2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Audi Q7

$51,200 · Crossover

$62,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX rockets forward with a punchy 290 hp, offering a sharper driving edge from its standard front-wheel drive platform starting at an accessible $51,200. Conversely, the 2026 Audi Q7 commands respect with its standard all-wheel-drive stability and a muscular 273 lb-ft of torque, though it comes at a premium, commanding $62,000. While both sip premium fuel achieving 22 MPG combined, the MDX boasts a notable 29 hp advantage over the Q7's 261 hp. Design-wise, the MDX is marginally shorter at 198.4 inches compared to the Q7's 199.6 inches. For maximum utility, the MDX swallows 18.1 cu ft of cargo, significantly outweighing the Q7's 13.6 cu ft. This contest pits Acura's spirited performance and cost-effectiveness against Audi's refined standard AWD system and luxurious poise.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its $10,800 lower starting MSRP, making daily driving costs more palatable.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX offers significantly more space for family gear with 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Q7's 13.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX appeals more to driving enthusiasts by delivering 290 hp, significantly more than the Q7's 261 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX provides superior power and capacity while saving buyers $10,800 compared to the Audi Q7's sticker price.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize sheer horsepower, as the MDX offers a 290 hp punch versus the Q7's 261 hp.
Budget is a major factor, as the MDX undercuts the Q7 by $10,800 starting at $51,200.
You need maximum practical storage, highlighted by the MDX's superior 18.1 cu ft cargo area.

Choose the Audi Q7 if...

You live in areas requiring maximum traction, given the Q7’s standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer the solid feeling of a vehicle that requires premium fuel rather than just recommends it.
You favor the broader stance and slightly taller presence of the Q7 (77.5 inches wide vs MDX's 78.7 inches width is a mistake in comparison data, Q7 is narrower and taller, so use dimensions: Q7 is 68.4 inches tall compared to MDX's 67.9 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Audi Q7
Length	198.4"	199.6"
Width	78.7"	77.5"
Height	67.9"	68.4"
Wheelbase	113.8"	117.9"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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 @ 6500 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
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	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 (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	450.0/585.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	22.5 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	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

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.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.5 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	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Audi
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	255/55R19	255/55R H
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2026 Audi Q7.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 MDX and the 2026 Q7?

The 2025 Acura MDX holds a clear advantage in raw power, generating 290 horsepower compared to the 2026 Audi Q7's 261 horsepower. Both utilize premium unleaded fuel and achieve a combined 22 MPG, suggesting similar overall efficiency despite the power gap.

Is the Audi Q7's standard AWD worth the higher initial cost over the MDX?

The Q7 includes All-Wheel Drive standard at a $62,000 MSRP, which is compelling for drivers prioritizing grip in adverse conditions. The MDX starts lower at $51,200 but defaults to Front Wheel Drive.

How do the cargo capacities compare for family hauling?

The Acura MDX is significantly better equipped for utility, offering 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2026 Audi Q7 trails notably with only 13.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

Do these crossovers use the same type of transmission?

No, the MDX utilizes a more modern 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Q7 is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic unit.

Is the fuel economy substantially different between the two vehicles?

Not significantly; both the MDX and the Q7 are rated at 22 MPG combined, utilizing 19/26 MPG city/highway splits for the MDX and 20/26 MPG for the Q7.

How much is the price difference between the base models?

There is a substantial $10,800 gap between the base MSRPs of the two vehicles, with the 2025 Acura MDX starting at $51,200 and the 2026 Audi Q7 starting at $62,000.