Your list of potential three-row mid-size SUVs to lease for 2022 will not be complete without the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX.
In the hotly contested three-row mid-size luxury SUV segment, the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX rely on their unique capabilities in order to stand out from the competition. While one offers more power and a tech-rich cabin, the other is your top choice if you are looking for superb trail tackling skills. In this article, we will compare these two SUVs to help you make a more informed choice when leasing.
What’s New
The Audi Q7 gets many enticing updates for the 2022 model year. Features such as heated exterior mirrors, ambient lighting, rare side airbags, and an upgraded tire pressure monitoring system are now standard across the Q7’s entire lineup. The premium plus trim now has more standard safety and driver assistance features than before. These features include lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Finally, Q7 models with the base four-cylinder engine can now be equipped with the black optic appearance package.
On the other hand, a new Blackline Special Edition model joins the GX’s lineup for 2022. This model features a couple of blacked-out exterior adornments, black faux-leather upholstery, distinctive 18-inch wheels, and a black interior headliner. Also, more features are now standard across the GX’s lineup for 2022. These features include in-dash navigation, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, power-folding heated side mirrors, etc.
Power And Transmission
Audi offers two engine options for the 2022 Q7. The entry-level powertrain consists of a 2.0Liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s the optional 3.0Liter turbocharged V-6 which combines with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and generates a total of 335-horses and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both engines’ pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.
For the 2022 GX, Lexus offers only one engine option, a naturally-aspirated 4.6Liter V-8 engine that puts out 301-hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. This engine combines with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Handling And Performance
The Audi Q7 is remarkably nimble and solid on the road despite its size. It also delivers a very smooth and quiet ride. Opting for the optional four-wheel steering, sporty 21-inch wheels tires, and air suspension, further enhances the ride quality of the Q7, making it one of the most agile mid-size three-row SUVs in its class. In terms of performance, the base Q7 sprints from 0-60mph in 6.7seconds, but it’s no match for the 335-hp models, which accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.0seconds. When fully equipped, the 2022 Audi Q7 can tow up to 7000 lbs.
The Lexus GX delivers a smooth and quiet ride, but the real qualities of this SUV are more visible on the trails. With superb off-road capabilities and up to 8.1-inch of ground clearance, the GX is well equipped with all the options and features needed to deliver a flawless off-road experience. But while on the road, the Q7 boasts superior driving dynamics than the GX. Coming to acceleration, the 2022 Lexus GX accelerates from zero-to-60mph in 7.2seconds. It also has a maximum towing capacity of 6500 lbs. If you are looking for a mid-size three-row SUV fit to take on any terrain, leasing the 2022 Lexus GX is a great choice.
Fuel Economy
If you’re in search of a fuel-efficient SUV, you might want to look elsewhere, as this segment of mid-size three-row SUVs is powered by fuel-thirsty powertrains.
2022 Q7 models with the base 248-hp engine get an EPA rating of 20-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. The optional 335-hp models are rated 17-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. The 2022 Lexus GX earns the least rating. It is rated 15-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway.
Interior
Inside, the Audi Q7 has a classic and upscale cabin brimming with high-tech and luxury features. Typical of the German automaker, the Q7 gets a minimalist design with high-quality interior materials. The seats are extremely comfortable, and the layout is attractive. Two touchscreen displays adorn the Q7’s center dash. The upper display is a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, etc. The lower display is an 8.6-inch screen that embodies climate controls and other essential settings. The Q7 also has a slightly more spacious interior than the GX. Consider leasing the 2022 Audi Q7 for its higher performance, fuel economy, and luxurious interior.
The Lexus GX gets a quiet and comfortable interior with high-tech features. However, the SUV’s interior looks outdated and conspicuously begging for a total redesign to match the current standards in this segment. There are three rows of seats, and just like in the Q7, the third appears to be too tight for adults. The interior build quality is ok, but there are a few signs of cost-cutting, which comes as a surprise considering the vehicle’s price tag. The first two rows are roomy and comfortable, with a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the dashboard and an optional rear-seat entertainment that features two infotainment displays mounted behind the front seats for rear passengers. Android Auto and Apple Carplay integration and other safety, luxury, and convenience features are standard.
With eye-catching exterior designs and many cutting-edge tech features, the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX are two exciting haulers, no doubt. Even though they’re not the most entertaining SUVs in their segment, the Q7 and GX each have unique traits that will please mid-size SUV enthusiasts. Having seen their strengths and weaknesses, choosing between these two SUVs shouldn’t be a problem anymore.
To get the best lease deals on any of these SUVs, don’t hesitate to contact VIP Auto. We are a highly reputable car leasing company with branches scattered across the United States, and we are famous for our low-priced mouthwatering lease deals. We offer the newest cars from virtually every known car brand in the United States, including Audi and Lexus.
Reach out to us now at 1201 Buck Rd Suite 1, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053 (215) 660 0300 https://www.vipautopa.com/ let’s have your preferred SUV delivered to your driveway in record time.
