If you’ve recently shopped for a compact luxury SUV, you’ve probably seen the Lexus NX and Audi Q3. These vehicles command respect in a crowded segment for their style, performance, and comfort. However, we know that some shoppers find comparing cars challenging, particularly with all the trims, options, and packages available. So to help, we asked our SUV experts to compare the 2023 Lexus NX and the 2023 Audi Q3 so you can make an informed decision.
2023 Lexus NX vs. 2023 Audi Q3: Trim Levels and Pricing
Lexus makes the NX in seven attractive trims, three of which feature hybrid technology. Audi offers the Q3 in two trim levels with two available engines. Let’s take a look at their respective pricing, below:
| 2023 Lexus NX trim level | MSRP | 2023 Audi Q3 trim level | MSRP |
| 2023 Lexus NX 250 | $40,205 | 2023 Audi Q3 Premium 40 turbo fuel stratified injection | $36,800 |
| 2023 Lexus NX 250 all-wheel drive | $41,805 | 2023 Audi Q3 Premium 45 turbo fuel stratified injection | $39,200 |
| 2023 Lexus NX 350 AWD | $43,965 | 2023 Audi Q3 Premium Plus 40 turbo fuel stratified injection | $40,100 |
| 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling all-wheel drive | $49,065 | 2023 Audi Q3 Premium Plus 45 turbo fuel stratified injection | $42,500 |
| 2023 Lexus NX 350h all-wheel drive | $43,805 | ||
| 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ all-wheel drive | $58,655 | ||
| 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport Handling all-wheel drive | $59,905 |
As the table shows, the Lexus NX offers more trim levels, including hybrid variants, to appeal to the growing EV market. And while the pricing appears higher for the NX, Audi’s à la carte model pushes the base model Q3 Premium price over $41,000 when you add the desirable options Lexus includes with the NX.
Edge: 2023 Lexus NX
More buying options and a clean pricing structure give the NX the edge.
2023 Lexus NX vs. 2023 Audi Q3: Exterior Style
The Lexus NX draws the eyes from every angle with its sharp lines and soft curves. A low, long, and wide stance and 20-inch alloy wheels provide an imposing profile. The bold front fascia features an unmistakably-Lexus grille framed by LED headlights and low-profile daytime running lamps. And its bulging hood speaks to the power beneath it.
The rear fascia design incorporates L-shaped LED taillights with a full-width blade rear combination lamp that remains illuminated at night. An available panoramic glass moonroof offers a wider opening than a conventional moonroof and a seamless appearance on the outside.
F Sport models feature signature design elements, such as a more dynamic front grille, 20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, black roof rails, and color-keyed over fenders. Meanwhile, the F Sport offers three trim-exclusive exterior colors: Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0.
The Audi Q3 entered its second generation in 2018. At the time, it featured modern styling cues and 18-inch wheels. Adding the Black Optic Package gives you 19-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, and high-gloss-black exterior trim but drives the price up by $1,300. However, the Q3 has not seen a refresh in five years and today looks like every other compact SUV.
Edge: 2023 Lexus NX
Sharp lines and soft curves make the Lexus NX pop and offer a more standard exterior style than the dated Q3.
2023 Lexus NX vs. 2023 Audi Q3: Interior Comfort
Lexus meticulously designed the NX interior with a driver-focused cockpit. Thoughtful features and controls placed artfully and intuitively deliver a connected feel with your NX. Lexus even crafted the steering wheel with an ideal palm fit for optimal grip when cornering at high G-forces.
F Sport models have bolstered sport seats that sit low, placing the hip as close to the vehicle’s low center of gravity. You also get a trim-exclusive steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals with the F Sport trims.
Lexus offers premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats on the top trims, available on every model. In addition, you get the beautiful and durable NuLuxe seating material on the lower trims for a refined look and feel.
Now, you can also personalize your cabin space with thematic ambient illumination. The preselected Rainforest, Sunset, and Waterfall themes are designed to relax and soothe you.
Audi makes the Q3 with leather upholstery and seats that heat and ventilate for comfort. Unfortunately, the Q3 has no sport-inspired trim, so you won’t find the bolstered seats and sport pedals the NX has, but the interior design is well conceived and has plenty of soft-touch surfaces and premium materials.
You can add an ambient interior lighting system, a hands-free liftgate, and various mirror upgrades as part of the Convenience Package, which costs $1,400.
Edge: Even
Both vehicles offer the high-end cabin experience you desire in a luxury vehicle.
2023 Lexus NX vs. 2023 Audi Q3: Performance
The NX 250 and NX 250 AWD models operate with a 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As a result, this powertrain produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Under the NX 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) and NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD hoods, you have a turbocharged 2.4L engine mated to the same eight-speed automatic. This configuration makes 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
A hybrid powertrain drives the NX 350h AWD model using a 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that boosts performance. As a result, this hybrid powertrain makes 240 total system horsepower.
The top-of-the-range NX 450h+ AWD and NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD models use the same 2.5L engine and a larger electric motor to produce 304 total system horsepower. These models also sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds.
The Audi Q3 has two engine options. The first is Audi’s turbocharged 40 TFSI engine, which makes 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Next, Audi offers the more powerful turbo four-cylinder 45 TFSI engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. While not lousy power numbers for the engine, it posts a lackluster 7.1-second zero to 60 mph time.
Edge: 2023 Lexus NX
Both Lexus gas engines make more horsepower than the two Audi engines. And the hybrid powertrain variants offer significant advantages in power and economy over the Audi models.
Test-Drive a Lexus NX in San Jose
After reviewing the two vehicles, the Lexus NX offers better style, comfort, and performance than the Q3. If you’d like a personal demonstration of the Lexus NX, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Or you can visit our Stevens Creek Boulevard showroom in San Jose anytime. One of our professional team will answer your questions and let you take your preferred NX model for a spin.
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