When it comes to luxury compact SUVs, the 2026 Lexus NX and the 2025 Audi Q3 are both strong contenders, each offering a blend of style, comfort, and performance. The Lexus NX focuses on delivering a refined, comfortable ride, while the Audi Q3 offers a sportier and tech-forward driving experience. In this comparison, we will dive into their performance, design, interior, technology, and value to help you decide which SUV best fits your needs.
Power and Performance: Which SUV Delivers a More Dynamic Ride?
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX offers a range of powertrains, including the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and the more powerful 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The standard engine produces 203 horsepower, while the turbocharged option offers a more robust 275 horsepower, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The NX comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), making it a versatile choice for different driving conditions. The focus is on comfort and smooth handling, offering a quieter and more luxurious driving experience.
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard, ensuring better traction and handling on all terrains. The Q3 provides a sportier ride, with precise steering and a more dynamic driving experience, making it ideal for those who want a more engaging and performance-oriented SUV.
Verdict: The Audi Q3 offers more horsepower and a sportier driving experience, while the Lexus NX is better suited for those seeking comfort and efficiency. If you’re after a more dynamic ride, the Q3 is the better choice.
Interior Design and Comfort: Which SUV Feels More Premium?
2026 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX features a spacious interior with a premium feel, showcasing high-quality materials like leather upholstery, wood accents, and soft-touch surfaces. The cabin is designed to be both elegant and functional, offering comfortable seating for passengers and ample cargo space. The 10.3-inch infotainment screen and dual-zone climate control come standard, adding to the overall comfort and luxury of the vehicle.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 boasts a stylish and modern interior, with high-end finishes, including leather seating and a premium dashboard layout. The cabin offers plenty of space for passengers, particularly in the front seats. The Q3’s MIB 3 infotainment system includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, offering a more digitally advanced interior compared to the Lexus. The Q3 has comfortable seating, though it feels slightly more sporty than the NX, which could be a consideration for families.
Verdict: The Lexus NX offers a more elegant and luxurious interior, while the Audi Q3 features a modern and digitally advanced cabin, making it a better choice for tech enthusiasts. Both SUVs provide great comfort, but the Lexus NX stands out for its luxury feel.
Technology and Features: Which SUV is More Tech-Savvy?
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX is equipped with advanced tech features, including a 14-inch infotainment screen (on higher trims), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 comes standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and pre-collision system. The NX also offers an optional heads-up display and an optionally upgraded Mark Levinson audio system, making it ideal for those who want a luxurious, tech-filled driving experience.
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 comes with the MIB 3 infotainment system, which includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital display. The Q3 also offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. On the safety side, the Q3 includes Audi Pre Sense Basic, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Q3’s Virtual Cockpit is one of the standout features, offering a fully customizable digital instrument cluster that’s both functional and visually impressive.
Verdict: The Lexus NX offers more advanced tech features, including a larger screen and more driver-assistance systems, while the Audi Q3 provides a tech-forward interior with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, making it ideal for those who prioritize digital technology.
Pricing and Value: Which SUV Offers the Best Deal?
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX starts at approximately $39,000 for the base trim, with higher trims reaching around $50,000. Given its luxury feel, advanced features, and comfort, the NX offers great value for those who want a high-end compact SUV without paying the price of a larger luxury SUV.
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 starts at around $36,000, with higher trims reaching about $45,000. While slightly more affordable than the Lexus, the Q3 offers a sportier ride and digital tech features, providing excellent value for those who want a performance-oriented compact luxury SUV.
Verdict: The Lexus NX offers a more luxurious feel at a slightly higher price, while the Audi Q3 provides great value for those seeking sporty performance and digital tech features at a more affordable price.
Conclusion
The 2026 Lexus NX is perfect for buyers who seek a luxurious, comfortable, and tech-savvy SUV with a smooth, quiet ride. Its higher starting price is justified by its premium features and refined design.
The 2025 Audi Q3 is ideal for those who want a sportier driving experience combined with advanced digital tech and a modern interior. It’s a more affordable option for buyers who want performance and cutting-edge features.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value luxury and comfort (Lexus NX) or performance, space, and advanced features (Audi Q3).
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Sarthak Singh, an automotive enthusiast from Varanasi, India, is currently pursuing a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Sustainable Energy Technology at NIT Kurukshetra. Born on 23rd May 2003, Sarthak blends his technical background with a deep passion for the automotive world, particularly focusing on sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.
With over 2 years of experience in automotive content writing, Sarthak brings valuable insights into the latest trends, reviews, and innovations in the automotive industry. His expertise enables him to deeply explore how green technologies, like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, are shaping the future of transportation.
Through his contributions to MotorGold.net, Sarthak provides expert advice on vehicle maintenance, understanding modern automotive trends, and embracing sustainable solutions for a greener future.