2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

$51,200 · Crossover

$61,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback lies in their initial outlay, with the MDX starting at $51,200 compared to the SQ5 Sportback's $61,800, a $10,600 disparity. Performance metrics heavily favor the Audi, which generates 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque versus the MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft. This power differential is notable, although both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with the MDX achieving 22 MPG combined against the SQ5 Sportback's 21 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Acura is longer at 198.4 inches, offering less utility; the SQ5 Sportback leads in storage with 24.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet, despite being the sportier package.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is marginally more fuel-efficient, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Audi's 21 MPG, offering minor long-term savings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback provides substantially greater usable space with 24.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, outweighing the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback delivers a commanding 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a superior performance metric over the MDX's 290 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX undercuts the Audi by $10,600, presenting a significantly lower entry price for a luxury crossover.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Budget constraints dictate a purchase under the $52,000 mark, as the MSRP is $10,600 less than the competition.
Maximizing interior cargo space efficiency over sheer volume is desired, despite the lower overall cubic footage.
A vehicle with a slightly greater stated combined fuel economy of 22 MPG is preferred for daily mileage.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

Access to superior output, specifically 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, is a primary driving factor.
A larger usable cargo area of 24.7 cubic feet is essential for utility needs.
The AWD drivetrain configuration is preferred over the MDX's standard FWD setup for traction.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Audi SQ5 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	—	✓
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	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/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
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	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	20 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	255/55R19	255/45R20
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 Sportback.

How significant is the horsepower difference between the 2025 MDX and the 2025 SQ5 Sportback?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has a substantial advantage, producing 349 horsepower compared to the Acura MDX's 290 horsepower. This results in a 59 hp lead for the Audi, which will manifest in faster acceleration figures.

Does the Acura MDX offer better fuel efficiency than the Audi SQ5 Sportback?

The difference is marginal; the MDX achieves a combined 22 MPG, while the SQ5 Sportback is rated at 21 MPG combined. Both vehicles recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

Which crossover provides more storage capacity for cargo?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is the clear winner for capacity, offering 24.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. The 2025 Acura MDX trails significantly with only 18.1 cubic feet.

What is the price difference influencing the value verdict between these two models?

The MSRP gap is $10,600, with the MDX starting at $51,200 and the SQ5 Sportback at $61,800. This substantial initial cost difference heavily favors the Acura on a pure value metric.

Do the dimensions significantly affect their presence on the road?

Yes, the Acura MDX is noticeably larger, measuring 198.4 inches in length compared to the SQ5 Sportback's 184.6 inches. The Audi is also narrower and shorter in height.

Are there any differences in the standard drivetrain or transmission?

The MDX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive and utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the SQ5 Sportback features an All-Wheel Drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.