2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a busy center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered various trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features like ambient lighting, upgraded audio systems, and heated seats. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, included luxurious massaging front seats and a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system, enhancing comfort and entertainment.

The 2025 Audi Q5 leaned into a robust SUV aesthetic with a large textured grille, prominent air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing look. Despite new styling elements, the Q5 appeared more like a facelift than a complete redesign. It offered Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights. The Q5 was available in standard and Sportback body styles, with the SQ5 performance grade offering increased power and sportier design elements. The interior was detailed but somewhat discordant, with top-notch materials and standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance package offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its sporty capabilities. The MDX could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produced 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 offered 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Despite these figures, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The Q5 featured steel-spring suspension with passive damping, while the SQ5 had air suspension with sportier tuning. The Q5 offered Off-Road modes but was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2024 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was smaller and best for children. It offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The MDX included a power liftgate and optional hands-free operation. The center console was spacious, but the control layout was cluttered, with a touchpad interface that was not user-friendly.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, offering adequate headroom and legroom. It featured a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat, with cargo space increasing to 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row. The Q5 included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with additional features like a panoramic sunroof and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Q5 offered up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity, surpassing some rivals.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging, with clever placement for charging ports in the center console.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on Premium Plus models. The MMI infotainment system was based on Android Automotive OS, providing a user-friendly experience. The Q5 included a built-in voice assistant and an available head-up display, enhancing driver convenience.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The 2022 MDX received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.