2025 Acura MDX vs. the Competition

Offering the perfect solution for families with growing families or those living active lifestyles, midsize luxury SUVs feature a perfect blend of luxurious comfort and go-anywhere capabilities to help you chase your next adventure.

With this segment growing in popularity each year, you may be struggling with your purchasing decision. Motorcars Acura wants to help clear up the confusion with our in-depth midsize luxury SUV comparison guide. We’ve taken the time to compare the striking Acura MDX head-to-head against its top rivals including the Audi Q7, BMW X5, INFINITI QX60, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Acura MDX vs Audi Q7

2025 Acura MDX Base FWD	VS	2025 Audi Q7 45 Premium
$50,900 ✓	MSRP*	$60,500
290 HP / 267 LB-FT ✓	Horsepower / Torque	261 HP / 273 LB-FT
10-Speed Automatic ✓	Transmission	8-Speed Automatic
4,510 pounds ✓	Curb Weight	4,949 pounds
Standard ✓	Wireless Smartphone Charging	Requires Higher Trim
12.3 inches ✓	Infotainment Touchscreen Size	10.1 inches
95.0 cubic feet ✓	Max Cargo Capacity	69.6 cubic feet
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ✓	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles
2 Years / 24,000 Miles ✓	Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	Not Available

The first competitor to challenge the Acura MDX is the Audi Q7. Comparing base trims of both SUVs, the MDX offers a sizable $9,600 price advantage over the Q7. This is only the beginning of the extensive list of reasons why it makes the most sense to choose the MDX over the Q7.

Comparing performance figures, the Q7 is simply no match for the superior horsepower offered by the MDX. In addition to more power, the more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission included as standard on the Acura MDX provides more responsive gear changes and enhanced efficiency. Helping even further with this is the fact that the MDX is lighter than the Q7, by several hundred pounds. Combine that with the extra horsepower you get with the MDX and you have a much more nimble vehicle.

You’ll find a larger and easier-to-use infotainment touchscreen in the MDX, not to mention standard wireless phone charging, which isn’t standard on the Q7, or even available as a standalone option. Audi requires you to upgrade to a higher trim of the already quite pricy Q7 in order to get this feature. In terms of overall cargo capacity, the MDX is also the clear favorite with an impressive 25.4 cubic feet of additional room compared to the Q7. Finally, Audi cannot match the outstanding powertrain warranty protection and complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage that’s included as standard on every new Acura vehicle.

Acura MDX vs BMW X5

2025 Acura MDX Base FWD	VS	2025 BMW X5 sDrive40i
$50,900 ✓	MSRP*	$65,700
10 ✓	Transmission Speeds	8
4,510 pounds ✓	Curb Weight	4,919 pounds
AcuraLink Smart Device ✓	Remote Start	Optional
Standard ✓	Lane-Keeping Assistance	Optional
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional
7 Passengers ✓	Seating Capacity	5 Passengers
95.0 cubic feet ✓	Max Cargo Capacity	66 cubic feet
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ✓	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles

For the second comparison, we’ll look at the Acura MDX against the equivalent BMW X5 sDrive40i. As we’ve seen previously, the sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission provides crisper gear changes while an almost 500-pound lower curb weight delivers more agile handling compared to the much-heavier X5. BMW skimps a bit on the tech that keeps you comfortable, with a remote start system costing extra on the X5, but not on the MDX. Opting for this great feature will cost you an extra $650 from BMW, on top of the already huge price difference between these two.

Driver-assistive safety is another category in which the Acura MDX outperforms the BMW X5. Lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control are both included as standard on the MDX while you’ll have to shell out additional cash for them on the X5. Seating for an extra 2 passengers and an extra 29 cubic feet of cargo space are two other reasons to choose the MDX. A longer term of powertrain warranty coverage also adds confidence and peace of mind from choosing Acura over BMW.

Acura MDX vs INFINITI QX60

2025 Acura MDX Base FWD	VS	2024 INFINITI QX60 Pure FWD
$50,900*	MSRP*	$49,650
Standard ✓	Traffic Sign Recognition	Not Available
10-Speed Automatic ✓	Transmission	9-Speed Automatic
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Requires Higher Trim Level
40/20/40 ✓	Rear Seat Folding	60/40
Standard ✓	Remote Start	Not Available
Standard ✓	Rear Collision Warning	Not Available
90.9 cubic feet ✓	Maximum Cargo Volume	76.2 cubic feet
19 inches ✓	Wheel Size	18 inches

Our third rival to square off against the Acura MDX is the INFINITI QX60. While both SUVs share nearly identical starting prices in base trim levels, the MDX offers a more responsive experience behind the wheel. This is due in part to a more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. Along with offering greater response and efficiency, the simulated gearing of the INFINITI QX60 offers a less engaging experience compared to taking a seat behind the wheel of the Acura MDX.

Adaptive cruise control on the MDX also gives you greater confidence when stuck in stop-and-go traffic by maintaining a fixed following distance to the vehicle ahead of you. Other advantages of the MDX include standard 19-inch alloy wheels, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, and Traffic Sign Recognition for maximum confidence. As we’ve seen previously, the Acura MDX offers a far greater cargo capacity than the INFINITI QX60.

Acura MDX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

2025 Acura MDX Base FWD	VS	2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV
$50,900 ✓	MSRP*	$64,350
290 ✓	Horsepower	255
10 ✓	Transmission Speeds	9
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional
Standard ✓	Traffic Sign Recognition	Not Available
Standard ✓	Tire Fill Assistant	Not Available
7 ✓	Seating Capacity	5, 7 available as an option
95.0 cubic feet ✓	Max Cargo Volume	74.9 cubic feet
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ✓	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles
2 Years / 24,000 Miles ✓	Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	Not Available

The final competitor to challenge the Acura MDX is the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Comparing equal trim levels, once again the Acura MDX begins with a significant price advantage over the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Performance is another area in which the MDX tops the GLE, boasting significantly more horsepower and a more sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. More power and more refinement are two obvious benefits when it comes to choosing the right midsize luxury SUV.

Shifting our focus towards technology, the MDX continues to shine. Premium features included as standard on the MDX are Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Tire Fill Assistant. The MDX comes with a standard 7-seat configuration, compared to the 5-seat standard GLE. You can have a 7-seat configuration of the GLE, but like so many other useful features on the GLE, it costs extra. Specifically, it costs another $2,100 on top of the already terribly expensive starting price on the GLE. Similarly, Acura delivers over 20 additional cubic feet of cargo space compared to Mercedes-Benz. Rounding out the list of advantages for the MDX include its longer powertrain warranty and 2 years / 24,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, both of which provide long-lasting confidence and peace of mind.

Now that we’ve tallied the results of this comparison, the clear winner is the Acura MDX. None of the competition is able to compete with the incredible value, premium features, efficiency, interior volume, and striking style found on every MDX. Want to learn more? Motorcars Acura welcomes you to come experience all that the MDX has to offer.

*Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer.

**Based on 2025 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 only) and other factors.