We’ve done many competing brands to Audi, such as the Audi Q5 vs Mercedes GLC, but we have yet to compare Audi to Acura, until now. In this article, we will be touching on the few similarities and many differences between the Audi Q5 vs Acura RDX. We’ll be covering topics such as size, price, performance, common problems, and more. Both vehicles are classified as compact luxury crossover SUVs.
Audi Q5 vs Acura RDX – The Basics
The Audi Q5 was first introduced in 2008 and is still in production today. In recent years, the Q5 is one of Audi’s top-selling vehicles. Since its release, the Audi Q5 has had two different generations: the 8R Q5 and FY Q5. Both generations were built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, but the newest generation was built on the MLB Evo platform. The Audi Q5 is positioned between the Q4 e-tron and the Q7.
The Acura RDX was first introduced 2 years earlier than the Q5 and is still in production today. For readers that don’t know, Acura is the luxury division of Honda. The RDX was Acura’s second SUV offering behind the popular MDX. Since its inception, there have been three different generations. The first two were built on the existing Honda platform, while the newest is built on its own platform. The RDX is currently positioned below the MDX. There are 5 different trims that the 2022 RDX offers: RDX, RDX Technology, RDX A-Spec, RDX Advance, and RDX A-Spec Advance.
Audi Q5 Generations
- 8R Q5 (B8) (2008 – 2017)
- FY Q5 (B9) (2018 – Present)
Acura RDX Generations
- TB1/2 Acura RDX (2006-2012)
- TB3/4 Acura RDX (2012-2018)
- TC1/2 Acura RDX (2018-Present)
Audi Q5 vs Acura RDX Price
In this portion, we will be going over brand new 2022, as of this writing, model prices and used prices for the Q5 and RDX.
New Audi Q5 Price
In this portion, we will be covering the new Q5 2022 prices. There are many engine options available in the Q5: a 40 TFSI, a 45 TFSI, and a 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid. All these engines can be found in all the trims. There is a Premium 40 TFSI Q5 that starts at $43,300, a Premium Plus 40 TFSI Q5 that starts at $48,300), and a Prestige 40 TFSI Q5 that starts at $54,000. A Premium 45 TFSI Q5 starts at $45,800, a Premium Plus 45 TFSI Q5 that starts at $50,800, and a Prestige 45 TFSI Q5 that starts at $56,500.
Lastly, a Premium 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid Q5 starts at $55,400, a Premium Plus 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid Q5 starts at $59,500, and a Prestige 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 that starts at $64,800. For those wanting more performance, there is an SQ5 that starts at $55,800. All trims come standard with Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system.
If you are curious about the trim differences with Audi’s, here is an article we wrote about the different Audi trims.
New Acura RDX Price
In this section, we will be covering the new Acura RDX 2022 prices. There is only one engine option available in the current RDX and it is a 2.0L Turbo engine. There are 5 different trims we will be covering: the base RDX, RDX Technology, RDX A-Spec, RDX Advance, and RDX A-Spec Advance. The base RDX starts at $40,600, the RDX Technology starts at $43,250, the RDX A-Spec starts at $46,250, the RDX Advance starts at $50,600, and, finally, the RDX A-Spec Advance starts at $52,600. The prices above for the base RDX, RDX Tech, and RDX A-Spec are FWD versions. There is an option to upgrade to AWD for those trims for $2,200 extra.
Used Audi Q5 & Acura RDX Prices
When it comes to used Audi Q5s vs Acura RDXs, since they are very competitive vehicles, new and used prices will be very similar. A used Q5 price ranges from $8,995 – $60,999* with an average price overall of $34,995, depending on model year and mileage. A used RDXs price ranges from $5,999 – $54,075* with an average price overall of $30,045, depending on model year and mileage. Based on this data, the Q5, on average, is more expensive on the used side, but is very similar on the new sales side.
*At the time of writing this article, we believe we are in a market where used vehicles are inflated, so consider that when seeing the used prices above.
General Audi Q5 & Acura RDX Topics
Acura RDX vs Audi Q5 Size
Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Audi Q5 and the 2022 Acura RDX.
Audi Q5 vs Acura RDX
Since both of these vehicles are classified as compact luxury crossover SUVs, they are very similar in size. The only dimensions that stand out are the RDX is slightly longer and has slightly more cargo space than the Audi Q5. If towing capacity is important to you, the Audi Q5 can tow up to 4,400 lbs, while the RDX can only tow up to 1,500 lbs.
Audi Q5 vs Acura RDX Performance
For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 Audi Q5 and 2022 Acura RDX factory performance specs.
Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy
Audi Q5 Performance
As stated above, the Audi Q5 has three engines to choose from: a 40 TFSI, a 45 TFSI, and a 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid. All three engines are Audi’s popular 2.0 TFSIs, but the 55 TFSI is a 2.0 TFSI with an electric motor. The 40 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 201hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and gets 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway for a combined 25mpg. The 45 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 261hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and gets 23mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway for a combined 25mpg. Last, but certainly not least, the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid quattro® engine puts out 362hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and it gets 23mpg combined on gas with a 14.3gal fuel tank and a total electric range of 390 miles.
All engines come standard with Audi’s AWD system, Quattro®, and a 7-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. Again, for those wanting more performance, the SQ5 has a bigger 3.0L TFSI V6 engine that puts out 349hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Acura RDX Performance
The Acura RDX only has one engine option for all trims: a 2.0L Turbo engine. It puts out 272hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets different gas mileage depending on the drivetrain. Therefore, the FWD 2.0L Turbo version gets 22mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway for a combined 24mpg with a 17.1gal fuel tank. And the AWD 2.0L Turbo version gets 21mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway for a combined 23mpg with a 17.1gal fuel tank. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Audi Q5 & Acura RDX Reliability and Common Problems
Audi Q5
Is the Audi Q5 reliable? The Audi Q5’s reliability is only average. It gets a bad reputation for the excessive oil consumption problems seen in the early Gen2 EA888 engines. RepairPal rated it a 3 out of 5, which puts the Q5 11th out of 14 for all luxury midsize SUVs. Model years we would advise avoiding are 2010-2014s. The average annual ownership cost for an Audi Q5 is $928, which is above the $805 average for other luxury midsize SUVs.
Common problems seen in Q5s are timing chain tensioner failure, DRL failure, leaking fuel pump flanges, excessive oil consumption, and start-stop system malfunction. If maintained properly, Audi Q5s can easily surpass the 150,000-mile mark. However, if you can get your hands on a TDI (diesel engine) Q5, they can even last up to 300,000 miles. If interested in reading a more in-depth guide on the Q5’s reliability and common problems, check out the article below.
The 5 Most Common Audi Q5 Engine Problems
Acura RDX
Is the Acura RDX reliable? The Acura RDX is the first vehicle we have reviewed that has an excellent rating. Repairpal gave the RDX a 4.5 out of 5 rating, which is above the average luxury compact SUV rating of 3.5 out of 5. Impressively, this places the RDX 1st out of 11 for all luxury compact SUVs. Model years we would advise avoiding are 2007-2011, 2015-2016, and 2019. The average annual ownership cost for an Acura RDX is $497, which is higher than the average $859 seen in all other luxury compact SUVs.
Common problems seen in RDXs are defective airbags, squealing brakes, loss of power, electrical gremlins, fuel pump failure, and infotainment issues. Since Acura is part of Honda, it is unsurprising that RDXs can easily hit 250,000 miles or more if maintained properly.
Acura RDX vs Audi Q5 – Which is Better?
So, which one is better, the Audi Q5 or the Acura RDX? We may be a little biased given we write about VW/Audis, but we prefer the Q5. However, we will provide facts for both to assist in any reader’s decision. The Audi Q5 has more options to choose from, can tow more, and gets better gas mileage. The Acura RDX is much more reliable, starts a little cheaper on the new sales side, has a more powerful standard engine, and has more cargo space. Both have 5-star safety ratings and provide similar safety and tech features.
Something we always advise people when they are on the fence about which vehicle to go with is to get first-hand experience. Therefore, schedule a test drive at your local Audi and Acura dealer to get behind the wheel and see them in person. This will further solidify the research already put in.
Audi Q5 vs Acura RDX Conclusion
To conclude this article, we know that purchasing any vehicle, especially a luxury vehicle, can be a daunting task. However, we hope the information provided above assists anyone in choosing between the Audi Q5 and Acura RDX. In short, the Audi Q5 allows for more customization, has more towing capacity, and gets better gas mileage. The Acura RDX gets more standard power, has more cargo space, and starts cheaper. If you are a reader that has had first-hand experience with either vehicle, please let us know your experience in the comments below. This will help with our research and help future readers in their decisions.
If you are wanting to read more Audi Q5 comparison articles, here is an article for the Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX 350.
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