Q8 vs RX 350
Put the Q8 next to the RX 350 and you have Audi and Lexus going after exactly the same midsize luxury suv crowd. Scoring each area separately, the Q8 comes out on top 2 times out of 3. Its lead is sharpest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q8 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Q8 wins
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Off-road & Towing9.3
- 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
-
The Q8 has 60 hp more power
The RX 350 lists 275 hp; the Q8 comes in at 335 hp. That’s not a rounding error. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Q8 has 4,200 lb more towing capacity
At 7,700 lb versus 3,500 lb, this is a decisive lead for the Q8, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Q8 has 52 lb-ft more torque
If torque is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Q8 leads clearly with 369 lb-ft to the RX 350’s 317 lb-ft. The Q8’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Q8 leads
The RX 350 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Q8 pulls well ahead. On the Q8, you get 60 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Q8 is where you should land.
Total system output
Q8: 335 hp RX 350: 275 hp The Q8’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Q8: 369 lb-ft RX 350: 317 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the Q8 and the RX 350 land in almost the same place. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Q8 leads
When it comes to off-road & towing, the Q8 is comfortably ahead. The Q8 stands out with 4,200 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the Q8.
Max towing
Q8: 7,700 lb RX 350: 3,500 lb If you tow regularly, the Q8’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Q8 and the RX 350 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 275 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 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 | Q8 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 | 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 Q8 if…
- you want more power (335 hp vs 275 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (369 lb-ft vs 317 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q8 or the RX 350?
On the specs compared here, the Q8 makes more sense for most buyers; the RX 350 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Audi or Lexus. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Q8 and the RX 350. I’d put 60 hp more power at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Q8. And if that weren’t enough, the Q8 has 4,200 lb more towing capacity.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the Q8, and those who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture with the RX 350.
My pick: the Q8.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.