While the Audi Q5 and the Lexus RX do not fall in the same market segment, these are the two conflicting choices by shoppers looking to lease a luxurious yet affordable family SUV. While both the 2022 Q5 and the RX have always been at the top of the list of most shoppers, thanks to their spirited performance, generous passenger and cargo space, and a well-built cabin, filled to the brim with premium materials and a slew of convenience and family-friendly tech features. But then, you have to lease one. Should you lease the 2022 Audi Q5, or will leasing the 2022 Lexus RX be a more rewarding lease option for you?
Genesis
In the crowded luxury midsize SUV segment, the 2022 Lexus RX stands out as the Lexus best seller and one of the best lease alternatives. Leasing the 2022 Lexus RX gives you one of the very best cars in the luxury midsize SUV class from the iconic Japanese automakers. For 2022, the new RX, with three-body styles and an available hybrid powertrain, comes with no significant changes.
Toyota-Lexus has, however, given its best-selling luxury SUV some minor tweaks to keep it competitive. The new RX now affords new standard front foglights and a trio of new colors including, Grecian Water blue, Cloudburst Gray, and Iridium silver. The Black Line special edition model is back to the 2022 lineup.
Like the Lexus RX, the Audi Q5 is Audi’s best-selling luxury SUV in the US. Given its widespread success in the US auto market, the German luxury automakers have always been extra careful with this very model, always keeping it more refined and stacking it with the next-level tech amenities.
For 2022, after getting a refresh last year, the Audi Q5 is back to the 2022 Audi lineup with not so many significant updates. The SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback now boasts standard Carbon Atlas interior inlays, just as some of its trims get a new 18-inch wheel design. Audi has given the S line exterior appearance package, which features aluminum front door sill inlays with an illuminated S logo, standard across the 2022 Q5 lineup. The Premium Plus trim also gets a power-adjustable steering column as standard. At the same time, the Audi Q5’s plug-in hybrid models get a larger battery capacity with more sporty seats.
Engine And Transmission
The 2022 Audi Q5 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to all four wheels (Quattro all-wheel drive) from a seven-speed automatic transmission. Audi also offers a plug-in hybrid variant that adds an electric motor to the turbo-four engine, increasing the Q5’s power to 362 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque. Like its base form, the 2022 Q5 hybrid model has a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The sporty SQ5 comes with a 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine, which could be the best option for shoppers seeking more power.
The 2022 Lexus RX comes in two different powertrain variants—a hybrid and ICE—and different models. The RX350 models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps out 295 horses and 267 lb-ft. A similar 3.5-liter V6 engine powers the 2022 RX350L. However, the powertrain delivers 290 horses and 263 lb-ft (5hp less than the base model). Both powertrains pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and AWD available.
The two-hybrid variants, the 450h and the 450hl are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, which work to generate 308 hp and 274 lb-ft with both the 450h and 450hl models. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard.
You can count on the hybrid and non-hybrid transmissions to be refined and quick, while the powertrains deliver strong acceleration.
Handling And Performance
One thing you can count on getting from most luxury compact crossover SUVs is decent acceleration and relaxing ride, and the 2022 Q5 does that well. Its powertrain provides ample power and peppy acceleration for town and highway, and it is smooth and quiet. The Q5 has a strong road grip, confident handling, and smooth ride over rough pavement, thanks to the suspension. According to Audi, the 2022 Q5 can go from 0 to 60 in five seconds flat.
On the other hand, the RX may not have the driving verge of the Audi Q5, but it is well composed and delivers a pampering ride even over unfriendly terrain. Overall, the RX is not as agile as the Q5, as it prioritizes comfort over sportiness.
Fuel Economy
You should not consider leasing the 2022 Audi Q5 if you want to lease a more fuel-efficient option. Fuel efficiency is one of the strong suits of the RX over other competitors, including the Audi Q5. The EPA estimates the 2022 Audi Q5 to return an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The plug-in hybrid version earns 27 mpg and an electric-only range of 19 miles. The 2022 Lexus RX gets an outstanding 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the hybrid powertrain, while the non-hybrid option with the FWD gets 20/28 mpg (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD).
Interior And Comfort
The Lexus RX is much bigger than the Audi Q5, which means more passenger and cargo space than the Q5. While both seats five standard, the three-row RXL model increases the capacity to seven.
The 2022 RX sports an attractive and well-built interior with loads of quality materials, but its interior styling and materials can’t beat that of the 2022 Q5. For infotainment, the new Q5 comes with a 10.1-inch touch screen, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, against the RX’s 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay.
Cost
Although the 2022 Audi Q5 may be a pricier luxury compact SUV to lease, it is much more affordable than the luxury midsize 2022 Lexus RX.
The Lexus RX and the Audi Q5 are excellent luxury SUVs, though not in the same segment. They make a strong option for shoppers looking to lease affordable luxury SUVs. To lease a new Q5 or RX at unbeatable rates, contact VIP Auto, 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305Â https://viplease.com/.
