VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
179 kW
Torque
400 Nm
239+e Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.1 s
7.7 s
Engine
1968 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and the Lexus NX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q5 delivers 140 kW while the Lexus NX produces 179 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6.2 l/100km while the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 273 300 for the Q5 and R1 248 000 for the NX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi Q5Sportback 40 TDI Quattro Black Edition 2024 - From R1 273 300
Lexus NX350h SE 2025 - From R1 248 000
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
179 kW
Torque
400 Nm
239+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.1 s
7.7 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
114 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4689 mm
4660 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
1865 mm
Height
1660 mm
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2819 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
—
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1845 Kg
1790-1870 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
510-1480 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus NX
3 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
NX
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 179 kW)
Higher starting price
Lexus NX
More powerful engine (179 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 248 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.7 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or NX?
The Q5 uses 6.2 l/100km and the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q5 or NX?
The Q5 produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the NX delivers 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque. The NX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and NX?
The Q5 starts from R1 273 300 and the NX from R1 248 000. The NX is cheaper by R25 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or NX?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 Kg and the NX can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 or the NX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.