2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Acura RDX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2026 Acura RDX often boils down to whether you prioritize smooth efficiency or punchy performance right out of the gate. Starting at a very similar MSRP ($45,400 for the Audi versus $45,100 for the Acura), the core difference shows up immediately under the hood. The 2026 RDX boasts a significant 272 hp, leaving the 2025 Q5’s 201 hp feeling reserved. This power gap is reflected in fuel economy; the Q5 offers 26 combined MPG compared to the RDX’s 23 combined MPG. You get 3.6 more cubic feet of cargo space in the RDX (29.5 cu ft versus 25.9 cu ft), making it physically larger overall. If high-end refinement is paramount, the Audi might appeal, but the RDX offers noticeably more outright performance for nearly the same entry cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The Q5 provides slightly better fuel economy (26 combined MPG) and uses a more conservative powertrain setup suited for daily stop-and-go traffic.
2026 Acura RDX
With 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, the RDX offers significantly more room for strollers, gear, and groceries than the Q5’s 25.9 cu ft.
2026 Acura RDX
The RDX has 71 more horsepower (272 hp vs 201 hp) and 44 more lb-ft of torque, promising a much livelier driving experience.
2026 Acura RDX
For only $300 less MSRP, the RDX provides substantially more horsepower and a greater amount of usable cargo space.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency and achieving 29 highway MPG.
- You prefer the smoother shifting feel often associated with a dual-clutch automated manual transmission.
- You appreciate the slightly smaller exterior footprint for easier city parking (184.3 inches long).
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- You want substantially more power, capitalizing on 272 horsepower for highway merging.
- Maximum storage capacity is critical, as 29.5 cubic feet beats the Q5 easily.
- A traditional 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred over an automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 187.4" |
| Width | 74.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 65.5" | 65.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Ventilated 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/536.5 mi. | 359.1/461.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 9 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 60.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.0 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 and 2026 Acura RDX.
How significant is the performance gap between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Acura RDX generates 272 hp while the 2025 Audi Q5 produces 201 hp, giving the RDX 71 more horsepower to play with.
Which vehicle is genuinely better for road trips regarding fuel economy?
The 2025 Audi Q5 offers better efficiency, rating at 26 combined MPG versus the RDX’s 23 combined MPG, and achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
Do these crossovers require the same grade of gasoline?
Both the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2026 Acura RDX recommend premium unleaded fuel, so fueling costs beyond efficiency will be comparable.
Is the cargo area substantially different for hauling bulky items?
Yes, the 2026 Acura RDX offers 29.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is noticeably more usable space than the Q5’s 25.9 cubic feet.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different in feel?
The Audi Q5 uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic, which should result in different acceleration and shift pacing.
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