Q7 vs RX 350
Both the Q7 and the RX 350 sit in the midsize luxury suv class, and Audi and Lexus are clearly watching each other. The numbers lean one way: the Q7 comes out ahead in 2 of the 3 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the space & practicality category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RX 350 wins
- Space & Practicality Q7 wins
- Off-road & Towing Q7 wins
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Off-road & Towing4.6
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Q7 has room for 7 seats
Big gap, real consequences. The Q7’s 7 seats versus the RX 350’s 5 seats changes how the two compare in daily use. The Q7 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Q7 has 900 lb more towing capacity
The RX 350 is clearly behind on max towing (3,500 lb against 4,400 lb), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The RX 350 has 44 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the RX 350 is in a different league: 317 lb-ft, next to 273 lb-ft for the Q7. The RX 350’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The RX 350 has 14 hp more power
Close, but not identical: the RX 350 lists 275 hp and the Q7 lists 261 hp. The RX 350’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q7 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
RX 350 leads
This section belongs to the RX 350. In engine & performance, it leads the Q7 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The RX 350 answers with 44 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the RX 350.
Torque
Q7: 273 lb-ft RX 350: 317 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Q7: 261 hp RX 350: 275 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Q7 leads
This is one of the Q7’s strongest areas. On space & practicality, the RX 350 falls well short. The Q7 comes with room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. In short, the Q7 is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Seats
Q7: 7 seats RX 350: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Q7 leads
Look at the off-road & towing table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Q7. Here the Q7 offers 900 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Q7’s higher rating gives you more margin. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the Q7 is the safer choice.
Max towing
Q7: 4,400 lb RX 350: 3,500 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
The Q7 and the RX 350 differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q7 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 275 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q7 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q7 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 29.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 46.2 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q7 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 4,400 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q7 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q7 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
“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 Q7 if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (4,400 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you’re loyal to Audi and happy with it
Choose the RX 350 if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (317 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (275 hp vs 261 hp)
- you’re comfortable with how Lexus does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q7 or the RX 350?
The Q7 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 44 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
The Q7 from Audi and the RX 350 from Lexus go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Q7 brings room for 7 seats. Nor should you ignore that the Q7 has 900 lb more towing capacity. Credit where it’s due: the RX 350 offers 44 lb-ft more torque.
The way I see it, people who prioritize space & practicality will be happier with the Q7, and those who prioritize engine & performance with the RX 350.
My pick: the Q7, unless you’d rather have 44 lb-ft more torque on the RX 350.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.