The Lexus NX and the redesigned Audi Q5 are two of the most cross-shopped compact luxury SUVs. The main difference is the approach to technology. Audi offers more screens. Lexus makes its system simpler to use and puts more of its technology into the powertrain. Here's how the Lexus Interface compares with Audi MMI, and how each SUV drives.
By the South Bay Lexus Product TeamUpdated September 29, 2026Specs: Lexus, Audi USA, Cars.com, Edmunds, IIHS
Quick verdict
Which has better tech: the Lexus NX or the Audi Q5? The Q5 has more screens: an 11.9-inch cluster, a 14.5-inch touchscreen and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. The NX has more efficient powertrains: a 39-mpg hybrid and a plug-in hybrid with 37 miles of electric range. If "better tech" means the most screen, choose the Q5. If it means an easy-to-use cabin, low fuel costs and long-term peace of mind, choose the NX. Both earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Lexus Interface vs Audi MMI
How the Two Infotainment Systems Differ
Both systems put navigation, media, phone and vehicle settings on a large touchscreen and support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The difference is in the approach.
Lexus NX
Lexus Interface
Screen: 9.8 in standard, 14 in available. The 14-inch screen becomes standard on the 2027 NX.
Driver assistance: Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard. Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 comes on the 2027 NX.
Its strength: one main screen, familiar menus and less to learn. The system is easy to use while driving.
Audi Q5
Audi MMI Panoramic
Screens: 11.9 in digital cluster plus 14.5 in touchscreen in one curved panel.
Passenger display: 10.9 in, on the Prestige trim.
Head-up display: larger unit on the Prestige trim.
Audio: Bang & Olufsen on Premium Plus and above.
Driver assistance: adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, Active Front Assist, Park Assist plus and Rear Turn Assist standard.
Its strength: more screen area and a passenger display, which make the cabin feel very modern. Expect more of a learning curve.
Test-drive tip: pair your phone, enter a destination by voice, and change the cabin temperature while the car is moving, in both SUVs. It's the quickest way to find out which system suits you.
NX 350 vs Q5 at a glance
Lexus NX vs Audi Q5 Comparison Table
2026 model year. Prices are starting MSRP including destination (NX $1,395, Q5 $1,295), before taxes, fees and options.
6 yr / 70,000 mi; hybrid battery 10 yr / 150,000 mi
4 yr / 50,000 mi
IIHS 2026
Top Safety Pick+
Top Safety Pick+
▲ marks the stronger result. The NX 250 was discontinued for 2026. Sources: Lexus Newsroom, Audi USA, Cars.com, Edmunds, IIHS.123
Swipe the table to compare →
The deciding factors
Performance, Efficiency and Ownership
Acceleration
Q5
The Q5's 268-hp turbo four reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and the SQ5 makes 362 hp and does it in 4.6. The quickest NX is the plug-in NX 450h+, at 304 hp and 6.0 seconds. If quick acceleration is your top priority, the Audi leads.
Efficiency
NX
The NX 350h is rated at 39 mpg combined with AWD and 40 with FWD. The gas Q5 is rated at 24. The NX 450h+ can cover 37 miles on electricity alone, enough for many daily South Bay errands, and Audi's 2026 Q5 lineup has no plug-in option. At California fuel prices, this is the NX's strongest practical advantage.
Space and towing
Q5
The Q5 has 27.6 cu ft behind the rear seat and 56.9 maximum. The NX has 22.7 and 46.9. The Q5 also tows 4,400 lb against the NX's 2,000. If you haul a lot of gear every week, the Q5's extra space is noticeable.
Long-term ownership
NX
Audi now includes 3 years or 30,000 miles of scheduled maintenance on 2026 models, which is a real advantage early in ownership. Over the longer term the data favors Lexus. Lexus ranked #1 in J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study at 151 problems per 100 vehicles, and Audi scored 244. CarEdge estimates 10-year maintenance and repair at $12,919 for the Q5 (37.44% chance of a major repair) and $7,110 for the Lexus brand overall. The NX also won its segment in both KBB's 2026 Best Resale Value Awards and J.D. Power's 2026 ALG Residual Value Awards.4
Considering the NX 350h or NX 450h+? See which versions are available on our lot right now.
For 2027, Lexus is making the NX a hybrid and plug-in hybrid lineup only. The gas NX 350 is discontinued, leaving the NX 350h and NX 450h+. The 450h+'s electric range rises to more than 40 miles. The 14-inch touchscreen and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 become standard. The 2027 NX arrives by the end of 2026. Pricing hasn't been announced.5
What this means for you: if you prefer a turbocharged gas NX, 2026 is the last model year for it, so ask us about remaining NX 350 inventory. If you want the larger screen and newest driver-assistance features, the 2027 NX 350h is worth waiting for. The 2027 Q5 carries over without major changes.
No. The NX 350's 275-hp turbo reaches 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, according to Lexus. The Q5's 268-hp turbo does it in 5.8, according to Audi. The NX 350 has slightly more horsepower, but the Q5 is quicker.
Is the Lexus NX more reliable than the Audi Q5?
The brand-level data favors Lexus. In J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus ranked #1 at 151 problems per 100 vehicles and Audi scored 244. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus 3rd and Audi 13th for reliability.
Does the Audi Q5 come with free maintenance?
Yes. 2026 Audi models include Audi Signature Care, covering scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 30,000 miles. New Lexus vehicles include the first two scheduled services, at 6 months/5,000 miles and 12 months/10,000 miles.
Is the NX or Q5 safer?
Both earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the institute's highest award.
Next step
Try the Lexus Interface Yourself
A 15-minute drive with your phone connected will show you whether the NX suits you. Get pre-qualified first so pricing is clear before you visit.
J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Consumer Reports 2026 Brand Report Card. CarEdge Q5 and luxury brand maintenance estimates, accessed September 2026. KBB 2026 Best Resale Value Awards. J.D. Power 2026 ALG Residual Value Awards.
