2025 Audi Q8 vs 2026 Acura MDX

$74,400 · Crossover

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q8 barrels onto the scene promising refined performance with 335 hp and substantial 369 lb-ft of torque, wrapped in a larger 196.0-inch shell, making it the choice for drivers prioritizing robust power and luxurious presence, despite its $74,400 MSRP. Conversely, the 2026 Acura MDX aims for accessible agility, boasting a lower entry price of $51,800 and slightly better efficiency at 22 MPG combined, even with 290 hp. While the Audi mandates premium fuel for its Quattro AWD system, the Acura typically runs on FWD. The Q8 offers a generous 33.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft. This comparison pits raw, upscale power against exceptional value and daily usability, highlighted by the significant $22,600 price divergence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 22 MPG and a lower starting price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 offers significantly more cargo capacity at 33.7 cu ft, which is crucial for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 delivers superior driving dynamics with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque versus the MDX's 290 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX presents superior value with a $51,800 MSRP against the Q8's $74,400 price tag.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You demand the prestige and dynamic punch delivered by 335 horsepower.
Your lifestyle requires maximum storage, benefiting from 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the assured grip of standard all-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Budget is a primary concern, given the significant $22,600 MSRP advantage ($51,800).
Prioritizing fuel savings is key, as the MDX achieves 22 MPG combined versus the Q8’s 19 MPG.
You prefer a slightly larger, though FWD-biased, vehicle structure (198.4 inches long).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q8	Acura MDX
Length	196.0"	198.4"
Width	79.0"	78.7"
Height	67.0"	67.9"
Wheelbase	118.0"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	335 hp	290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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)	17/23 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	382.5/517.5 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 with Side Sensing	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	37.1 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 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	38.1 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	60.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	57.8 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/45R21	255/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	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 Q8 and 2026 Acura MDX.

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

The Audi Q8 boasts 335 horsepower, giving it a 45 hp advantage over the Acura MDX's 290 horsepower rating. This translates to significantly higher torque figures as well, with the Q8 achieving 369 lb-ft.

Is the required premium fuel for the Q8 worth the higher cost compared to the MDX?

The Q8 mandates premium fuel, whereas the MDX only recommends it, suggesting potential long-term operational savings for the Acura owner. The Q8 also nets poorer efficiency at 19 MPG combined.

Which crossover offers substantially more space for luggage?

The 2025 Audi Q8 is the clear winner for cargo needs, providing 33.7 cubic feet of storage capacity. The 2026 Acura MDX is more constrained with only 18.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

What is the main difference in drivetrain between these two crossovers?

The Audi Q8 comes standard with an all-wheel drive system managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Acura MDX utilizes a front-wheel drive setup paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

How do the starting prices compare for the Audi Q8 versus the Acura MDX?

There is a major $22,600 difference in entry price between the two models. The 2026 Acura MDX starts at $51,800, significantly undercutting the 2025 Audi Q8's MSRP of $74,400.