2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2026 Acura MDX

$61,800 · Crossover

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback (car1) and the 2026 Acura MDX (car2) is the $10,000 difference in their Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the MDX starting at $51,800 versus the SQ5 Sportback's $61,800. Performance figures also show a substantial gap, as the Audi generates 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, outclassing the Acura's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft. Fuel economy offers a slight win to the MDX at 22 combined MPG compared to the Audi's 21 MPG. Conversely, the SQ5 Sportback offers a larger cargo volume at 24.7 cubic feet versus the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet, despite the MDX being significantly longer at 198.4 inches compared to the Audi's 184.6 inches. These specifications highlight a clear trade-off between accessible pricing/size and outright performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX achieves marginally better combined fuel economy at 22 MPG and comes with a $10,000 lower initial MSRP for daily savings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback provides superior cargo capacity at 24.7 cubic feet compared to the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet, aiding utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi SQ5 Sportback clearly leads in acceleration potential, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque versus the MDX's 290 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

For $10,000 less, the Acura MDX offers a modern 10-speed automatic transmission and slightly better efficiency, representing a strong baseline offering.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

Your priority is outright engine performance, evidenced by the 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You require maximum usable cargo space, as the SQ5 provides 24.7 cu ft versus 18.1 cu ft.
You prefer the assured grip and handling dynamics of a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Maintaining a budget is critical, given the $51,800 MSRP is $10,000 lower than Car 1.
You prioritize a slightly better combined EPA rating of 22 MPG.
A larger overall vehicle footprint is desired, as the MDX measures 198.4 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Acura MDX
Length	184.6"	198.4"
Width	74.5"	78.7"
Height	65.4"	67.9"
Wheelbase	111.0"	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	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	349 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 (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/444.0 mi.	351.5/481.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
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	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	61.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Acura
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	60.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	57.8 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R20	255/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

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 SQ5 Sportback and 2026 Acura MDX.

What is the primary performance difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback holds a substantial advantage in power, generating 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This compares directly to the 2026 Acura MDX, which is rated at 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the SQ5 Sportback and the MDX?

Despite the MDX being physically larger overall (198.4 inches long), the Audi SQ5 Sportback offers significantly more dedicated storage space. The SQ5 has 24.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the MDX is rated for 18.1 cubic feet.

Which vehicle is more budget-friendly?

The 2026 Acura MDX is the significantly more economical choice at its starting MSRP of $51,800. The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback is priced $10,000 higher at $61,800.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

No, the specification sheets indicate a key difference in standard drive type. The Audi SQ5 Sportback comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the base 2026 Acura MDX is listed with front-wheel drive.

What are the differences in their automatic transmissions?

The two vehicles utilize different transmission architectures, even though both are shiftable automatics. The Audi SQ5 uses an 8-speed unit, while the Acura MDX employs a 10-speed transmission.

How close are their fuel economy ratings?

The fuel economy figures are closely matched, with the Acura MDX holding a minor edge, achieving 22 combined MPG. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is rated slightly lower at 21 combined MPG, with both recommending premium unleaded fuel.