2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a luxury crossover like the 2025 Audi Q5 and the utilitarian 2026 Honda Ridgeline often boils down to prioritizing refinement versus raw capability. Many buyers wrestle with whether the premium feel of the Audi justifies its $45,400 MSRP, especially when the Ridgeline starts significantly lower at $40,595. Performance figures show a notable gap; the Ridgeline boasts 280 hp compared to the Q5's 201 hp. However, the Q5 claws back ground in efficiency, achieving a combined 26 MPG using premium fuel, notably better than the Ridgeline's 21 MPG on regular unleaded. While the Q5 is shorter at 184.3 inches, offering easier city parking, the Ridgeline is significantly larger overall, which aids in its payload ability, despite having a smaller enclosed cargo capacity of 7.3 cu ft versus the Audi's 25.9 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller dimensions (184.3 inches long) making urban navigation simpler.
2025 Audi Q5
Families benefit more from the Q5's 25.9 cu ft of secure, enclosed cargo space compared to the Ridgeline's open truck bed configuration.
2026 Honda Ridgeline
Enthusiasts will prefer the Ridgeline for its higher output of 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, despite using an automatic transmission.
2026 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline offers substantially more power for a $4,805 lower starting price than the Audi Q5.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- You prioritize better fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the slightly lower ownership running cost associated with regular unleaded fuel (though the Q5 recommends premium, the Ridgeline requires it to achieve its stated MPG figures, while the Q5 offers better efficiency).
- You need easier parking and handling in tight city environments due to its shorter 184.3-inch length.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You require more raw acceleration, thanks to its 280 hp engine.
- You plan on hauling larger items that fit better in a truck bed structure, rather than the Q5's enclosed 25.9 cu ft cargo area.
- You want to save nearly $5,000 upfront, as the Ridgeline starts at $40,595 versus the Q5's $45,400 MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 210.2" |
| Width | 74.5" | 78.6" |
| Height | 65.5" | 70.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 125.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 9-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 | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/536.5 mi. | 351.0/468.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 215W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 7 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.6 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.
How much more power does the Ridgeline have than the Audi Q5?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower, giving it a significant 79 hp advantage over the 2025 Audi Q5's 201 hp output.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for long highway trips?
The Audi Q5 is the more efficient choice, rated for 29 MPG highway compared to the Ridgeline's 24 MPG highway rating.
Is the Audi Q5 or the Honda Ridgeline cheaper to purchase initially?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a lower starting MSRP of $40,595, saving buyers $4,805 compared to the Audi Q5's $45,400 entry price.
Which vehicle is physically larger, and does that mean more cargo room?
The Ridgeline is significantly longer (210.2 inches vs. 184.3 inches) and wider, but the Q5 offers much more secure, enclosed cargo space at 25.9 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
Do I have to buy premium gasoline for either vehicle?
The 2025 Audi Q5 recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the 2026 Honda Ridgeline is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
How do the drivetrains compare between the two AWD vehicles?
Both offer All-Wheel Drive, but the Audi uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Ridgeline utilizes a larger 9-speed shiftable automatic.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool