2023 Acura RDX vs. 2023 Audi Q5

2023 Acura RDX vs.
2023 Audi Q5

When it comes to luxury crossover utility vehicles, both the 2023 Acura RDX and the 2023 Audi Q5 are top contenders with strong sales in this segment year after year. They both offer two rows of comfortable seating, long lists of standard amenities, and the most current technology for staying safe and connected. When we compared them closely, though, we found several areas where the Acura RDX outshines the Audi Q5. We explore these contrasts on this page.

View Inventory

Price

The Acura RDX has a base MSRP of $41,750, making it a more affordable option than the Audi Q5 and its starting price of $44,200: that difference works out to a $2,450 savings for RDX buyers. Examining these models’ respective top-of-the-line trims reveals an even more significant price gap. The RDX A-Spec Advance is listed at $53,750, while the equivalent Q5 (with the Prestige 45 TFSI engine) sells for $57,400, a disparity of $3,650.

Engine and Transmission

While both automakers use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for these five-passenger crossovers, each takes a very different approach to using its powerplant. For example, Acura streamlines its offerings by building the RDX with one very capable engine that produces a punchy 272 horsepower. On the other hand, the Q5’s base engine (what Audi calls the 40 TFSI) makes just 201 horsepower. To approach the RDX’s capabilities, a Q5 buyer has to spend for the 261-horsepower 45 TFSI engine – which still falls short of the RDX. Audi does offer the 362-hp 55 TFSI, but at a high price: that upgrade adds about $10,000 to the Q5’s sticker.

Both vehicles come with an automatic transmission, but there are differences here, too. Acura uses a ten-speed gearbox with the RDX, compared to Audi’s seven-speed transmission in the Q5. More gears to progress through means smoother accelerating and decelerating, maximizing comfort for all occupants.

Drivetrain Choices

While all-wheel drive (AWD) can make a difference with traction and ride quality, it’s not a must-have for every vehicle owner. Acura offers buyers a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD on three RDX trims (Base, Technology, and A-Spec). The advantage of choosing FWD is a lower starting price (AWD is a $2,200 upgrade for RDX), better fuel economy, and lower long-term maintenance costs. The Q5 is sold only with AWD.

Trims

While most automakers (Acura and Audi included) bundle options in different trim packages, these groupings aren’t necessarily structured to everyone’s liking. A greater selection of trims ensures that the individual buyer has better success finding the version that best meets their needs. The 2023 Acura RDX is available in five trims – Base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance – while there are just three choices for the 2023 Audi Q5: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

Warranty

The RDX and Q5 come with the similar four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection. But Acura provides additional coverage by including a six-year powertrain warranty or 70,000 miles (from the original delivery date). This extra safeguard for the engine, transmission, and drive axles doesn’t exist for the Q5, as all coverage ends under the bumper-to-bumper program.

Cabin Space

Both of these high-quality vehicles have room for five across two rows, but that's where the interior similarities end. The RDX's greater length (187.4 inches versus 184.3 inches for the Q5) translates into more cabin space, especially for front-seat occupants.

Both vehicles have 38.0 inches of rear legroom, but the RDX has better front-row legroom (42.0 inches versus 40.9 inches) and shoulder room (60.0 inches versus 57.5 inches). Even the RDX's modestly greater headroom (40.0 inches versus 39.6 inches) can make a difference for some people. The RDX stays on top with more rear shoulder room (57.0 inches versus 56.5 inches). The Q5 does have greater read headroom (39.3 inches versus 38.0 inches). As for cargo space, the RDX tops out with 31.1 cubic feet behind the second row, while the Q5 has just 25.8 cubic feet behind its back seat.

**Based on current year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.