Audi Q5 vs. Acura RDX

Audi and Acura are two brands known for perfectly blending style with performance. In this comparison, luxury car shoppers near Devon, Malvern, and Phoenixville, PA, will have a front-row seat to the highly anticipated matchup of the Audi Q5 and the Acura RDX. 

Read on to learn about all the features that matter most when considering your next luxury SUV. From cabin amenities and safety features to progressive performance, our Audi Devon team will help you discover which is better suited for your daily drives. 

At first glance, the Audi Q5 and the Acura RDX epitomize style and sophistication. These sporty SUVs have stunning good looks, extending from their striking exteriors to their lavish, well-appointed cabins. Still, one proves that what’s inside counts—and it’s far more than just a pretty fascia.

From the moment you enter the Q5 or the RDX, you’ll feel welcomed, as though you’ve gained access to a mobile spa. Still, there are some distinct differences in their standards of luxury. While the Audi Q5 standardly furnishes its interior with leather seating and natural wood inlays, the Acura RDX trims its seats in leatherette and makes wood an available option. Likewise, their standard climate systems differ, with the RDX offering 2-zone control, while the Q5’s 3-zone standard system ensures the comfort of everyone on board.

Substantial amounts of headroom and legroom help ensure comfort wherever you're seated. However, second-row adult passengers may feel more relaxed with 39.3 inches of headroom in the Audi than the Acura's 38 inches.

Both models feature over 50 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Acura offers the typical 60/40 split rear seatback that’s helpful when you have longer gear to transport. Meanwhile, the 40/20/40 sliding, split folding rear seat of the Audi provides superior versatility and can fully adjust with your ever-changing passenger-to-cargo ratio.

In the digital age, today’s drivers require the ability to remain informed, connected, and engaged when on the go. Both models supply wireless smartphone connectivity for clutter-free communications. The Acura RDX equips a 10.2-inch display to access apps, maps, music, messages, etc. Meanwhile, the Audi Q5’s panoramic curved OLED display includes a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen. Add to that the available 10.9-inch front passenger display, and you’ll have a “digital stage” answering your every need.

A 10-speaker sound system comes standard in the Audi Q5, compared to nine speakers in the Acura RDX. The RDX also offers a 16-speaker premium system. However, for a fully immersive listening experience akin to enjoying a private concert, choose the Q5’s available 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 3D sound. Audi-ophiles, rejoice! 

The Audi Q5 and the Acura RDX prove that power and efficiency are not mutually exclusive and can co-exist within a luxury SUV. As vehicles continue to evolve, hybrid and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) technology becomes the wave of the future. As you’ll see, with the Q5, the future is now.

The Q5 and the RDX equip similar 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engines that generate over 200 horsepower and are fuel-sipping masters, as indicated by their respective fuel economy:

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  Audi Q5: EPA-estimated 23 city/29 hwy MPG*
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  Acura RDX: EPA-estimated 21 city/27 hwy MPG

They each provide driving modes to customize your vehicle’s handling by adjusting throttle, suspension, and steering for a smooth ride. Likewise, the Q5 and the RDX come standard with all-wheel drive, helping you forge ahead confidently, regardless of road or weather conditions.

However, only the Audi Q5 offers a PHEV version. The Q5 Plug-in Hybrid reduces your carbon footprint, allowing quick trips up to 23 miles using all-electric power, with a total PHEV range of 390 miles. * This alternative fuel option keeps your drive eco-friendly in a way the gas-powered RDX can't match.

In addition to its more impressive fuel economy, the Audi Q5 Plug-In Hybrid packs a more potent punch. It pairs the 2.0L TFSI® 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate up to 362 horsepower! Meanwhile, the RDX tops out at just 272 horsepower.