Audi Q5 vs Lexus ES
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi Q5 | Lexus ES | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 268 | 302 | -11.3% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 400 | 362 | +10.5% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 10.2 | 12.0 | -15.0% |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automated Manual | 8-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $54,500 | $66,714 | -18.3% |
- Lexus ES makes about 11% more power (302 vs 268 hp).
- Lexus ES is the more economical, at 12.0 km/L against 10.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Gulf (UAE/KSA)); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Q5 or ES?
Audi Q5 advantages
- Pulling torque (+10%)
- Affordability (+18%)
Lexus ES advantages
- Engine power (+11%)
- Fuel economy (+15%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Audi Q5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
- Choose the Lexus ES if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Audi Q5 if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Audi Q5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi Q5 vs Lexus ES: which should you choose?
Audi Q5 (2026 Premium Plus 45 TFSI) — petrol suv with 268 hp and 400 Nm, rated at 10.2 km/L; priced near $54,500 in the US market.
Lexus ES (2026 350 F Sport V6) — petrol sedan with 302 hp and 362 Nm, rated at 12 km/L, 5-star GNCAP-GCC safety; priced near $66,714 in the Gulf (UAE/KSA) market.
Audi Q5 vs Lexus ES: Lexus ES is more powerful. Lexus ES makes about 11% more power (302 vs 268 hp). Lexus ES is the more economical, at 12.0 km/L against 10.2.
Performance
The Lexus ES is the more powerful, at 302 hp against 268 hp, with 362 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 8-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Lexus ES is more economical at 12.0 km/L against 10.2 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Price and value
The Audi Q5 lists lower at about $54,500 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q5 better than the Lexus ES?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Lexus ES makes about 11% more power (302 vs 268 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi Q5 and the Lexus ES?
Lexus ES makes about 11% more power (302 vs 268 hp). Lexus ES is the more economical, at 12.0 km/L against 10.2.
Which is better value?
Audi Q5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Audi Q5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads. Choose the Lexus ES if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.