Q5 vs RZ 350e
The Q5 and the RZ 350e sit in the same compact luxury suv class, but Audi and Lexus don’t always agree on what matters most. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q5 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Q5 has 47 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 268 hp to the RZ 350e’s 221 hp, the Q5 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Q5 leads
The Q5 dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. Here the Q5 offers 47 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Q5 is the stronger car.
Total system output
Q5: 268 hp RZ 350e: 221 hp The Q5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Q5 and the RZ 350e part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 165 kW electric motor, 74.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 301 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Q5 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $46,000 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Q5 if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 221 hp)
- you trust Audi and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Q5 or the RZ 350e?
On the specs compared here, the Q5 makes more sense for most buyers; the RZ 350e doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Q5 and the RZ 350e. What tips it for me is that the Q5 has 47 hp more power.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the Q5, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the RZ 350e.
My pick: the Q5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.