There was a time when those in the upper echelons of society would often opt for the most luxurious sedans and coupes. Nowadays, SUVs dominate the cream of the luxury car crop. Virtually all the most popular and highly regarded automotive brands are in the running to secure a piece of the high-end SUV market. And why not? SUVs provide everyday practicality, an elevated driving position, and versatility in real-world conditions that other vehicle types cannot match.
Beyond the basics, however, a luxury SUV offers much more. It’s not just about leather upholstery and wood trim — though they’re undoubtedly nice touches. It’s also about modern-day luxuries, such as being pampered with the latest technological advances, enjoying a great experience every time you get behind the wheel, and money-saving ownership options. Then, there are the perks, such as the concierge-style treatment at our Lexus of Stevens Creek dealership or the generous rewards of being a Lexus Elite Member.
Luxury car ownership can be more than just a status symbol; it can also be an enjoyable, practical, and cost-effective experience that pays dividends in the long run. And there’s no better way to experience this than with two of the hottest SUVs today: the 2023 Lexus GX 460 and Audi Q7. Both models offer the perfect balance of opulence and practicality, but which is right for you? To help answer this question, let’s pit these two against each other and see how they stack up.
Trim Options and Price
This showdown between the 2023 Lexus GX and 2023 Audi Q7 begins with comparing their respective trim options and price points. The Lexus GX has four trims, each more stylish and comfortable than the last. Starting from the bottom, you have the GX 460, followed by the GX 460 Premium, GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, and GX 460 Luxury. Meanwhile, the Audi Q7 only has three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
The price point is where you start to see a significant difference. The Lexus GX comes in at a lower starting MSRP of $58,525, compared to the Audi Q7’s slightly steeper starting MSRP of $59,200. With the added benefits of reduced depreciation and maintenance costs, the Lexus GX is an excellent choice for San Jose drivers looking to save money.
Performance
Under the hood, the Lexus GX and Audi Q7 offer two distinct entry-level powertrain options. The Lexus GX draws its power from a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. This setup puts out 301 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque and should satisfy most drivers.
The Audi Q7’s entry-level powertrain is a mild-hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that churns out 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This is less potent than the GX’s V-8, but it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. Although you can upgrade to a more potent 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that generates 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, you’ll have to shell out more money to get it.
Moreover, the Lexus GX’s standard full-time four-wheel-drive system is far superior to the Q7’s all-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case, a locking Torsen center differential, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and available Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for go-anywhere off-road capability. The Q7, on the other hand, only has a one-speed transfer case and no Crawl Control.
While both vehicles offer an engaging driving experience, it’s clear the Lexus GX provides more power and off-road capability, making it the better choice for those who want an SUV with solid performance credentials.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
Regarding interior space, the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX offer comparable legroom in the front row, with 41.7 inches for both. However, the Audi Q7 has an advantage in second-row legroom, offering 38.8 inches as opposed to 34.1 inches for the Lexus GX.
With all seats in place, the Audi Q7 provides up to 14.2 cubic feet, with a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet when you fold the second row down. The Lexus GX has 11.6 cubic feet with the seats in place and a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet when you fold the second row down. If you opt for an SUV with a third-row option, you’ll have way less cargo room.
Although the Audi Q7 has more legroom and cargo capacity than the Lexus GX, the differences are not so dramatic that they should be your sole deciding factor when choosing between them. Both vehicles offer a comfortable and spacious interior, making them great options for those looking to easily transport passengers or luggage. So, when it comes down to it, the decision should be based on personal preference.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for many San Jose drivers. And the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX offer extensive features to protect you. However, Lexus takes safety assurance further by providing standard adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind-spot monitoring.
On the flip side, the Audi Q7 requires you to purchase additional, expensive features to achieve a comparable level of safety. The Lexus GX 460 boasts a robust ladder frame designed for versatility and ruggedness, while the Audi Q7’s lighter-duty unibody frame is generally only seen in sedans or crossovers and is not ideal for those adventurous weekend getaways.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
We may be biased, but we believe the Lexus GX steals the spotlight as the best luxury SUV for you. Its impressive power, standard four-wheel drive system, and robust, standard safety features make it the perfect combination of luxury and utility at a competitive price. But ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what matters most to you.
Still undecided? Stop by our Lexus of Stevens Creek dealership today for a test drive and experience the GX yourself. If you’re already sure which car is right for you, find it in our extensive inventory of new and used vehicles. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re always happy to help.
Connect with us
