2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2025 Acura MDX received subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions also featured new wheel designs and finishes, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and providing additional storage space. The seats from the previous MDX Type S model were incorporated into the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a rugged SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing front-end look. The body sides featured well-defined lines, adding musculature to the design. Despite these changes, the new styling elements appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary. The Q5 offered trim levels including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights available on higher trims. The Q5 was available in standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade featured increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, offering a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered a choice between front-wheel drive and Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which was standard on higher trims. The MDX provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with driving modes including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual. However, using Sport mode frequently impacted fuel economy, with the A-Spec Advance averaging 18.4 mpg in testing. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering firm and communicative handling, but was not designed for off-roading.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive specs, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, impacting acceleration. The Q5 offered a steel-spring suspension with passive frequency selective damping, while the SQ5 featured air suspension with adaptive damping for sportier handling. The Q5's handling was competent but not sporty, with precise but lifeless steering. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for added versatility. The MDX provided ample legroom and thigh support in the second row, while the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. In-cabin storage was adequate, with a new center console tray and wireless smartphone charging pad. Cargo volume measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the previous model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. A sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the first row folded, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5 offered up to 4,400 pounds of towing capacity, exceeding some competitors.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa Built-in and Google Built-in, offering complimentary access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play for three years. The system replaced the previous True Touchpad Interface, providing a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and upgraded sound systems, including a Bang & Olufsen audio system with up to 31 speakers. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display, providing comprehensive data and easy access to vehicle functions.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen available for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 featured Audi's MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, with a built-in voice assistant for vehicle functions. An available head-up display provided speed, navigation, and driver-assistance information, while the Dynamic Interaction Light offered additional visual cues.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist were standard, with AcuraWatch 360 available on the Type S Advance, offering additional safety features like front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2024 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.