Im excited to see and test the new 2020 RX350. Boiled down to two, Audi Q5 and this. Curious know true cost of ownership on both. I would imagine Lexus overall is cheaper due to quality and cost of parts, etc. Very curious on new suspension tweaks. Audi probably a little more fun to drive but I have to believe the quality of the RX will be better. Just can't stomach throwing money into a "German" car made in Mexico. I do have question, re the AWD system. Live in Northeast and curious as to how the AWD system handled winter weather. Almost think I saw some youtube vids showing minor off road capability with the RX and car did fine. Almost have to compare it to a Highlander? The Quattro system speaks for itself but I'd rather not deal with the headaches once you hit 50k. They can be enormous. Also have to believe over time, the RX will hold its value very well. Can take to any mechanic when things go south and not be in debt. Finally, has there been a delay in the release of the 2020? Local dealer saying end of Sept now. Thanks.

 

I have a 2017 and the AWD system works very well, but it's not an "Off-Road" vehicle, in any case you'll need winter tires, as I don't drive much, rather than be bothered with the twice yearly tire change I installed all weather tires and they've done me well.

 

Also, the "unreliability" of modern Audis is very overstated. I know several people with modern Audis that have had them 5, 6 7 years and 100k miles and they've been as trouble free as my Lexus vehicles. Audi is sort of the "reliable" German brand.

The Q5 will best the RX in driving dynamics, winter traction, product solidity and quality. The RX is bigger, and has a better track record for reliability.

 

I agree that Q5 will have better driving dynamics and traction, but not sure about product solidity and quality.

You are guaranteed to spend more on fixing a Q5 with anything that's not covered under warranty. For example. a Q7 windshield apparently costs $1,500 because they need to re-calibrate the camera, so I imagine Q5 will be similar too. Check audiworld.com to see what Q5 owners say.

The Q5 smaller for sure. I'd say go with an RX if you care about the people that sit in the back, or SQ5 if you don't carry passengers much.

I have access to Consumer Report if you want any comparison.

By the way, 2019 Q7 has pretty good deals now.

 

An OEM windshield is going to cost $1,500 for an RX too, that's what I paid for an OEM windshield for my 2010 ES back in 2012. In terms of solidity and quality, the Q5 feels built to a higher standard to me. Modern Audis are very solid.

Sure the Audi will cost more to repair, provided you don't take your RX to a Lexus dealer out of warranty. Parts for the RX will be cheaper, but the Q5 is the ”better” vehicle, and better things often cost more to maintain.

 

Holy smokes, I didn't know OEM windshields are usually that much.

 

Yeah, that’s totally normal.

 

Yes as they are double or triple glazed!

 

Before I bought my RX350 I was also considering a Q5, but couldn't get past the built in Mex and above all the stop & go engine!
I was coming from a MB E350 and I know all too well the maintenance cost of german cars, also a friend who is an Audi fan has had the engine replaced 4 times on different Audi cars, so I'm not so sure about the quality therein.
In the end buy whatever makes you happy.

 

I was disappointed with the Q5. Felt more than a NX competitor than a RX competitor. I wanted to like it because I think it looks nice, but no thanks.

 

My daughter bought a new Q5 two years ago. Turbo failed at 5k miles. Other than that, its been okay with 30k on the clock now.

 

Hmmm now I want donuts

 

Lexus RX is the luxury worlds jack of all trades, master none. Its best as a solid middle of the pack luxury vehicle. Plenty of things it lacks, such as massaging seats, air gestures, siri-like personal voice assistant, power, rwd chassis etc etc. If you want something in that realm plenty of options exist, but just dont expect that theres no price to pay, whether depreciation or service costs. Same with reliability

 

Q7s MY20 is major interior rework, but wont be out till 2020, however the 19s are moving at quite a huge discount so, fair game if your doing a MY19/20 RX-L

 

Appreciate all the feedback. Just going to wait until the 2020 arrives and then kick the tires and compare against the Q5. Will test drive both on same day to be sure. Apples to apples. I have a feeling I can't go wrong either way. I see a ton of Q5's on the road and a ton of RX's. Coming out of Audi now I'd be leaning to Q5 simply for Quattro and virtual cockpit which Lexus doesn't have but we'll see. I could be wrong but it appears the Rx has a little more ground clearance than the Q5 and sits higher which I like. To be honest, Lexus seriously just needs to update and totally re design the RX. They keep throwing patches on it but it gets to a point where you can only do so much. Start back at drawing board now, re vamp, get the new design RX up to speed with new engine, performance, tech, to compete against everyone else.