2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Acura MDX came across as a decent-looking crossover SUV. Although its styling wasn't exactly groundbreaking or head-turning, it held its own in various settings without causing embarrassment to its driver. The MDX was neither a standout nor an eyesore; it provided a just-right blend of aesthetics that made it fit comfortably in any parking lot or at the country club valet.

Acura was notable for being an early adopter of LED headlights, leading to their distinctive Jewel Eye headlights. These lamps not only enhanced functionality but also gave the MDX's front end a rich, refined look. Each headlamp featured five horizontally arranged LED elements within a handsomely designed housing, flanked by a prominent trapezoidal grille with a center-anchored Acura logo, thus crafting an expressive face.

For a three-row SUV, the MDX displayed a sleek and low-slung profile with well-chiseled details and an eye-catching roofline. The paint and chrome details were impeccably executed, a clear testament to Acura's attention to detail.

Internally, the MDX presented a modern and straightforward design, steering clear of excessive padding and stitching commonly found in luxury interiors. The center stack was a highlight with dual infotainment screens—a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED navigation screen and an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen below it, flanked by three rows of buttons and a central command wheel. High-quality materials and an excellent fit and finish gave the MDX an air of solidity and careful construction. The actuating knobs and switches reinforced this impression with their firm, satisfying tactile feedback.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 displayed a sharp and distinctly modern design language associated with Audi, while maintaining its unique character within the lineup. The Q5 flaunted an expressive front, featuring sophisticated LED headlights adjacent to a robust Audi Singleframe grille. The horizontal elements of the grille emphasized the vehicle's width, while crisp character lines and a protective greenhouse accentuated its body. The bold rear end featured large, striking taillights, encapsulating a classy and modern aesthetic enhanced by unbeatable fit and finish.

Inside, the Q5 continued to impress with a stylish and modern aura, packed with technology yet retaining an uncluttered layout. Buttons, switches, and knobs were intelligently grouped, ensuring functionality without disrupting the interior's streamlined design. The choice of materials was top-notch, featuring real wood, metal, and well-crafted surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen perched at the top of the center stack was ideally positioned for the driver’s line of sight, adding to the car's user-friendly nature. The second row was tastefully appointed with standard leather seating surfaces, maintaining a consistent luxury feel throughout the vehicle.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a choice between two powertrain configurations. The first was a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, boasting direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and could be configured with either front-wheel drive or the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid utilized a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined system output of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

In practice, the gasoline model equipped with SH-AWD showcased commendable straight-line performance, with spirited acceleration and takeoff. Paddle shifters enabled sequential shifting, although the well-behaved transmission typically delivered the necessary shifts within Comfort or Sport drive modes.

The MDX demonstrated notable nimbleness in corners and curves, especially with SH-AWD's torque-vectoring capability. This technology directed power to the outside wheel during turns, enhancing turn-in sharpness and improving overall handling. This feature was especially apparent when accelerating from a standstill around a corner, adeptly managing power distribution to prevent rear tire grip loss or traction control engagement, thus ensuring a smooth, drama-free turn.

Meanwhile, the Q5 PHEV improved on an already enjoyable crossover found in its standard gasoline-only form. The plug-in hybrid version added an extra 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. With an electric motor supporting the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, the Q5 PHEV showcased impressive dynamics, achieving 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. Fuel efficiency was outstanding, with figures of 65 MPGe combined in hybrid mode and 27 mpg combined in gasoline-only mode. The 14.1-kWh battery could be recharged overnight using a standard household outlet or within 2.4 hours with a 240-volt service.

The Q5 PHEV’s seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive offered flexibility in driving modes—ranging from battery-only to hybrid—allowing drivers to optimize efficiency based on driving conditions.

Q5 utilized speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering with a 38.4-foot turning radius, a dimension that required adjustment but quickly became intuitive for drivers. Its four-wheel independent suspension, with five-link setups at both ends, contributed to a balanced, sporty feel while maintaining a comfortable ride. The Q5's handling was sharp, body roll minimal, and braking robust and responsive.

The 2020 Acura MDX embraced the rise of three-row SUVs, adopting functionalities that once were mainly found in minivans. The MDX's second-row seats could slide and recline, facilitating easier access to the third row, and permitting legroom adjustment between rows as needed. The vehicle provided good headroom across all the rows.

With 15.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, the MDX offered practicality. The third-row seats could fold flat in a 50/50 split, expanding cargo space to 43.4 cubic feet. Folding down the second row (60/40 split) opened up a significant 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with a flat load floor all the way up to the front seats. Additional storage solutions included a recessed rear cubby hole and an underfloor compartment for concealed storage.

The MDX's front cabin featured a spacious glove box, an overhead sunglass pocket, and a center console with extensive storage options, including two large cupholders, USB and auxiliary ports, and sufficient space to hold a tablet or a small laptop. The door panels accommodated water bottles and extra items, while the second and third-row occupants enjoyed dedicated cupholders and storage pockets.

In tune with its luxury nature, the MDX came with tri-zone climate control, ensuring individualized comfort settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear occupants. It seamlessly combined minivan functionality with SUV style, making it an attractive choice for those needing family-friendly accommodations without compromising aesthetics.

Conversely, the 2021 Audi Q5 was part of the compact crossover SUV boom due to its optimal size and smart packaging. The Q5 PHEV cleverly positioned its battery under the luggage compartment floor, preserving precious cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row and expanded to 53.1 cubic feet when the second row was folded down.

Second-row space wasn't an afterthought in the Q5, offering 37.8 inches of legroom and 37.7 inches of headroom, along with 56.5 inches of shoulder room. This allowed two adults to sit comfortably in the second row behind the front seats, with a third adult able to fit on shorter trips. The first-row occupants were pampered with Audi’s comfortable, adjustable seats featuring heating and optional ventilation on the Prestige trim.

The Q5’s interior boasted practical storage solutions, including cupholders, various nooks, and a small storage bin under the center console armrest. The vehicle's design remained uncluttered, with intuitive and functional layouts reinforcing its luxurious yet practical nature.

Comparing the two, while the Acura MDX offered a substantially larger cargo capacity of up to 90.9 cubic feet, the Audi Q5, despite being a compact SUV, provided a commendable amount of storage space with its 53.1 cubic feet. Both vehicles excelled in making efficient use of their interior layouts to provide family-friendly functionality and convenient storage options.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its trim offerings into packages brimming with technology. The base model was well-equipped with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text and email capability, a CD/MP3/WMA-compatible player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. For those seeking advanced tech features, Acura provided the Technology Package ($5,000), which included rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation with real-time traffic, GPS-linked climate control, remote start, and a ten-speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio system. Additionally, the Advance Package ($6,750) offered more luxury and tech, such as an Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, power lumbar support, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera, Head-Up Warning, and extra USB ports in the third row. For entertainment, the Entertainment Package ($2,000) provided a rear DVD system, a 110-volt power outlet, wireless headphones, and an option for a larger 16.2-inch Ultra-Wide screen with extra speakers.

The 2021 Audi Q5 excelled with its latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, combined with an easy-to-master center-console touchpad. Its Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus featured a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster with customizable views (classic, sport, dynamic), providing a futuristic tech experience. The cabin was further enhanced by color/mood-adjustable LED ambient interior lighting.

The Q5’s Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode when route guidance was activated. A notable upgrade was the Integrated Toll Module (ITM), a built-in transponder compatible with most US toll road services. Audi offered a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel, 755-watt amplifier as an option on the Premium Plus models and as standard on the Prestige trim. The car also featured wireless Apple CarPlay, which worked seamlessly.

Both vehicles came packed with impressive technology, but the Audi Q5's high versatility and advanced features, particularly its innovative infotainment system and customizable instrument panel, stood out.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package introduced Head-Up Warning. The MDX also boasted a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, elevated to a surround-view camera in the Advance Package. Other safety features included a comprehensive airbag system, stability and traction control, Trailer Stability Assist for AWD models, tire pressure monitoring with specific indicators, and a theft-deterrent system. Acura's Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact effectively, protecting passengers by directing energy away from them. The MDX earned top ratings from IIHS in all crash-test categories except for headlights, which were rated as "acceptable," and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by IIHS at the time, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in all categories except for headlights, which were rated as "marginal." The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars, and similar ratings were expected for the PHEV version. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, anti-theft alarm, interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights, LATCH connectors, a rearview camera, and tire-pressure monitoring. Available driver aids included Audi Advanced Key, Pre Sense rear, Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

Both vehicles provided an extensive array of safety features, but the Acura MDX’s impeccable safety ratings across the board lent an additional layer of reassurance.