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. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Acura MDX boasted a striking exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a modern lower bumper design. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Technology Package added ambient lighting and a premium stereo, while the A-Spec offered sportier styling and an upgraded audio system. The Type-S Advance, which we tested, included a top-end sound system and massaging front seats. Despite the Mercedes-Benz GLS having a more luxurious cabin, the MDX excelled with its superior massaging seats.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, offering 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making it feel slower than its 5.7-second 0-60 mph estimate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The cabin remained quiet, meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. The Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and quick throttle delivery, with a comfortable ride over bumps. Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension enhanced handling, while the Integrated Dynamics System provided various drive modes. The MDX excelled on highways, offering a refined and comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned to reduce distraction, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The front seats offered ample space, and the rear seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided up to 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less in the Sportback model.

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 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Type-S Advance had a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. The center console offered ample storage, though the center stack of controls was cluttered. The shifter was a row of buttons, and the IDS drive-mode selector was a large dial, taking up valuable space.

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

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad. The 12.3-inch display was not a touchscreen, requiring a touchpad for navigation. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console had cleverly placed charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad. Despite these features, the infotainment system was unintuitive, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.