Lexus Rx350 vs Audi Q5/Q7

Jul 20th, 2021 7:03 pm

#1

mtheking [OP]: Newbie; May 4, 2014; 26 posts; 7 upvotes; Nepean, ON

Jul 20th, 2021 7:03 pm

Looking to buy an SUV, not brand new but maybe 2018/2019 models.
Currently debating between Lexus rx350 or Audi Q5 or Q7
Would someone who has any of these models provide his input on pros/cons? Thanks in advance

Jul 20th, 2021 7:15 pm

#2

Dealsareforchumps: Newbie; May 5, 2021; 67 posts; 104 upvotes

Jul 20th, 2021 7:15 pm

If you want reliability and re sale value Lexus IS the way to go.

+8

Jul 20th, 2021 7:36 pm

#3

carztoronto: Member; May 7, 2016; 484 posts; 425 upvotes

Jul 20th, 2021 7:36 pm

The lexus is based on a platform that is 22 years old and it is used by the Camry, so it drives accordingly. It is reliable because it is ancient and basic, but some people love it as I love my dishwasher: an appliance that gets things done.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_K_platform

The Q7 is in a different league.

+16

Jul 20th, 2021 8:06 pm

#4

ES_Revenge: Deal Expert; Mar 23, 2004; 33735 posts; 15856 upvotes

Jul 20th, 2021 8:06 pm

LOL RX350. "295hp" yeah right. 295 Toyblowta horsepower is more like 195 real horsepower. Similar year Q5 2.0T will leave this thing in the dust. Similar year Q7 2.0T base edition weighs some 250lb more, has about 50 less horsepower and performs around the same, though granted the "cheap Q7" does have a bit lacklustre brakes (higher end Q7s stop much shorter). Oh and they both look miles better than the beastie RX.

Despite the RX being the larger vehicle it also has less cargo volume than the Q5 somehow, though maybe there's more rear seat room or something who knows.

Anyway yeah if you're into believing Toyblowta lies about power and don't mind the ugliness, by all means go for the RX!

+4

Jul 20th, 2021 9:28 pm

#5

SureshA720227: Deal Addict; Oct 14, 2015; 1219 posts; 1335 upvotes; Toronto, ON

Jul 20th, 2021 9:28 pm

Long term: Lexus
Lease and Dump: Audi

-

+9

Jul 20th, 2021 10:39 pm

#6

Kingsmen17: Sr. Member; Aug 6, 2017; 926 posts; 1608 upvotes

Jul 20th, 2021 10:39 pm

RX-350 is one of the most stolen cars in Ontario.

+2

Jul 20th, 2021 11:55 pm

#7

Jigsaw: Deal Addict; Oct 21, 2006; 1071 posts; 882 upvotes

Jul 20th, 2021 11:55 pm

I have a 2017 RX350, got it used in May of 2020. I believe 2018/2019 are more or less the same, as the refresh happened for the 2020 model. So far it's been a great vehicle to me, comfortable and reliable, power is decent but I came from a 4cyl Camry so that doesn't speak for much. I have never driven the Q5/Q7 so I am unable to provide a comparison in that regard.

I think the best thing to do would be to test drive them all and see for yourself.

+1

Jul 21st, 2021 12:02 am

#8

StatsGuy: Deal Fanatic; Dec 20, 2018; 8245 posts; 7638 upvotes

Jul 21st, 2021 12:02 am

Kingsmen17 wrote: ↑ RX-350 is one of the most stolen cars in Ontario.

Because it's most desirable, but yet insurance is lower for RX than q5 or X3 which is nice

+2

Jul 21st, 2021 1:52 am

#9

cn_habs: Deal Fanatic; Jun 3, 2009; 5623 posts; 1450 upvotes; Montreal

Jul 21st, 2021 1:52 am

If you pay cash or finance to keep the car: RX.
If you wanna pay up for the drive in $ and in time with trips to the garage: Q5/7

+5

Jul 21st, 2021 6:15 am

#10

mxthor3: Deal Addict; Oct 1, 2015; 3021 posts; 4366 upvotes; Barrie, ON

Jul 21st, 2021 6:15 am

If you want something boring that will go to A to B and back to A without any fuss the RX is the easy choice. The Q7 however is on an entirely different level. Go test drive both and see which one you prefer.

StatsGuy wrote: ↑ Because it's most desirable, but yet insurance is lower for RX than q5 or X3 which is nice

It's because it's easy to steal like any Toyota.

+6

Jul 21st, 2021 8:30 am

#11

Swerny: Deal Expert; Oct 5, 2008; 17353 posts; 12956 upvotes; Toronto

Jul 21st, 2021 8:30 am

StatsGuy wrote: ↑ Because it's most desirable, but yet insurance is lower for RX than q5 or X3 which is nice

most desirable in Africa maybe where the stolen ones get shipped to

+10

Jul 21st, 2021 8:38 am

#12

Ecsta: Deal Addict; Jan 17, 2009; 4270 posts; 4606 upvotes; Toronto, Ontario

Jul 21st, 2021 8:38 am

You should really test drive both, they're in difference leagues IMO once you see the interior/drive of the Audi.

If I was paying cash to own longterm, I'd go Lexus though.

+2

Jul 21st, 2021 9:01 am

#13

StatsGuy: Deal Fanatic; Dec 20, 2018; 8245 posts; 7638 upvotes

Jul 21st, 2021 9:01 am

Swerny wrote: ↑ most desirable in Africa maybe where the stolen ones get shipped to

Also most desirable in north America as it's best selling luxury SUV

+1

Jul 21st, 2021 9:03 am

#14

StatsGuy: Deal Fanatic; Dec 20, 2018; 8245 posts; 7638 upvotes

Jul 21st, 2021 9:03 am

Ecsta wrote: ↑ You should really test drive both, they're in difference leagues IMO once you see the interior/drive of the Audi.

If I was paying cash to own longterm, I'd go Lexus though.

Interior in the Audi is pretty bad, does drive nice ( not the 2.0T in a q7 though)

Audi is for lease and dump

+4

Jul 21st, 2021 9:04 am

#15

StatsGuy: Deal Fanatic; Dec 20, 2018; 8245 posts; 7638 upvotes

Jul 21st, 2021 9:04 am

mxthor3 wrote: ↑ If you want something boring that will go to A to B and back to A without any fuss the RX is the easy choice. The Q7 however is on an entirely different level. Go test drive both and see which one you prefer.

It's because it's easy to steal like any Toyota.

Only the v6 Audi, the base engine is pretty bad ..it's fine in a small hatch but not a big suv. Thr turbo V6 is nice

The tiny turbo engines are terrible in a SUV like a q7.. it's passable in a small car but not for a heavier suv waiting for it to spool when and rev up. And then there's the q5 with god awful interior and hard plastics on touch surfaces that creak lol... Had a loaner q5 from dealer last year and was sad the hard plastic trim and door panel was basically same as my GTI from like 15 years ago. Grabbed door handle to open/close, touch point hard plastics and creaks lol

Turbo or not, need 6 cylinders ..the 4 just aren't good in a bigger car

+4

Jul 21st, 2021 9:37 am

#16

mxthor3: Deal Addict; Oct 1, 2015; 3021 posts; 4366 upvotes; Barrie, ON

Jul 21st, 2021 9:37 am

StatsGuy wrote: ↑ Only the v6 Audi, the base engine is pretty bad ..it's fine in a small hatch but not a big suv. Thr turbo V6 is nice

The tiny turbo engines are terrible in a SUV like a q7.. it's passable in a small car but not for a heavier suv waiting for it to spool when and rev up. And then there's the q5 with god awful interior and hard plastics on touch surfaces that creak lol... Had a loaner q5 from dealer last year and was sad the hard plastic trim and door panel was basically same as my GTI from like 15 years ago. Grabbed door handle to open/close, touch point hard plastics and creaks lol

Turbo or not, need 6 cylinders ..the 4 just aren't good in a bigger car

Agreed. Audi never should have stuffed the 4cyl into the Q7. It should either have the 3.0T, the V8 or the diesel.

Jul 21st, 2021 10:33 am

#17

EP32k2: Deal Expert; Jan 15, 2006; 20546 posts; 21909 upvotes; Richmond Hill

Jul 21st, 2021 10:33 am

RX shouldn’t even be lumped into the same group as Q7

This platform is archaic AF. Literally paying for lipstick on a pig and Toyota gets away with this due to reputation LOL

Good on them, dumb consumers.

+7

Jul 21st, 2021 11:46 am

#18

gc99: Sr. Member; Jan 14, 2008; 792 posts; 535 upvotes; Toronto

Jul 21st, 2021 11:46 am

We have an RX in the family. As mentioned it is quite reliable, and comfortable for a straight long highway cruise.

On the other hand the aging platform is noticable.... Driving around town its feels quite heavy, with body roll when cornering and the gas engine does get thirsty in city driving.

We also had a Hybrid RX and the electric motors helped for a better drive in the city

Resale wise it's very easy to sell one and seems to hold its value quite well compared to other vehicles.

Some features are great on the topline models, like cooled seats, headsup display, etc.

Last edited by gc99 on Jul 21st, 2021 11:50 am, edited 2 times in total.

+1

Jul 21st, 2021 11:46 am

#19

jamesw99: Member; Nov 20, 2015; 274 posts; 193 upvotes; Toronto, ON

Jul 21st, 2021 11:46 am

I would agree with many of the comments above, our family has/had a 2007 and 2010 RX350 and a 2020 NX300, its a reliable boring car that will maintain its value and get you from point A to point B.

If you want a drivers car, I would go with the Audi.

Jul 21st, 2021 12:52 pm

#20

milolai: Deal Fanatic; Dec 24, 2005; 5774 posts; 1611 upvotes

Jul 21st, 2021 12:52 pm

StatsGuy wrote: ↑ Because it's most desirable, but yet insurance is lower for RX than q5 or X3 which is nice

this is not one bit true

the RX (and Highlander) are the most stolen because there is a flaw in their security system which Toyota does not know how to fix.

+2