VS
At a Glance
Power
260 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
500 Nm
317Nm@4800
Fuel
9.2 l/100km
6.3
Towing
2400 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
7.8
Engine
2995 cc
3456
Choosing between the Audi SQ5 and the LEXUS RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi SQ5 delivers 260 kW while the LEXUS RX produces 183kW@6000. On fuel, the SQ5 returns 9.2 l/100km while the RX uses 6.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 612 800 for the SQ5 and R808 500 for the RX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
260 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
500 Nm
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
4.9 s
7.8
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
3456
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2 l/100km
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.6 l/100km
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.7 l/100km
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
65
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
148
Dimensions
Length
4689 mm
4770
Width
1893-2140 mm
1885
Height
1633 mm
1720
Wheelbase
2824 mm
2740
Ground Clearance
—
175
Kerb Weight
1945 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1470 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
48
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
SQ5
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
SQ5
Pros & Cons
Audi SQ5
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Lower starting price (R808 500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SQ5 or RX?
The SQ5 uses 9.2 l/100km and the RX uses 6.3 on the combined cycle. The RX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the SQ5 or RX?
The SQ5 produces 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 183kW@6000 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SQ5 and RX?
The SQ5 starts from R1 612 800 and the RX from R808 500. The RX is cheaper by R804 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SQ5 or RX?
The SQ5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 Kg and the RX can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SQ5 or the RX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.