2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 Acura MDX

$58,400 · Crossover

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2026 Acura MDX is the $6,600 MSRP difference, positioning the MDX at $51,800 versus the SQ5's $58,400. This cost gap is accompanied by a substantial 59 horsepower deficit for the Acura; the SQ5 produces 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the MDX is the larger vehicle, measuring 198.4 inches long compared to the SQ5’s 184.3 inches. However, this increased exterior size on the MDX results in less usable storage, offering only 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the SQ5's 25.9 cu ft. While the SQ5 offers superior performance metrics, the MDX is marginally more efficient, achieving 22 combined MPG compared to the Audi’s 21 combined MPG, despite both recommending premium fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX achieves slightly better fuel economy at 22 combined MPG versus the Audi SQ5's 21 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 provides substantially more cargo volume at 25.9 cubic feet compared to the Acura MDX's 18.1 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 boasts a clear performance advantage with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque over the Acura MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX undercuts the Audi SQ5 by $6,600 in base MSRP while offering a larger exterior footprint.

Choose the Audi SQ5 if...

Your priority is maximum acceleration and dynamic performance, evidenced by its 349 hp output.
You require maximum utility space in a shorter package, utilizing 25.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
You prefer the stability and traction afforded by standard all-wheel drive.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You are aiming for the lower initial outlay, starting at $51,800 compared to $58,400.
Your driving emphasizes slightly better efficiency, netting 22 combined MPG versus 21.
You prefer the driving characteristics of a slightly larger vehicle, measuring 198.4 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5	Acura MDX
Length	184.3"	198.4"
Width	74.5"	78.7"
Height	65.5"	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
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Acura
Front Head Room	39.6 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	39.3 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	255/45R	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 and 2026 Acura MDX.

Which vehicle offers better straight-line performance?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 is superior in performance, delivering 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This significantly outpaces the 2026 Acura MDX, which is rated at 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

How does the cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers?

The Audi SQ5 offers a significantly larger cargo area with 25.9 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. The Acura MDX is substantially smaller in this metric, providing only 18.1 cubic feet.

What is the primary difference in powertrain and drivetrain configuration?

The Audi SQ5 features an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with standard all-wheel drive. Conversely, the Acura MDX uses a 10-speed automatic transmission standard with front-wheel drive.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy for daily driving?

The difference is minimal, but the 2026 Acura MDX has a slight edge at 22 combined MPG (19 city/26 highway). The 2025 Audi SQ5 is rated at 21 combined MPG (19 city/24 highway).

How large is the price gap between the two models?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 starts at an MSRP of $58,400, making it $6,600 more expensive than the 2026 Acura MDX, which begins at $51,800.

Which vehicle is physically larger in exterior dimensions?

The 2026 Acura MDX is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 198.4 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 67.9 inches high. The Audi SQ5 is notably shorter in length at 184.3 inches.