Q5 (right) shown with available features.

If you've been considering investing in a luxury compact SUV, you'll find that there are plenty to pick from. Two options that are viable among many are the 2025 Lexus NX 350 and the 2025 Audi Q5. There's no need to feel torn between the two, because we at Pohanka Lexus are here to tell you why the former is more favored. 

Performance

Trekking around Alexandria with a 2025 NX 350 will be a thrill, thanks to the standard 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. With it, you'll dominate the road with 275 horsepower¹ and 317 lb.-ft. of torque¹. If you settle for the 2025 Q5, you'll only be able to utilize 201 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, courtesy of its standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. While the Audi SUV is known for having standard AWD, which will come in handy in various conditions, the Lexus contender won't back down by offering the same standard drivetrain. Lastly, you'll experience pristine acceleration with the help of the NX 350's standard 8-speed automatic transmission, which may be more appreciable than the Q5's standard 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Exterior

Design-oriented appeal is one aspect that both models get right, but the 2025 Lexus NX 350 continues to remain in first place with a number of functional features. To prove this, we'd like to note that it comes with a standard set of rain-sensing windshield wipers, a convenient-based detail that the 2025 Audi Q5 doesn't have. While the Q5 might inch its way up in the race by offering standard roof rails, you'll be pleased to know that the NX 350 does as well. As you travel down Interstate 495 after the sun has set, you'll appreciate that the Lexus model comes standard with an auto-dimming driver's side mirror that your eyes will be thankful for. The Q5 doesn't come standard with this feature either. No summer drive would be complete without a moonroof, which is why only the base edition of the NX 350 offers this as an available add-on.

Interior

For noteworthy trips down Clermont Natural Park, you'll want to make sure that the interior of your vehicle is relaxing and satisfactory. The NX 350 and Q5 both help start your commutes off on the right foot with the help of 10 standard speakers to help you hear every song with substantial clarity. If you aren't keen on the winter months, you'll be happy to know that the Lexus model offers a package upgrade on the first trim level to offer a steering wheel with an optional heating function. You'll be missing out, as the Audi vehicle's base doesn't come with such an amenity. Another way that the steering wheels differ is that only the NX 350 of these two cars come standard with them as leather-wrapped. Lastly, you'll immediately appreciate the NX 350's standard Stippled Black interior trim to offer a luxurious look, no matter which seat you're occupying. Contact us for more information.