2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Audi SQ5
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Audi SQ5 often boils down to budget versus performance cachet. If saving money is a priority, the MDX starts at a compelling $51,200, significantly undercutting the SQ5's $58,400 sticker price, a difference of $7,200 right off the bat. However, that extra cash buys tangible power in the Audi; the SQ5 boasts 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft. While both recommend premium fuel, the MDX ekes out a slight edge in efficiency at 22 combined MPG versus the SQ5's 21 MPG. Practically speaking, the MDX is also the larger vehicle, measuring 198.4 inches long, while the Audi offers superior cargo volume at 25.9 cu ft versus the MDX's 18.1 cu ft in the standard configuration. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize size and savings (MDX) or straight-line speed (SQ5).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 22 MPG and a lower initial cost, making daily driving more affordable.
2025 Audi SQ5
The Audi SQ5 provides significantly more usable space, offering 25.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.
2025 Audi SQ5
The SQ5 delivers superior performance credentials with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, far outpacing the MDX's 290 hp.
2025 Acura MDX
The MDX wins on initial value, saving the buyer $7,200 at the entry point while still delivering respectable power.
Choose the Acura MDX if...
- You need to keep the initial purchase price down, as the MDX starts $7,200 cheaper.
- You value a slightly better overall fuel rating, achieving 22 combined MPG.
- You need the length of a larger vehicle, as the MDX is 198.4 inches long compared to the SQ5's 184.3 inches.
Choose the Audi SQ5 if...
- Maximum cargo storage is essential, given the SQ5's generous 25.9 cu ft.
- You prioritize acceleration and passing power, benefiting from the SQ5's 349 hp.
- You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions over the MDX's FWD base.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura MDX | Audi SQ5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4" | 184.3" |
| Width | 78.7" | 74.5" |
| Height | 67.9" | 65.5" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 349 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 369 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| 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 | 19/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/481.0 mi. | 351.5/444.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.6 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/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.3 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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 20 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 255/55R19 | 255/45R |
| 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 SQ5.
Is the Audi SQ5 significantly more powerful than the Acura MDX?
Yes, the performance gap is notable; the 2025 Audi SQ5 puts out 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2025 Acura MDX delivers 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Audi has 59 more horsepower.
Which crossover is better for hauling larger items?
The Audi SQ5 is the clear winner for cargo if you need maximum space, offering 25.9 cu ft compared to the Acura MDX's smaller 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Do I need to use premium gas in both vehicles?
Both the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Audi SQ5 recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, so you should budget for that at the pump regardless of your choice.
How big is the price difference between these two models?
The MSRP gap is substantial; the Audi SQ5 starts at $58,400, making it $7,200 more expensive than the base price of the Acura MDX at $51,200.
Which crossover has better efficiency for highway commuting?
The Acura MDX technically wins on efficiency, achieving an estimated 26 MPG highway versus the Audi SQ5's 24 MPG highway, leading to minor savings over time.
What are the main differences in physical size?
The Acura MDX is significantly longer at 198.4 inches compared to the SQ5's 184.3 inches, though the Audi is also narrower (74.5 inches vs. 78.7 inches for the Acura).
More Premium SUVs ($50k-$80k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool