2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Audi Q8

$51,200 · Crossover

$75,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a luxury-adjacent utility vehicle like the 2025 Acura MDX and a true luxury contender like the 2026 Audi Q8 often comes down to balancing budget against prestige and capability. The most glaring difference is the MSRP: the MDX starts at $51,200, significantly undercutting the Q8's $75,600 price tag, a $24,400 gap. While the Q8 boasts superior performance with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the MDX's 290 hp, the Acura delivers better efficiency, achieving 22 combined MPG versus the Audi's 19 combined MPG. Furthermore, the MDX is slightly smaller physically at 198.4 inches long versus the Q8’s 196.0 inches, yet surprisingly, the Audi offers nearly double the primary cargo space at 33.7 cu ft compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft, which is a major practical consideration for families.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX is the better commuter due to its slightly higher combined MPG of 22 and lower initial investment.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi Q8

The 2026 Audi Q8 offers significantly more utility with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi Q8

The 2026 Audi Q8 pulls ahead for driving enjoyment thanks to its higher output of 335 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

With a starting MSRP of $51,200 versus $75,600 for the Q8, the MDX provides a compelling package for substantially less money.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Your primary concern is minimizing purchase price, as the MDX is $24,400 cheaper to acquire.
You prioritize fuel economy, as the MDX achieves 22 combined MPG versus the Q8's 19.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable daily driver, considering the MDX's 290 hp is adequate for routine driving.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You demand higher performance, evidenced by the Q8's 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You frequently haul significant gear, as the Q8’s 33.7 cu ft cargo hold dwarfs the MDX’s 18.1 cu ft.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive traction for challenging weather conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Audi Q8
Length	198.4"	196.0"
Width	78.7"	79.0"
Height	67.9"	67.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	118.0"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	335 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
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 (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	17/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	382.5/517.5 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 with Side Sensing	—	✓
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
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.	37.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	41.6 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.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	40.2 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	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	21 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	285/45R21
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2026 Audi Q8.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Audi Q8 than the 2025 Acura MDX?

The 2026 Audi Q8 has a substantially higher starting MSRP of $75,600 compared to the 2025 Acura MDX at $51,200. This creates a notable price difference of $24,400 between the two crossovers.

Which vehicle is better for long highway trips regarding fuel consumption?

The 2025 Acura MDX is the more efficient choice for commuting and road trips, posting 26 MPG highway versus the Audi Q8's 23 MPG highway. The MDX also has better overall combined efficiency at 22 MPG.

Is the Audi Q8 significantly more powerful than the Acura MDX?

Yes, the Audi Q8 offers a distinct performance advantage, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This outpaces the Acura MDX, which delivers 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover offers more usable space for cargo?

The 2026 Audi Q8 is the clear winner for carrying capacity, providing 33.7 cu ft of cargo space. The 2025 Acura MDX is quite limited in comparison, offering only 18.1 cu ft behind the rear seats.

Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?

Yes, both vehicles mandate premium fuel for optimal performance; the Acura MDX recommends premium unleaded, while the Audi Q8 officially requires it.

Which vehicle comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?

The 2026 Audi Q8 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is a key differentiator from the front-wheel-drive configuration of the base 2025 Acura MDX.