2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

$51,200 · Crossover

$52,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback often boils down to space versus style and efficiency. If you need maximum utility in a three-row capable package, the MDX is significantly larger, measuring 198.4 inches long compared to the Q5 Sportback's 184.6 inches. However, that size comes at a cost to efficiency; the MDX manages 22 combined MPG, while the nimbler Q5 Sportback achieves 25 combined MPG, using its slightly more efficient 7-speed automated manual. Power distribution also differs, with the MDX boasting 290 hp versus the Q5 Sportback’s 261 hp, though both recommend premium unleaded fuel. While the Audi offers a larger 24.7 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats (assuming the MDX comparison is based on its third row folded or smallest configuration), the MDX carries a lower starting MSRP of $51,200 versus the Audi's $52,200.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the MDX's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is the clear family choice because its substantially larger physical dimensions (198.4 inches long) suggest greater interior volume, despite the smaller listed cargo spec.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX appeals more to driving enthusiasts as it provides a notable advantage in raw output with 290 hp compared to the Q5 Sportback's 261 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX offers a lower entry point at $51,200, making it the better value proposition considering its size and power output.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize outright power, as the MDX delivers 290 hp.
You need a slightly lower starting price, listed at $51,200.
You prefer the traditional feel of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Audi Q5 Sportback if...

Maximizing fuel economy is key, as it achieves 25 combined MPG.
You prefer the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
You need the better listed cargo capacity of 24.7 cu ft in a more compact overall package.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Audi Q5 Sportback
Length	198.4"	184.6"
Width	78.7"	74.5"
Height	67.9"	65.4"
Wheelbase	113.8"	111.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	261 hp
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	273 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Audi
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	11	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	180W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Audi
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Audi
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	235/55R19
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback.

How much more efficient is the Audi Q5 Sportback than the Acura MDX?

The Audi Q5 Sportback holds a slight efficiency edge, posting 25 combined MPG, which is 3 MPG better than the Acura MDX's 22 combined MPG rating. This efficiency difference exists even though both require premium unleaded fuel.

Is the Acura MDX significantly larger than the Audi Q5 Sportback?

Yes, the MDX is substantially longer and wider, measuring 198.4 inches in length compared to the Q5 Sportback's 184.6 inches. This increased exterior size likely translates to more overall cabin volume.

Which vehicle offers better performance metrics?

The Acura MDX has more horsepower at 290 hp, while the Audi Q5 Sportback has slightly more torque at 273 lb-ft. Enthusiasts seeking raw power will lean toward the MDX's higher horsepower figure.

Do both crossovers use premium fuel?

Yes, according to the provided data, both the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback recommend the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

How does the cargo area compare between the two?

Surprisingly, the smaller Audi Q5 Sportback offers a larger listed cargo capacity at 24.7 cu ft compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft. This suggests the Audi prioritizes usable rear storage despite its smaller footprint.