2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Audi Q7

$51,800 · Crossover

$62,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2026 Acura MDX and the 2026 Audi Q7 is the $10,200 difference in starting MSRP, with the MDX priced at $51,800 versus the Q7's $62,000. Performance metrics show the MDX yielding a notable advantage in raw output, producing 290 hp compared to the Q7's 261 hp, despite the Q7 having slightly more torque at 273 lb-ft versus the MDX's 267 lb-ft. Fuel economy is identical across both models, reporting a combined 22 MPG. Dimensional analysis reveals the MDX is marginally longer at 198.4 inches and possesses substantially more usable storage, offering 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Q7's 13.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the MDX employs a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Q7 utilizes an 8-speed unit, alongside the Q7's standard All-Wheel Drive against the MDX's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its significantly lower initial MSRP of $51,800, lowering the barrier to entry.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura MDX

The MDX is superior for families, offering 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Q7's 13.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is favored by enthusiasts because its standard AWD system provides superior traction compared to the MDX's FWD standard setup.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The MDX offers better value, providing 29 more horsepower for $10,200 less than the Q7.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize maximum cargo volume, as the MDX delivers 18.1 cu ft.
You want the highest stated horsepower figure, with the MDX producing 290 hp.
Sticking strictly to a lower budget is critical, given the MDX's $51,800 MSRP.

Choose the Audi Q7 if...

Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for your driving conditions.
You prefer the marginally higher torque output of 273 lb-ft available in the Q7.
A required specification of premium fuel (as opposed to recommended) aligns with your preference.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Audi Q7
Length	198.4"	199.6"
Width	78.7"	77.5"
Height	67.9"	68.4"
Wheelbase	113.8"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Solid 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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	261 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Audi
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Audi
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
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	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Acura MDX and 2026 Audi Q7.

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

The 2026 Acura MDX provides significantly more storage space, boasting 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is substantially larger than the 13.6 cu ft offered by the 2026 Audi Q7.

Which vehicle has the superior powertrain specifications?

The Acura MDX has the horsepower advantage with 290 hp versus the Q7's 261 hp, although the Audi Q7 counters with slightly higher torque at 273 lb-ft compared to the MDX's 267 lb-ft.

What is the core difference in drivetrain configuration between these two models?

The 2026 Acura MDX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Audi Q7 includes All Wheel Drive as standard equipment coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Is there a fuel economy difference between the 2026 MDX and Q7?

No, the fuel economy ratings are identical for both vehicles in combined driving, achieving 22 MPG combined (19/26 City/Highway for the MDX and 20/26 for the Q7).

How does the pricing structure compare for the base models?

There is a substantial $10,200 price differential; the Acura MDX starts at $51,800 MSRP, whereas the Audi Q7 begins at $62,000 MSRP.

Do both models require the same fuel grade?

The 2026 Audi Q7 requires premium unleaded fuel for operation. The 2026 Acura MDX, however, only recommends premium unleaded, offering slightly more flexibility.