2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Acura MDX

$60,500 · Crossover

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the established luxury of the 2025 Audi Q7 and the sporty value proposition of the 2026 Acura MDX is a tough call for many premium crossover shoppers. The most immediate hurdle is the sticker price, with the MDX coming in $8,700 cheaper at $51,800 compared to the Q7's $60,500 MSRP. While both achieve a commendable 22 combined MPG, the Acura pulls ahead on raw power, boasting 290 hp versus the Audi’s 261 hp, even though both demand premium fuel. For practical purposes, the MDX offers significantly more utility, hauling 18.1 cu ft of gear compared to the Q7’s tighter 14.2 cu ft. However, buyers prioritizing standard traction might lean toward the Q7’s standard All-Wheel Drive system over the MDX’s standard Front Wheel Drive configuration. This comparison balances established German refinement against impressive Japanese horsepower and affordability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7's standard All-Wheel Drive offers better traction confidence for daily driving in varied weather conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX provides significantly more usable space with 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Q7's 14.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura MDX

The MDX delivers a higher peak output with 290 horsepower, making it the punchier performer of the two.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is $8,700 less expensive while offering superior horsepower and cargo volume.

Choose the Audi Q7 if...

You prioritize the security of standard All-Wheel Drive over the MDX's FWD setup.
You prefer the marginally more spacious exterior dimensions, measuring 199.3 inches long.
You require the lower overall height profile at 68.5 inches for specific parking situations.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Saving $8,700 on the initial purchase price is a major deciding factor.
You need maximum cargo room, as the MDX offers 18.1 cu ft compared to 14.2 cu ft.
You prefer the extra power boost from the 290 hp engine over the Q7's 261 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q7	Acura MDX
Length	199.3"	198.4"
Width	77.6"	78.7"
Height	68.5"	67.9"
Wheelbase	117.9"	113.8"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft	267 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	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	450.0/585.0 mi.	351.5/481.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather 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	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Acura
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	11
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Acura
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	61.9 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
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
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	—	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

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 Q7 and 2026 Acura MDX.

Is the Audi Q7’s requirement for premium unleaded fuel a big deal compared to the Acura MDX?

Yes, the Audi Q7 strictly requires premium fuel, which adds to its running costs, whereas the 2026 Acura MDX only recommends it for its higher-output 290 hp engine. Both vehicles achieve the same 22 combined MPG rating.

How much more cargo space does the Acura MDX offer over the Audi Q7?

The Acura MDX is significantly better for hauling gear, boasting 18.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Audi Q7 is restricted to just 14.2 cubic feet behind its rear seats.

Which crossover is generally quicker off the line based on specifications?

The 2026 Acura MDX has the edge in potential quickness, producing 290 horsepower compared to the 2025 Audi Q7's 261 horsepower. Both offer substantial torque figures near 270 lb-ft.

If I drive in snow frequently, should I choose the Audi Q7?

Likely yes, as the Audi Q7 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is generally preferable for slippery conditions. The base 2026 Acura MDX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.