2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which had a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section, unlike some competitors with awkward rear ends. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was noticeable since its last redesign was five years prior. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was smaller compared to rivals, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 felt less special as non-luxury brands improved their offerings.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its modern and refined exterior, highlighted by a large shield grille and rakish headlights. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a centre console full of controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features. Standard amenities included tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and power-adjustable heated seats. The Type S Ultra added a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, which were firmer and more refreshing than those in other luxury SUVs. While the Mercedes-Benz GLS had a more advanced cabin, the MDX excelled in comfort and massaging features.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI quattro had a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an electric-only range of 37 km. All models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, making initial acceleration sluggish. However, once moving, power was adequate, and handling was sporty with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, maintaining a quiet cabin.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S Ultra featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD system. The Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and quick throttle response, with a comfortable ride over bumps. It included Brembo brakes and adaptive air suspension, allowing for a light and agile feel. The Integrated Dynamics System offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode for increased ground clearance. The MDX excelled on highways, with a firm yet comfortable ride, and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but was still effective. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, with traditional dials for climate control. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback. Storage options were available, though some were oddly shaped. The Q5 provided up to 730 litres of cargo space, slightly less in the Sportback, but still competitive with rivals.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space was 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,690 litres with seats folded. The Type S Ultra had a second-row bench with a fold-down console, and plenty of cupholders throughout. The centre console offered ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered. The shifter was a row of buttons, and the IDS dial took up space, making the setup less intuitive.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the system took time to boot. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was available on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature control. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was less intuitive, controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. The touchpad and charging pad were cleverly integrated, but the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars for rollover tests. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and more.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It had not been tested for 2024, but the 2022 model received five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The infotainment system's complexity posed a distraction risk.