Lexus NX vs Audi Q5 - pictures

Lexus has equipped the new NX with a turbocharged petrol engine in the pursuit of performance SUV perfection. But does it have what it takes to beat the Audi Q5 with a TFSI powerplant? 

Here we test the Lexus NX 200t F Sport, weighing in at £40,735 as tested. 

The NX is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl engine, putting out 235bhp. 

Like the exterior, the interior of the NX gets a distinctive design, but this does impinge on cabin space. 

Back seat space in the Lexus feels a little cramped compared to the Audi, and you can easily bang your head on the roof getting in and out. Black trim and small windows make the cabin appear dark, while the driving position feels a lit

The tailgate opens electrically, but it takes a while to do so. Once open, the boot has 475 litres of space on offer, while the rear seats fold flat to create 1,520 litres of space. 

"With its mix of sharp angles and curves, the NX looks like no other crossover, although it does divide opinion." - Dean Gibson, deputy road test editor. 

Sharp light design is reflected at the rear of the NX, with plenty of sharp lines. 

"The NX 200t is designed to bring performance edge to Lexus' crossover, but it's not that fun to drive. The six-speed auto box is better to use than the hybrid's eCVT transmission, yet the soggy chassis lets the car down." - James Disd

LED lights are standard on the NX, while the Q5 gets xenons with LED daytime running lights. These can be upgraded to adaptive xenons for £330. 

The Q5 tested here is a 2.0 TFSI quattro S line Plus model, coming in at £41,585 as tested. 

The 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol engine puts out 222bhp through Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system. 

Inside, Audi's quality feel is still evident. The upright dash layout looks a little dated, thanks also to the use of the brand's older MMI cabin control system and ageing sat-nav screen, but fit and finish are faultless. There's plent

Back seat space is good, with more headroom than you'll find in the Lexus, and the larger windows mean you don't feel claustrophobic. The Q5 comes with three-zone climate control, too, so rear seat passengers can set their own temperat

Like the NX, the Q5 gets a powered tailgate on S line Plus models, and the large, clamshell bonnet reveals a 540-litre boot. Levers in the boot make it easy to fold the back seats and there's 1,560 litres of space with them down. 

We achieved 29.5mpg on test, which isn't brilliant compared to the claimed 39.2mpg average. The equivalent 2.0 TDI S line Plus S tronic diesel is only £115 cheaper but returns 47.1mpg. 

"Compared to the softly sprung NX, the Q5 feels like a high-riding car, with composed handling and plenty of grip." - James Disdale, road test editor.